Times have changed since the attack on America, and government leaders are quickly understanding that biometrics could play a pivotal role in keeping Americans safe.


Biometrics education and research will be the focus during a fellowship program for journalists June 1-4 at West VirginiaUniversity. The Forensic Identification Program at WVU , site of the worlds first multi-disciplinary research and education collaboration in areas related to forensic sciences and biometrics, and the WVUBiometricsKnowledgeCenter are spearheading efforts in this exciting new arena.


“The New Face of Security: A Cutting-Edge Program in Biometrics and Information Assurance”will feature workshops on topics such as how fingerprints, retinal scans and veins are used as identifiers, the Center for Identification Technology Research, the National Biometrics Security Project and use of automated facial recognition tools to reduce crime.


Field trips to WVU biometrics research labs, WVU s two crime scene houses, the BiometricsFusionCenter in Bridgeport, W.Va., and the FBIFingerprintIdentificationCenter in Clarksburg, W.Va., will be part of the fellowship.


“The workshops and field trips we have planned are designed to be both informative and interesting,”fellowship coordinator Bill Nevin said.”The topic is timely, given the growing concerns over national security and terrorism. Reporters who cover such issues as these should find the program enlightening.”


Hotel accommodations and meals will be covered by WVU . Transportation expenses to and from Morgantown are the responsibility of attendees. The fellowship is facilitated by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.


To apply, or for more information about the fellowship program, visithttp://www.wvu.edu/CASE


Space is limited, so interested reporters are encouraged to enroll soon.