Statler College boosts biometrics education with support from IDEMIA National Security Solutions

A gift from IDEMIA National Security Solutions provides access to cutting-edge biometrics resources for students at the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources (WVU Photo).

Students at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will have access to cutting-edge biometrics resources thanks to a gift from IDEMIA National Security Solutions, a leading provider of biometric, identity and access solutions that has supported the security of U.S. government, intelligence and defense agencies for more than 60 years.

Story by Cassie Rice, WVU Today
Photos by WVU Today

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

The gift provides support for upgrades to the biometrics laboratory in the Advanced Engineering Resources Building on the West Virginia University Evansdale Campus. The facility will be renamed the IDEMIA National Security Solutions Biometrics Lab in recognition of the company’s generosity.

The gift also provides in-kind access to several biometrics technology tools, including but not limited to the market-leading MorphoWave contactless fingerprint device, a biometric capture app for cellphones, and a license for the latest multimodal biometric matching software.

The laboratory and biometrics technology will be used for student projects, coursework, outreach and more by students within the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

“Our focus has always been fostering student success through innovative, hands-on educational experiences and strong industry-university partnerships,” Anurag Srivastava, professor and chair of the Lane Department. “I am deeply grateful to IDEMIA for their invaluable contributions to the biometrics lab led by Professor Jeremy Dawson, advancing education and research within the department. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future, where students have access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities, preparing them to be industry-ready for success in the workforce and for regional impact.”

The University’s partnership with IDEMIA stems from its connection to alumnus Evan Bays, who earned his bachelor’s degree from the Statler College in 2004. Bays serves as vice president of engineering for IDEMIA NSS, leading the Applied Biometric Center of Excellence in Morgantown.

The company’s gift will help guide biometrics research and education to ensure future Lane Department graduates are prepared to tackle national and global security challenges.

“Our gift to support the research lab is a proof point of our commitment to the State of West Virginia, the University and the biometrics program, enabling the students of today and future members of the workforce,” Bays said. “We look forward to our partnership and achieving shared successes in the biometrics industry.” The gift from IDEMIA National Security Solutions was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.

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