Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science will hold annual Nunan Lecture and Research Day on April 17

Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science will hold annual Nunan Lecture and Research Day on April 17April 08, 2009Tricia Hopkinsthopkins@syr.edu

Mary Ann Tyszko ’80, G’83, president and CEO of SRCTec Inc., will present this year’s Nunan Lecture in Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science (LCS). She will speak on “Solving Problems of National Significance: The Power of Knowledge, Collaboration and Need” on Friday, April 17, from 1-2 p.m. in the Breed Lecture Room, Room 105 of the Life Sciences Complex. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Later that afternoon, graduate students in the college will offer poster presentations from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on the fourth floor of Link Hall as part of Nunan Research Day. An awards ceremony and reception will follow in the Link + foyer. All are welcome to view the presentations.

In the Nunan Lecture, Tyszko will discuss a project in which Syracuse Research Corp. (SRC) focused on finding solutions to two high-priority threats facing the U.S. military. SRC’s success in developing these solutions led to the creation of SRCTec, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SRC that manufactures complex electronic systems that provide integrated solutions, program management and full life-cycle support to a broad range of customers. Tyszko will speak on the dynamics of this success story and offer a road map for how university research can have a greater impact within local companies.

Tyszko helped create and has directed SRCTec since its inception in 2006, and she has staffed, organized and led SRCTec to become a leader in the manufacture of counter-fire radar and electronic warfare products for defense customers. She is now leading SRCTec in broadening its base of business through collaboration with SRC on engineering, research and development projects, as well as seeking partnerships with and acquisitions from other organizations.

Tyszko has an MBA and MS in computer science from Syracuse University and a BS in biology from Le Moyne College.

The Nunan Lecture, a major research lecture held each spring, is made possible by a gift from the estate of LCS alumnus Jim Nunan ’37 and his wife, Marge. The lecture is given each year by a top researcher with expertise in the fields represented by LCS, while at the same time maintaining relevance in SU’s other schools and colleges.

The Nunan Research Day, held in conjunction with the Nunan Lecture, gives graduate students an opportunity to display their work through poster sessions and presentations.

Along with the lecture and research day, the Nunans’ gift enabled the college to create the Nunan Graduate Travel Fund, which financially assists doctoral students who wish to present their work at conferences.