Contact person: Paula Davis
Dr. Remzi Seker
KALAMAZOO, Michigan—Following a nationwide search, Western Michigan University named Dr. Remzi Seker as its next Vice President for Research and Innovation. Seker currently serves as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) vice president for research and doctoral programs, leading the Florida institution’s research enterprise across three campuses. His appointment will be effective 1st of Julypending approval by the UGM Board of Directors.
“Dr. Seker has distinguished himself, first as a researcher at several esteemed academic institutions, including Embry-Riddle, and successfully advancing research goals at the university level,” says WMU. President Edward Montgomery. “He also has an impressive track record of program development, innovation and expansion, including initiatives to establish academic research centers and efforts leading to the growth of undergraduate student engagement. in research.”
“We look forward to Dr. Seker helping us elevate our company-wide research ambitions, providing our researchers with the support they need to advance the frontiers of knowledge and scholarship. creative,” adds Montgomery.
At Embry-Riddle, Seker led the team that implemented the university’s current five-year strategic research and innovation plan, which was launched in 2018. Over the past three fiscal years, the institution has saw externally funded research spending increase by 52%. The last two full fiscal years have set records for research grants, and ERAU is on course for another banner year in 2022.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with members of the WMU community to advance the University’s research agenda while remaining true to its mission,” Seker said. “I believe in building a research enterprise that drives innovation, creates collaboration and community, supports students, and fuels economic development.”
He joined the Embry-Riddle faculty in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 2012, leading the development of graduate and undergraduate programs as well as teaching and pursuing research in cybersecurity.
In 2018, he was asked to help lead ERAU’s research program as Associate Provost of Research and last March he was elevated to Vice President of Research and Doctoral Programs. His tenure has been marked by program development and growth, including several strategic endeavors.
As associate provost and aviation and aerospace cybersecurity expert, Seker launched the Embry-Riddle Research Center (ERC) initiative to support growth in select research areas. He developed the first ERC, the Center for Aerospace Resilience (CAR), to maintain and expand the university’s leadership in aviation and aerospace cyber resilience.
The CAR received $11.2 million in external funding over two years, including $3.9 million through the National Science Foundation’s CyberCorps Scholarship. And last year, Seker supported the creation of Embry-Riddle’s second ERC, the Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety, which is now led by Robert L. Sumwalt IIIformer chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board.
“I believe we must stay in tune with the needs of the people we serve. Prioritizing economic impact strengthens the University’s ties with the local community, creating a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas and resources. “said Seker.
“I also place great importance on creating opportunities for students to develop real-world skills and abilities. Increasing undergraduate student participation in applied research activities serves both the mission of the University and facilitates the personal and professional growth of students.”
Seker’s own research interests include aviation and aerospace cybersecurity and forensics as well as safety and security critical systems. During three decades in academia, he has numerous peer-reviewed publications and secured a number of grants to support his scholarship.
His 10-year stint at Embry-Riddle followed professorships in computer science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Texas Tech University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Cukurova University in Adana, Turkey.
Seker received a Ph.D. in computer engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Cukurova University.
The board is expected to review the nomination at its June meeting.
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