Roland Mielke Appointed First Chair of BCET's Modeling, Simulation and Visualization Engineering Department

Roland Mielke, a professor of electrical and computer engineering in Old Dominion University's Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology (BCET), has been appointed chair of ODU's new Department of Modeling, Simulation and Visualization Engineering.

BCET Dean Oktay Baysal recommended the appointment, which subsequently was approved by Provost Carol Simpson.

Mielke, who joined the university in 1975, has a long and distinguished academic career.

"Among the testimonials to his success, he was designated as a University Professor at ODU in 2002 and has been certified as a Modeling and Simulation Professional by a national board," Baysal wrote in recommending Mielke for the position.

"He has been one of the key individuals in building the success of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) as well as the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC)."

Mielke has previously served as ECE department chair for 15 years, and has served as both technical director and interim director of VMASC.

Mielke, who is also director of the Engineering M&S Graduate Program, is excited about the possibilities this new program creates for ODU.

"I am looking forward to working with the many individuals who will be a part of the new department or who will partner with the new department," he said. "Old Dominion University is recognized as one of the world leaders in modeling and simulation education and research; we must strive to continue and expand this leadership position."

The new department was created as part of an impressive period of growth in modeling and simulation education at the university. With the creation of an M&S engineering undergraduate program, ODU is the only school in the United States that offers a complete advanced education in the discipline, from undergraduate to postdoctorate.

Mielke said that in spring and summer 2010, the new department will address curriculum and course development for the new undergraduate program, create a department Web site, establish a student advising capability and prepare promotional and advising materials.

"In addition, we will devote considerable time and effort to develop a research agenda that is closely tied to and supports the activities of VMASC," Mielke said, "and to develop close working relationships and partnerships with local modeling and simulation companies and organizations."

Mielke said that since ODU is creating one of the very first such departments in the United States, "We also will have an opportunity, and obligation, to help lead the development of modeling and simulation as a discipline nationally and internationally."

The department, under the Batten College, will be responsible for administering the undergraduate and graduate M&S degree programs, including the Master of Engineering, Master of Science, Doctor of Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy. The department office will be located on the first floor of the E.V. Williams Engineering and Computational Sciences Building, and will be open for business around March 1.

The plan is to have all department operations fully functional by the start of the fall 2010 semester.