Professor George R. Wodicka has been named by Purdue University as one of six researchers to head a center at the university's new Discovery Park. The park will include the Birck Nanotechnology Center, a bioscience and engineering center, an e-enterprises and entrepreneurship center. Wodicka will co-direct the bioscience and engineering center with Vincent Jo Davisson, professor of medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology.

"These appointments represent the best combination of team building, vision and expertise to lead a diverse team capable of realizing our vision of Discovery Park," said provost Sally Frost Mason. Mason said Discovery Park also will play a major role in the state's economy and that the nanotechnology facility will position Indiana to become a national leader in the new scientific revolution that nanotechnology offers. Discovery Park will cover an area bounded by State Street on the north, Nimitz Drive on the south, Airport Road on the westand South Intramural Drive on the east. Construction is scheduled to begin next summer and finish in the fall of 2004.