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Mission

What is Biometrics?

Mission Statement

To promote biometric research at the university level, assist those who seek career opportunities in the biometric sciences, and above all, to support the general awareness of biometrics and its importance in society.

Goals of SSAB at WVU

  • Provide the biometrics industry with the best source of qualified and knowledgeable employees and interns
  • Assist members in their transition from academia to the professional world by introducing them to potential employers and partners
  • Facilitate travel for all members who are interested in attending biometric conferences and events
  • Educate future students and the community about the benefits of biometric applications
  • Provide our members with "out of class" experiences that strengthen the educational environment
  • Promote North Central West Virginia and West Virginia University as centers for biometric research and activity
  • Provide support for biometric-related projects conducted at West Virginia University
  • Spread SSAB to other interested colleges and universities
    - Email the president if interested

Brief History

Founded in the fall of 2003, the Student Society for the Advancement of Biometrics (SSAB) has established itself as a credible and substantial student organization among the many student-run groups found on the West Virginia University campus. The organization was founded alongside the creation of a biometrics undergraduate degree program at WVU - the first of its kind in the world. With the dedication of founding president Kelly Faddis (then Kelly Smith) and the founding officers, SSAB established a list of goals the organization strives to achieve each year. Although that list has been amended, the fundamentals of SSAB's ideology have not changed: to promote biometric understanding, education, and research. Over the years many members have traveled to national and international biometrics conferences including locations such as Hong Kong, Tampa, FL, and Baltimore, MD.

SSAB Presidents:

Kelly Faddis (Smith) - Founder
Stephen Schoenberger
Eliza Purvis-Lemasters
Christofer McGinnis
Sam Romano - Current

Biometrics at WVU

On February 6, 2008, West Virginia University, in Morgantown, West Virginia, became the national academic leader for the FBI's biometric research. The university was the first in the world to establish a Bachelor of Science degree in Biometric Systems, and also established the initial chapter of the Student Society for the Advancement of Biometrics (SSAB) in 2003.

West Virginia University is a prime location for biometrics research because of surrounding resources that are rich in biometric activity:

Several professors at WVU have been recognized for their research in biometrics. Click the name of each professor for information about their research interests and publications.

Dr. Arun Ross
Associate Professor
(304) 293-0405 ext. 2556
Arun.ross[at]mail[dot]wvu[dot]edu

Dr. Lawrence Hornak
Co-Director of CITeR
(304) 293-0405 ext. 2515
Lawrence.Hornak[at]mail[dot]wvu[dot]edu

Dr. Bojan Cukic
Co-Director of CITeR
Advisor of SSAB
(304) 293-0405 ext. 2526
Bojan.Cukic[at]mail[dot]wvu[dot]edu

Dr. Don Adjeroh
Associate Professor
(304) 293-0405 ext. 2567
Adjeroh[at]csee[dot]wvu[dot]edu