A new research institute at Wichita State University will emphasize education, emerging technology, experiential learning, evolutionary research, exploration and engagement. Ennovar, the Institute of Emerging Technologies and Market Solutions, spun out of the Applied Technology Acceleration Institute last month.
Ennovar is a derivative of the Spanish verb "Innovar," which means "to innovate."
“Innovation is at the core of what we do,” said Tonya Witherspoon, executive director for the new institute. “We are working with companies that are at the forefront of technology, providing opportunities for students to engage with industry on projects that involve real-world solutions.
Ennovar employs 43 business, engineering and graphic design students; and recently hired five full-time employees to lead in research and technology, project management, technical marketing, student support and budget oversight roles.
New staff includes Matt Forney, director of research and technology; Alan Snyder, technical marketing manager; Ryan Uptmor, program manager; Yolonda Adams, director of operations and finance; and Joel Hatcher, research engineer. Forney, Snyder and Hatcher come to WSU from NetApp. Uptmor was an engineering project lead for Airbus and teaches PMP certificate training courses. Adams handled treasury investment portfolios and human resources compliance for Koch.
“We have hand-picked our staff from strong Wichita companies in order to create deep connections and long-lasting relationships with industry,” said Witherspoon. “The Ennovar staff is committed to strengthening Wichita State’s reputation in research and technology in order to drive the economy of Kansas.
Ennovar will manage the current portfolio of NetApp projects, as well as a new contract with California-based Social Networking Technologies, which recently established a Wichita office to focus on development of a web platform called passfail.com. Details on the partnership with Social Networking Technologies will be released during a press announcement at 11:30 a.m. this Friday, May 8, in Rhatigan Student Center Lancelot Room 203.
For more information about Ennovar, visit http://ennovar.wichita.edu.