Hand geometry and facial recognition are just two biometric applications that 20 classroom teachers and guidance counselors from six area counties are experiencing during the recent Biometrics in Education Summit (July 24-28), funded by The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

The EdVenture Group, in conjunction with West Virginia Universitys Lane Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the National Biometric Security Project, are hosting the week-long summit to increase awareness in careers and educational pathways in the field of biometrics with West Virginia educators and their students.

Educators from across the region are being introduced to the societal benefits of biometrics, as well as the technical, social and legal issues associated with the biometrics system. Business leaders and educators work collaboratively to promote 21st Century Skills and improve STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) literacy among students, parents and community members in the region.

The intense week of activities includes expert presentations, panels, discussions and tours of WVU s Crime Scene Houses as well as WVU s Biometric Research Lab. A trip to the Biometric Fusion Center and the FBI Center will also provide attendees with a first-hand look at biometrics and biometric related fields in action.

Highlights of the weeks activities include: an Introduction to Biometrics presentation by Ms. Valerie Graves, Deputy Director for Training, National Biometric Security Project, as well as experts in the field of Biometrics and Forensics that served as speakers and panelists, including: Dr. Michael Yura, National Biometrics Security Project, Dr. Bojan Cukic, WVU Biometrics Program; Max Houck, WVU Forensics and Investigative Science Program; Joseph Lewis, Biometric Fusion Center; Migri Prucz, WVU Engineering; and Arun Ross, WVU Biometrics.

Morgantown High School teachers Eric Kincaid and Carol Muniz collaborated with The EdVenture Group to facilitate the weeks activities.

As a follow up to the educator seminar, a Biometric Summit for Students will be held during the school year to assist students in developing a general awareness of biometrics and its exciting career opportunities in the STEM fields.