From Our President
In the time it takes you to read this sentence, I can send a photo of our beautiful campus to someone on the other side of the planet. This kind of instant communication connects us all in profound ways, and it obliges us to know and understand each other, to find solutions to our shared problems, to dedicate ourselves to good global citizenship. This is why the University of Delaware is committed to expanding the reach of our scholarship, our research and our service.
In the pages that follow, you’ll read how we’re living up to that mission. Our cover story illustrates the fascinating work of Mohsen Badiey, professor of physical ocean science and engineering. He’s studying the transmission of underwater acoustic signals in the complex Arctic system—work that has important implications for national defense and the global economy, particularly as climate change exposes the Arctic region to more uses.
You’ll read how the University of Delaware Cybersecurity Initiative (CSI) is helping the corporate world prevent and respond to attacks on digital data and our nation’s electronic infrastructure. Through its research and partnerships, CSI is turning academic accomplishments into actions that address critical challenges for us all. Working on the front lines of this evolving field is David G. DeWalt, EG86, who heads one of the nation’s leading cybersecurity companies, FireEye.
Some of our most important connections happen when we engage with each other personally. Dozens of visiting scholars and a growing international community of students —now numbering nearly 2,000 from about 100 countries—are enriching our campus. Our scholars— like Jon Cox, AG98, assistant professor of art—are reaching diverse cultures through their work. He’s using his camera to preserve unique societies in Peru, Tanzania and elsewhere, research that recently earned him recognition as a National Geographic Explorer.
We’re also expanding our reach here in Delaware through programs like UD Scholars, which prepares incoming students for the academic rigors of campus life. They learn perseverance, resilience and leadership—qualities that we hope will carry them all the way through their UD experience. As our impact continues to grow, I hope you’ll help us tell the rich University of Delaware story. Use #BlueHenPride on Twitter and Instagram to show us how you’re expanding UD’s reach, whether that’s close to home or around the world.
Nancy Targett
Acting President, University of Delaware
