BiometricsClarkson University is lead site for NSF identification technology research

Published 2 November 2011

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has designated Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, as the lead site for its Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR), one of NSF’s Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has designated Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, as the lead site for its Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR), one of NSF’s Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers.

CITeR advances identification technology by focusing on biometric systems and credibility assessment. The center performs research on emerging technologies, interdisciplinary training of scientists and engineers, and technology transfer to the private and government sectors through its affiliates.

A Clarkson University release notes that Clarkson’s site focuses on biometric vulnerabilities and intelligence. West Virginia University is the center’s founding site, focusing on biometrics and related identification technology and systems. The University of Arizona is the center’s second site, focusing on credibility assessment systems.

CITeR is led by Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor Stephanie A. Schuckers, an expert in biometric computer security. She has been a leading contributor to CITeR’s research since 2001.

The release notes that today, more and more of the electronic world is secured by biometric verifiers, like one’s fingerprint, voice, or iris. Criminals work to get around this security, while Schuckers and her team of researchers work to prevent this.

Technologies to measure, monitor, and identify humans and human intent are needed for a broad range of commercial and security applications.

This technology can improve performance and improve user interface (for example, speeding up lines through airports).