The USTAR program, aimed in large part at USU and the University of Utah, is intended to spur economic development by attracting researchers with a track record of creating findings that can be commercialized.

During the 2006 Legislature, the state provided $65 million for the program and $110 million in bonds to build facilities for the new research teams. Any profits will be split between the USTAR governing authority, the inventor and the U. and USU. The state hopes new research groups will invent technology or developments that will lead to new Utah businesses and high paying jobs for the state's work force.

Krishna Shenai, who is leaving the University of Illinois and arrives June 1, specializes in a field called intelligent systems engineering. This field covers topics ranging from advanced computer engineering to robotic systems. Part of Shenai's work examines low-energy computer chips that produce high outputs.

David York, who had been at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana and arrives August 1, focuses on nutritional research. His work examines obesity in animals and seeks ways to control the intake of food.

"Doctors Shenai and York bring vast prior successes in their respective disciplines to the USTAR initiative," said Brent Miller, USU vice president for research.

The U. is in the process of negotiating with research teams and is not ready to identify any of the front runners, spokesman Fred Esplin said.

glavine@sltrib.com