Jun 5 2008
James G. Ryan, a professor and administrator at one of the
world's leading colleges of nanotechnology and a researcher with 47
U.S. patents, will be the founding dean of the Joint School of
Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN), a partnership between North
Carolina A&T State University and The University of North
Carolina at Greensboro.
James G. Ryan, PhD.
Since 2005, Ryan has served as associate vice president of
technology and professor of nanoscience in the College of Nanoscale
Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany. Small
Times, a magazine devoted to micro and nanotechnology, in 2007 named
CNSE the world's top college or university in the field. He has served
as principal or co-principal investigator for contracts totaling more
than $1.7 billion while at CNSE.
As founding dean, Ryan will guide JSNN's creation, from the
hiring of its faculty to the design of its building at the south campus
of Gateway University Research Park. Until its permanent home is
completed, the joint school will lease space at the research park in
the U.S. Department of Agriculture building, which will be completed
this summer.
"Dr. Ryan's background, experience, and expertise will be of
historical proportion for Greensboro and will provide the kind of
synergy for future economic development opportunities for both North
Carolina A&T and UNCG," said NC A&T Chancellor Stanley
F. Battle. "Through this initiative the two universities are charting
new pathways in the areas of nanotechnology, nanoengineering and
research, and through Dr. Ryan's leadership, the institutions will
reach new heights of excellence in those and related fields of study
and discovery. We welcome his arrival."
UNCG Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan said, "When UNCG and
A&T started planning for this joint school two years ago, we
knew it was the kind of bold and imaginative proposal that results when
two great research universities put their collective heads together.
I'm delighted that we've progressed so far and can announce James
Ryan's appointment as the founding dean - his credentials are amazing
and I'm sure that he will do a spectacular job. The joint school can
now become a reality, with its enormous potential for research
development and economic impact. This announcement marks a great day
for our two universities, and for Greensboro and the state."
Ryan, whose job begins officially on July 14, said "I am
honored to be selected as the founding dean of the Joint School of
Nanoscience and Nanoengineering of North Carolina A&T State
University and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I want
to take this opportunity to thank the legislature, the community of
Greensboro and the leadership of both universities for their vision and
commitment in the establishment of the JSNN.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the
universities and community to develop JSNN into a world class education
and research institution that will help to enable economic growth
through joint research and development between academic and industrial
partners. Although I'm sure that there will be many challenges along
the way, the JSNN model will help Greensboro and the Triad lead the way
in the knowledge economy of the 21st century"
The provosts of both universities expressed enthusiasm for
Ryan and for the Joint School's potential for the city and the region.
"NC A&T State University and UNCG are classified by
the Carnegie Foundation as ‘research universities with high
research activity,'" said NC A&T Provost Janice G. Brewington.
"The Joint School for Nanoscience and Nanoengineering will capitalize
on the strengths of both institutions to offer interdisciplinary
graduate programs and to strengthen the foundation for economic
development in the Triad and the state. This partnership is one of the
most innovative in the history of this area and will serve as a
national model for collaboration."
Dr. Ryan is eminently qualified to serve as founding dean of
the JSNN," said UNCG Provost David H. Perrin. "His experience as
associate vice president of technology and professor of nanoscience in
the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at the University of
Albany will be invaluable in launching the JSNN. Dr. Ryan is an
inventor of national and international repute. He has established
industry relationships that will immediately translate to support and
recognition for the JSNN. He is known as a tremendous motivator of
people. His interpersonal skills and communication style are perfectly
suited for coalescing faculty of science and engineering from the two
universities with the new faculty of the JSNN."
The N.C. General Assembly has already committed $58 million
for the school's capital needs and $1.4 million in annually recurring
funds. The two universities hope the state will provide $4 million in
start-up money and boost recurring funds to $6.9 million by 2011. The
research park, itself a collaboration between the two universities, has
its south campus off East Lee Street near I-40.
The joint school, which has been in its initial planning
stages for the last two years, will train students to conduct basic and
applied research in nanoscience and nanoengineering, and will offer a
master's degree and a doctorate in nanoscience. The research conducted
by school faculty will have a high potential for technology transfer to
pharmaceutical, biotechnology and nanotechnology companies in North
Carolina. Nanotechnology has tremendous potential to change the way we
live; new discoveries could reduce auto emissions or lead to more
effective cancer treatment.
Ryan's duties at CNSE include development of strategic
relationships and managing operations of the institution's cleanrooms
and consortia. His research interests include thin film deposition,
interconnection technology, semiconductor manufacturing technology and
radiation hard nanoelectronics.