Contact: Sammy McDavid
A South Carolina administrator and senior scientist is the new director of Mississippi State University's longest and largest continuous research program.
John Plodinec is succeeding Steve Shepard as head of the Diagnostic Instrumentation and Analysis Laboratory, a one-of-a-kind department that has attracted more than $50 million in federal funding since 1980. Shepard is retiring after 30 years at the university.
As manager and senior advisory scientist since 1989 for the Westinghouse Savannah River Co. in Aiken, Plodinec has been involved in the study of radioactive and chemically hazardous waste vitrification processes and products. A doctoral graduate of the University of Florida, he previously worked as a senior researcher with E.I. DuPont's Savannah River Laboratory.
"We feel very fortunate that the College of Engineering has attracted John to Mississippi State," said Dean A. Wayne Bennett. "He has had a distinguished career and is well known nationally for his expertise. I'm confident he will continue DIAL's growth and development."
DIAL's 50-person staff includes a number of professionals with joint appointment both in engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences. A new 58,000 square-foot facility currently is under construction at the Mississippi Research and Technology Park that adjoins campus.
With support from the U.S. Department of Energy, the laboratory has gained an international reputation for development of diagnostic instruments and analytical methods that increase the efficiency and safety of industrial processes. DIAL-developed systems are used by DOE in waste management and environmental restoration projects worldwide.
"DIAL is virtually alone in combining a highly qualified research staff with a highly capable engineering staff," Plodinec said. "Because of these unique ingredients, it can provide proven solutions to processing problems in a rapid and cost-effective manner."
Formerly of Rosemont, Pa., Plodinec holds a bachelor's degree from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster.
Formal approval of his appointment is expected at a future meeting of the Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning.