SEAS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: Dr. Badler
Dr. Norman Badler of
Computer Information and Science has been named Associate Dean for Academic
Affairs for SEAS, effective January 1, 2001. Dr. Badler began his career
at Penn in 1974. Active in computer graphics since 1968 with more than 180
technical papers, Dr. Badler focuses his research on human figure modeling,
manipulation, and animation control. He is the originator of the Jack
software system (now marketed as a commercial product by Engineering Animation,
Inc.). His expertise includes real-time 3-D graphics, animation systems,
intuitive user interfaces, and connections between language and action.
Dr. Badler has served his department in almost every capacity, including Chair, and is widely credited with building the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at SEAS. He received his B.A. degree in Creative Studies (Mathematics) from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his M.S. in Mathematics and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Toronto. As Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, he will be responsible for overseeing all undergraduate and graduate educational programs in the School. Dr. Badler's oversight will include admissions, student support services, international exchange programs, interdisciplinary programs with other schools in the University, and stewardship of undergraduate programs to insure that accreditation requirements are met.
Dr. Badler replaces Dr. John Vohs who has accepted the position of Interim
Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering, succeeding Dr. Raymond
Gorte who has served as the Chair of the Chemical Engineering Department
for six years. Dr. Gorte is stepping down as Chair to devote more time to
his research, particularly to address recent breakthroughs in his work with
solid oxide fuel cells.
Almanac, Vol. 47, No. 18, January 16, 2001