Nanotechnology pioneer, IBM vet to lead new nano program in Greensboro

GREENSBORO, N.C. — James Ryan, a holder of 47 patents and one of the pioneers in nanotechnology research, will be the first dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering that is being launched in partnership between North Carolina A&T and UNC Greensboro.

Ryan’s most recent position has been as associate vice president of technology and professor of nanoscience in the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at the University of Albany.

The joint nanotechnology program will be located at Gateway University Research Park in Greensboro. The North Carolina General Assembly has provided $58 million for capital funding plus $1.4 million in annual support for the project. The universities are seeking another $4 million inn what they call “start-up money” as well as an increase in recurring funds to $6.9 million by 20111.

Ryan, who worked at IBM from 1979 to 2005, will be tasked with hiring faculty as well as designing the JSNN, as it is called. He assumes his duties on July 14.

"Dr. Ryan's background, experience, and expertise will be of historical proportion for Greensboro and will provide the kind of synergy for future economic development opportunities for both North Carolina A&T and UNCG," said NC A&T Chancellor Stanley Battle in a statement. "Through this initiative, the two universities are charting new pathways in the areas of nanotechnology, nanoengineering and research, and through Dr. Ryan's leadership, the institutions will reach new heights of excellence in those and related fields of study and discovery. We welcome his arrival."

While at the University of Albany, Ryan helped secure contracts worth more than $1.7 billion, UNCG and A&T said in a joint statement.

“When UNCG and A&T started planning for this joint school two years ago, we knew it was the kind of bold and imaginative proposal that results when two great research universities put their collective heads together,” UNCG Chancellor Patricia Sullivan said. “I'm delighted that we've progressed so far and can announce James Ryan's appointment as the founding dean - his credentials are amazing and I'm sure that he will do a spectacular job. The joint school can now become a reality, with its enormous potential for research development and economic impact. This announcement marks a great day for our two universities, and for Greensboro and the state."

Ryan received bachelor’s, two master’s and a doctorate degrees at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.