McCrory is director of the University's largest single research program, with an annual budget of approximately $65 million and approximately 350 employees. In addition to its leading role in the national effort to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion power plants, LLE has a strong academic component both inside the University and in its relationships with other laboratories and universities. Over the years, more than 800 university students have received training at LLE and more than 200 have received doctoral degrees. Given the laboratory's strong academic role, McCrory will retain his current title of vice provost, as well as his academic titles in engineering and physics, while also serving as vice president. He will continue as a member of the President's Cabinet.

"The Laboratory for Laser Energetics is a key component of our nation's scientific capital and leadership, a vital component of our work toward an independent energy future, and a significant contributor to the local economy," Seligman said. "Bob McCrory has done an outstanding job in leading the Laser Lab for more than 25 years, and I look forward to continuing to work closely together for many years to come." Provost and Executive Vice President Ralph Kuncl said: "Few people are both vice provost and vice president. But few people have the range of strategic responsibilities managed by Bob McCrory. As vice provost, Bob will continue to have the authority needed for his academic roles. And as vice president, his title now reflects accurately both in Washington and to the industrial community the leadership role he plays at the laboratory and in the University more generally."

McCrory received his B.Sc. in physics (1968) and his Ph.D. in applied plasma physics (1973) from MIT. He came to the University as a staff member at LLE in 1976. He was appointed to the faculty in 1984 where he is currently professor of mechanical engineering and professor of physics and astronomy.

He has made numerous contributions to inertial fusion research. He was awarded the 1995 Edward Teller Medal for his pioneering research and leadership in the use of lasers for controlled thermonuclear fusion. He has served on the Director's Advisory Committee for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and as a consultant to the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 1985, and in 2004 he was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was a recipient of Fusion Power Associates 1996 Leadership Award and is a member of Fusion Power Associates Board of Directors.

He can be reached at rmcc@lle.rochester.edu