Two minutes

A professor who leads a second life

Brian Mennecke believes there are lots of ways to get into business. He gives students this assignment: look for innovative ways to take part in e-commerce. But not here. In an online virtual world called "Second Life."

Business roots: This associate professor of managment information was instrumental in shaping how businesses use GIS (geographic information systems) such as Google maps.

Cutting-edge research: Mennecke studies how organizations and society use information systems. One project looks at how consumers and retailers are using finger-scanning ID systems. The systems, known as "biometrics," are increasingly showing up in grocery store checkout lines.

A whole new world: Mennecke's avatar in Second Life has a ponytail and wears tie-dyed pants, not exactly his attire here on earth.

Best technology: Second Life is groundbreaking says Mennecke--a place where people can travel, build and interact with one another.

-- Mike Ferlazzo