West Virginia University graduate Roger G. Hanshaw will join the WVU Extension Service Feb. 1 as assistant director for resources, announced David E. Miller, associate provost for Extension and Public Service.

Hanshaw is currently the special assistant to the commissioner of agriculture for science, research and laboratory affairs at the West Virginia Department of Agriculturea position hes held for two years.

In his new role, he will be responsible for directing WVU Extensions research, evaluation and grant-application processes. He will work with Extension faculty who have expertise in the fields of agriculture, natural resources, 4-H youth development, family life, health, community development and economic development.

We are fortunate to have such a highly qualified person join us to initiate an Extension research office,Miller said.This will allow our faculty to spend more time on their actual research and expedite grant proposals.

While at the WVDA , Dr. Hanshaw guided 25 research scientists and regulatory staff and served as a liaison to the state legislature, various state and federal funding agencies and nonprofit organizations,Miller added.

Hanshaw earned a bachelors degree in biochemistry from WVU and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame. He received many honors as a student, including being recognized as one of the top honors students at WVU and winning an outstanding graduate student award at Notre Dame.

During his doctoral studies, he served as a research associate with Notre Dames Walther Cancer Research Center and prior to that with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Hanshaw serves on the boards of several organizations, including Potomac State College of WVU and Cedar Lakes Foundation. He has been a member of the Clay County Extension Service Committee and president of the Clay County Farm Bureau Federation. For many years, he has been active in FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America), including serving as state president.