Thomas H. Myers, professor of physics in West Virginia Universitys Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, has been named interim director of the WVU Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Education Initiative, or WVNano.

Dr. John D. Weete, vice president for research and economic development at WVU , announced Myersappointment.

We are looking to Tom to provide strong leadership in advancing the WVNano Initiative mission and foster a nanotechnology research climate across campus,Weete said.This is an important initiative for West Virginia University, and we are pleased to have someone of his caliber to foster the early stages of development.

Myersresearch interests have to do with semiconductors and molecular beam epitaxy. In the latter, he and his research team use an atomic layer by atomic layer approach to assemble new materials with unique and valuable properties. His background in industrial research with the General Electric Corp. will be of particular help in translating research conducted as part of the WVNano Initiative into practical applications with economic impact.

The WVNano Initiative will accelerate the development and exploitation of nanoscale science and engineering research at WVU . The initiative includes the introduction of the latest scientific developments in this emerging field into the education of undergraduate and graduate students in many disciplines at WVU .

This is a multidisciplinary, cross�€college effort at WVU ,Myers said.It will bring together a variety of skills, experience and capabilities from various parts of the University. It will prepare members of a new workforce capable of integrating ideas and concepts from many fields to solve particular problems.

Nanoscale science and engineering deals with human�€built structures measuring 100 nanometers or less. A nanometer is a unit of length that measures one millionth of a millimeter and is comparable to the spacing between atoms in a solid or molecule.

Nanoscale science is performed using processes that have fundamental control over the chemical and physical properties of the atomic and molecular structures at the nanometric scale.

Results from this new field of scientific endeavor are expected to influence the daily lives of Americans in the not�€too�€distant future, providing new solutions for everything from the fight against cancer and other deadly diseases to improved computer technologies. In fact, a recent development in the field has already led to a more effective sunblock for that family vacation to the beach.

Federal funding for nanoscale science and engineering research is expected to top $1 billion next year .