The Federal Trade Commission has appointed a new Chief Technologist, one who touts experience ranging from teaching at prominent universities to being a researcher at AT&T Labs.

On Wednesday, the FTC named Lorrie Faith Cranor as its new Chief Technologist, as she succeeds Ashkan Soltani. Cranor will take over the post to start the New Year in January and will be responsible for advising the agency on developing technology and policy matters revolving around them.

"Technology is playing an ever more important role in consumers' lives, whether through mobile devices, personal fitness trackers, or the increasing array of Internet-connected devices we find in homes and elsewhere," said FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez in the agency's press release statement to announce Cranor's hire. "We are delighted to welcome Lorrie to our team, where she will play a key role in helping guide the many areas of FTC work involving new technologies and platforms."

Cranor is currently a professor of computer science, engineering and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, while also directing the school's CyLab Usable Privacy and Security Laboratory. Previously, she served as a researcher for AT&T Labs and taught at the Stern School of Business at New York University as well.

Cranor also has 150-plus research papers to her name about online privacy and usable security.

Tech Times found this presentation Cranor gave for Ted.com about password security last year. Click here to see it.

Seems like the FTC's stance on developing technology and policy matters will be in good hands.