We are pleased to announce that Dr. Gerald Cockrell has joined our symposium organizing committee as our Higher Education Liaison. Dr. Cockrell will be helping with reaching out to colleges and universities in the south-eastern United States, encouraging them to get involved with the symposium. Students are the future young professionals in our sector, so it is important to cultivate their entry into the automation profession.

Dr. Cockrell is a Professor Emeritus of Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology at Indiana State University, Terre Haute, with a B.S., M.S., from Indiana State University, and Doctorate from Indiana University, Bloomington.  He was awarded the Honored Doctorate from St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation in Russia in 2008. His area of specialization is in Process Automation Systems and Project Management.  He has done consulting in these areas for a number of Indiana-based and international corporations.

Over the course of his long career in both academia and industry, he presented numerous papers on Internet based distance laboratory methods. He develops and presents industrial training programs in the fields of automation systems technology and project management to students around the world.

Recently, he served as principal investigator (PI) and project manager for a major grant awarded by the US National Science Foundation.  The AutomationTek program delivers interactive technician training modules to students in two and four year degree and non-degree programs.

Dr. Cockrell has strong connections with many colleges and universities across the United States, and a deep understanding of the needs today’s students. In particular, he has a long association with developing highly effective teaching and training programs.  He looks forward to encouraging students to both attend and present papers/posters at this year’s symposium.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Cockrell to the 2012 WWAC Symposium team!