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L. Zane Shuck Contributes to Nano-biotech Research

L. Zane Shuck, a graduate of our College as well as a retired member of the faculty, has made a generous contribution to research in nanotechnology and biotechnology.

L. Zane Shuck, a graduate of our College as well as a retired member of the faculty, has made a generous contribution to support multidisciplinary research in nanotechnology and biotechnology in the WVU College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. Shuck's gift will be eligible for matching state funds through the West Virginia Research Trust Fund.

In recognition of this contribution, the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will dedicate the L. Zane Shuck Nanobiotechnology Laboratory in his honor.

"This is an exciting time for research and development," said Shuck, "with investigations going on at the cutting edge of both of these very important, emerging technologies. I view the development of nano-scale sensors and transducers as comparable to the emergence of lasers and computer chips in the twentieth century, and I expect that many innovations - in every conceivable discipline and industry - will emerge from this research."

"This laboratory also will provide an unprecedented challenge and opportunity for student from multidisciplinary backgrounds to work together as teams," he added.

A native of Mercer County, West Virginia, Shuck earned his bachelor's degree from the West Virginia Institute of Technology in 1958, and his master's degree in mechanical engineering and PhD in theoretical applied mechanics from West Virginia University in 1965 and 1970, respectively.

During his career, he has been active in engineering education, research, and administration, including positions with West Virginia Tech, the U.S. Department of Energy, and WVU, where he was a professor of mechanical engineering and associate director of the Engineering Experiment Station.

He also has been active in oil and gas development, real estate development, and as a consultant for business, industry, and government. He has more than 60 publications to his credit and has received 13 patents, including the very first patent awarded through WVU.

Shuck is a registered professional engineer in West Virginia and Ohio. He is active in many organizations, including the West Virginia Region VI Planning and Development Council and the West Virginia Inventors Council. He is also a member of the Advisory Committee of the WVU College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

"We are very grateful Zane not only for this most generous gift," said Gene Cilento, dean of the College, "but also for his many years of dedicated service to the University and to the state of West Virginia."

The donation was made through the WVU Foundation, a private non-profit corporation that generates and provides support for West Virginia University.

02/18/2009