Christian Ott won't return until August 2017. Meanwhile, the status of three federally funded projects remains unclear.

My dream is that 40 years from now, the terrible carnage now wracking the Middle East will give way to building and utilizing knowledge for the betterment of humankind. For Egypt, it would be a return to its civilizational roots as a world center of learning. For me, it would complete the circle of my personal destiny.

Science fiction films and books have created a hunger for Oculus-style, head-mounted displays (HMDs) and "immersive" experiences, but does wearing a pair of goggles really have more power to transport us? Based on my 10 years of experience in the field I don't think so.

The world of transportation is now experiencing a renaissance as gas-guzzling vehicles are supplanted with alternative fuel sources. One way of accelerating the development of breakthrough innovations is by experimenting with and testing new technologies in racing.