The interim dean of West Virginia Universitys College of Engineering and Mineral Resources has accepted the permanent deanship, Provost Gerald Lang announced this week.

Eugene Cilento, a 22-year chemical engineering professor at the college, was chosen following a national search. He has served as interim dean since last July 5, replacing Allen Cogley.

“Dean Cilento has done a fine job guiding the college during this transitional period, and President (David) Hardesty and I are confident in his abilities to do so on a permanent basis,”Dr. Lang said.”He has strong support within the college and from alumni, and his broad knowledge of the colleges programs allows him to provide the leadership needed to move the college forward in the areas of teaching, research and outreach.”

A native of New York City, Cilento has been a faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering since 1979 and was department chairman from 1988-99. He has also been a research professor in the School of Medicines Department of Anatomy since 1978.

His research focus is bioengineering, and his latest project deals with understanding how proteins and other molecules are transported from the blood stream to cells. The emphasis of his research is on development of liver-assist devices and improved therapies for treatment of liver diseases.

Cilento has doctoral and masters degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelors degree in chemical engineering from Pratt Institute.

The College of Engineering and Mineral Resources offers 34 undergraduate and graduate degrees through seven academic departments. The college has 156 faculty members, 120 staff, 1,650 undergraduate and 650 graduate students.