Networking and Security Research Center undergoes name change to reflect growth

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. The College of Engineering's Networking and Security Research Center (NSRC) is now the Institute of Networking and Security Research. Thomas La Porta, the Leonhard Chair Professor of Computer Science and Engineering and director of the new institute, said the name change and elevation of title are meant to accurately reflect the organization's growth and success since its inception in 2003. The name and status change were approved by Penn State's Office of the Vice President of Research at the end of July. La Porta said the new institute will continue research in network science, including wireless mobile networks, information theory and security, and serve as a focal point to the Penn State community for all aspects of communication networks and computer and and security. The NSRC was originally established within the College's Department of Computer Science and Engineering. From 2007 to 2009, the center was designated as a Ben Franklin Center of Excellence.