Baugh to Direct Japan Center

Dr. John Baugh, professor of civil engineering and operations research, has been named director of the Japan Center at NC State. Baugh’s scientific and technical areas of interest overlap with issues of national importance to the country of Japan in areas such as computational and decision support for natural hazard mitigation and active seismic protection of building structures. He has traveled throughout Japan, visiting cities and remote areas.

Founded in July 1980 by Gov. James B. Hunt, the Japan Center strengthens the state’s academic, economic, scientific and cultural ties with Japan. It functions as a statewide resource, promoting business and trade with Japan, fostering academic collaboration and student exchange, and serving the general public by offering language classes for pre-college students and adults, hosting a variety of cultural events, and working with Japan-related community groups. The center, located in Spring Hill House on Centennial Campus, operates under the Office of International Affairs.