Shenai will be coming to USU from the University of Illinois, where he studies and creates fast, low-energy computer chips for military and space applications. Shenai holds 15 patents with 10 more in the works and has co-founded three high-tech startup companies.

"By adding his competence to our nationally renowned engineering program and Space Dynamics Laboratory, we'll see some great ideas and technologies coming from this program in the near future," USU President Stan Albrecht said.

Though the first USTAR hires at both schools are funded with 2005 USTAR startup money, they will continue to get a share of the $200 million USTAR package passed this year.

According to Brittain's estimates, that investment could produce $4.9 billion in new research funds, 422 new companies, 123,406 new jobs and $5 billion in new tax revenues over the next 30 years.

The biggest chunk of the USTAR package, about $111 million, is still awaiting final plans for two research buildings, one at each of the campuses.

"For now, we're just trying to fit the teams in where we possibly can. We're remodeling coat closets, and it's really quite tight," Brittain said.

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E-mail: estewart@desnews.com