AUSTIN, Texas—Dr. David A. Brant has been appointed associate vice president for research at The University of Texas at Austin. It is a newly created position that would make him primarily responsible for coordinating the University’s relations with industry.
The appointment became effective June 1, according to Vice President for Research Juan M. Sanchez.
“Dr. Brant is uniquely qualified to coordinate the many activities and programs between the University and the diverse business community in Austin and Texas. His appointment comes at a time when the University is sharply focussed on developing effective and mutually beneficial ties with Austin’s high-tech business community,” said Sanchez.
As associate vice president for research, Brant will provide a focal point for the University’s interactions with industry. He will work closely with the academic colleges and other administrative offices to develop a responsive and effective organizational interface between the University and industry.
Prior to his appointment as associate vice president, Brant was coordinator of Army programs for the Office of the Vice President for Research. In this capacity, Brant functioned as the University’s liaison with the Army on information technology-related topics.
Brant received his Ph.D. in computer science at UT Austin in 1993 while serving as a research scientist associate at the University’s Applied Research Laboratories. Brant went on to build what is now the Information Sciences Laboratory (ISL). As head of the ISL, his primary duties included strategic planning, business development, and technical oversight of a diverse research program. Under Brant’s leadership, ISL experienced sustained growth and diversification resulting in sponsored research of more than $12 million in 1997.
While at ISL, Brant successfully fostered the application of leading-edge software technologies and promoted the use of formal software engineering practices in a research laboratory environment. His areas of technical expertise include software engineering, object-oriented technology, knowledge-based systems and information management.
Brant earned his bachelor of arts degree from Asbury College, graduating summa cum laude in 1984. Before that, he spent three years in software development, and founded a start-up company in computer systems sales, integration and service.
For additional information, contact Vice President for Research Juan Sanchez, (512) 471-2877.
