Research

ɫ��Ƶ Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

rnorris — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:43:30 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

rnorris Thu, 06/26/2025 - 09:43

ɫ��Ƶ’s Archives, housed at GM’s historic Durant-Dort Factory One, recently hosted Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an automotive historian whose research challenges traditional narratives surrounding transportation in the Americas.

Dr. Eaglin, Associate Professor of History at The Ohio State University and the inaugural recipient of the Society of Automotive Historians Travel-to-Collections Grant, completed her research visit this spring. Her project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, explores the powerful role cars, buses, and trucks have played in shaping communities, economies, and identities across North, South, and Central America.

“Sometimes the best discoveries come when you’re not looking for them,” Dr. Eaglin said during her presentation after concluding her research. “I came to Flint with a plan, but what I found at ɫ��Ƶ’s Archives expanded my project in ways I couldn’t have imagined. This is research that matters — and the team here made it possible.”

Dr. Eaglin’s research leveraged key collections, including GM World, Auto International, and materials from automotive emissions experts, to examine how transportation infrastructure and environmental factors converge in ways that still shape lives today.

“ɫ��Ƶ’s Archives are more than a collection of documents,” said Dawn Winans, Interim Director of the Library Special Collections. “They’re proof of engaged research and innovative ideas, just like our students and faculty. By opening our archives to scholars like Dr. Eaglin, we’re reinforcing our role as a catalyst for groundbreaking research that drives the field forward.”

Located in Factory One, a National Historic Landmark recognized as the birthplace of General Motors, ɫ��Ƶ’s Archives house extensive resources on automotive innovation, industry history, and the evolution of transportation. These collections give researchers firsthand access to materials that haven’t been digitized, providing a critical bridge between history and innovation.

“Auto history is more than cars,” Dr. Eaglin noted. “It’s about how people live, how they move, and how they build communities. ɫ��Ƶ’s Archives make that story come alive.”

As ɫ��Ƶ continues to champion hands-on research and real-world impact, opening its Archives to scholars from around the world is yet another way the University supports connections that drive innovation into the future.

Learn more about ɫ��Ƶ’s Archives and research opportunities at https://libguides.kettering.edu/library.

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How ɫ��Ƶ is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

rnorris — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:07:17 +0000

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How ɫ��Ƶ is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

rnorris Thu, 06/19/2025 - 10:07

ɫ��Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan joined Glenn Stevens Jr. of MichAuto during Detroit PBS’s coverage of the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by award-winning journalist Zoe Clark on “One Detroit.” Their discussion centered on the future of automotive engineering, talent development, and Michigan’s evolving workforce.

Dr. McMahan emphasized the importance of thinking ahead: “We’re actually preparing students for careers that don’t even exist yet because the industry is evolving so quickly,” he said. ɫ��Ƶ’s distinctive Co-op model — where students split their time between rigorous academics and real-world work placements — equips them with the adaptability and habits of mind needed to thrive in tomorrow’s industries.

Glenn Stevens highlighted that while Michigan has “pockets of excellence” in aligning workforce and talent, “we need to do a better job with career path planning.” Dr. McMahan underscored the need to treat talent like a supply chain, noting that, “A lot of the people in this conference, they know their supply chains… they know where every nut and bolt is, what truck it’s on, and when it will land. But if you ask them what the most critical part of their operation is, they will almost universally say it’s people, but it’s the one thing they don’t treat as a supply chain.”

Stevens agreed, adding that Michigan is at an inflection point. “Assuming we do that, treating talent development like a supply chain, investing in communities where people want to live, building strong infrastructure, including digital and schools, and generating new innovation and tech talent like ɫ��Ƶ does, that’s Michigan’s future.”

Click here to watch the full interview to learn how ɫ��Ƶ leads the way in building the next generation of Michigan’s innovators.

ɫ��Ƶ Enhances Academic Framework With Expanded College of Engineering and New School of Foundational Studies

rnorris — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:06:19 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Enhances Academic Framework With Expanded College of Engineering and New School of Foundational Studies

Campus

Faculty & Staff

Research

rnorris Thu, 06/12/2025 - 09:06

ɫ��Ƶ today announced a set of catalytic changes to the university stemming from a multi-year assessment and growth plan—an ambitious, collaborative effort that strengthens ɫ��Ƶ’s leadership at the intersection of education and industry. Effective June 23, 2025, the University will launch an enhanced College of Engineering and Computer Science, a new School of Foundational Studies, and an expanded Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

“ɫ��Ƶ is unique in higher education because we were founded to deliver mastery and career-relevant skills as an outcome, not simply a classroom-based education,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ɫ��Ƶ. “The strategic steps we are announcing build on our foundation and unmatched heritage in experiential learning as well as our broad collaboration with industry. They position us to continue to innovate in what we do and to graduate students who are among the best prepared in the nation for a 21st century economy.”

This comprehensive realignment within Academic Affairs reflects the deliberate, rigorous process that began with the President’s Task Force on program Realignment and Reinvention in 2021. That Task Force, informed by quantitative and qualitative analyses—including national trends in STEM, workforce projections, and extensive faculty and staff input—charted a course to enhance ɫ��Ƶ’s academic structure to align its distinctive cooperative education model and the needs of a dynamic workforce.

Key enhancements include:

● The College of Engineering will be renamed the College of Engineering and Computer Science, reflecting ɫ��Ƶ’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and its strategic alignment with industry. By integrating the Department of Computer Science into the College of Engineering, the University will ensure that computing disciplines are fully embedded within engineering education—advancing graduates’ abilities to deliver integrated hardware and software solutions across the interconnected domains of mobility, manufacturing, and advanced product design.

● The Department of Chemical Engineering will be expanded to become the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, underscoring the University’s recognition of the critical role that materials science plays in addressing contemporary engineering challenges. This expansion strategically positions ɫ��Ƶ at the forefront of national efforts in semiconductor technologies, hydrogen, and battery and energy storage, and it will house the University’s pioneering accelerated program in semiconductor materials and devices—the first of its kind in the nation—further distinguishing the University’s offerings in areas critical to national competitiveness and technological advancement.

● The School of Foundational Studies, provides the essential foundational instruction in the liberal arts, mathematics, and the sciences that is requisite for success in all University degree programs. The School will oversee the development of a University-wide Core Curriculum designed to be a common gateway for students into the University’s rigorous academic programs. The School of Foundational Studies serves as a hub for innovative faculty, with expertise from multiple disciplines, to develop a more holistic learning and professional development experience for students.

“These changes are not just organizational; they are generative,” President McMahan noted. “They position ɫ��Ƶ to be more agile and innovative, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and providing students with a transformative educational experience that mirrors the demands of today’s—and tomorrow’s—industries.”

Founded in 1919, ɫ��Ƶ is a nationally recognized leader in STEM education. From its earliest days, ɫ��Ƶ has distinguished itself through its unique cooperative education model, seamlessly integrating rigorous academic study with paid, professional experience. This philosophy of education prioritizes mastery as the ultimate outcome, ensuring that every student graduates with both academic depth and real-world experience. ɫ��Ƶ’s approach prepares graduates not only to meet the challenges of today’s industries but to shape them.

These changes echo ɫ��Ƶ’s other recent strategic investments in student success with the creation of its new Student Experience Collaborative. This team, led by a Chief Student Experience Officer, ensures every student benefits from a holistic approach to academic advising, Co-op and career design, and a vibrant campus life—all essential to producing leaders prepared to shape the future.

“Since our founding, ɫ��Ƶ has stood at the crossroads of industry and innovation,” McMahan emphasized. “Our unique cooperative education model doesn’t just educate—it empowers our students to enter the workforce with confidence, experience, problem-solving skills, and the adaptability that employers demand. With these enhancements to our academic structure, ɫ��Ƶ continues to deliver on our promise of mastery,
leadership, and real-world impact.”

College of Engineering and Computer Science

ɫ��Ƶ's Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

rnorris — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:00:26 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ's Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

rnorris Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:00

$40,000 award expands testing and research capabilities for next-gen mobility engineers

ɫ��Ƶ has expanded the capabilities of its Intelligent Transportation Lab (ITL) thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation. The funding supported upgrades to the lab’s equipment and space, ensuring students and faculty have access to advanced tools for real-world vehicle testing, research, and innovation.

The ITL, connected to ɫ��Ƶ’s Mechanical Engineering program, gives students hands-on experience with the technologies used in today’s evolving mobility industry. It supports work in vehicle dynamics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), ride quality analysis, and subsystem validation.

Recent ITL enhancements include professional-grade equipment such as a multi-channel data acquisition system, advanced sensors, and Controller Area Network (CAN) interface hardware. The improvements will support collaborative research and student projects, including developing ɫ��Ƶ’s Formula SAE Electric race car and vibration testing for industry partners like Yokohama Tire.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Margaret Dunning Foundation for supporting the ITL,” said Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at ɫ��Ƶ. “This gift has enabled us to transform an already high-impact lab into a next-level learning and research environment, training students in the skills that industry demands and innovation requires.”

The ITL is key to ɫ��Ƶ’s commitment to giving students early, hands-on opportunities to solve complex problems using today’s industry-standard technology. By integrating real data, real vehicles, and real testing scenarios into coursework and Co-op experiences, the lab equips students to lead in Michigan’s mobility sector and beyond.

About the Margaret Dunning Foundation

The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Ms. Dunning in 1997. She was born in 1910 in Redford Township, Michigan, and moved with her mother to Plymouth in the 1920s. During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and classic car enthusiast, often participating in the Woodward Dream Cruise in her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster. Ms. Dunning passed away in 2015 at the age of 104. Her estate provided additional funding for the Foundation, which continues to support her charitable interests and preserve her legacy. Learn more at www.margaretdunningfdn.org.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

ɫ��Ƶ Students Develop AI-Powered Sun-Blocking Tech to Improve School Bus Safety

rnorris — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:56:35 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Students Develop AI-Powered Sun-Blocking Tech to Improve School Bus Safety

Mobility Research Center

Computer Science

Research

rnorris Mon, 04/07/2025 - 13:56

Sun glare is a major hazard for drivers, often causing temporary blindness that leads to accidents. Two ɫ��Ƶ Computer Science students, Omar Ibnouf ’27, a graduate of Delta International School in Saudi Arabia, and Jiten Ponnam ’27, a graduate of Athens High School in Athens, Michigan, have spent months developing an innovative solution: a pixel-blocking system that dynamically shades the sun while keeping the driver’s view clear.

Their AI-driven display technology, currently being tested on a school bus in partnership with International Motors LLC, uses real-time sun and eye detection to determine precisely where glare hits a driver’s eyes. The system then selectively darkens pixels on a transparent LCD screen, blocking only the sun while maintaining complete visibility of the road ahead.

From Concept to Working Prototype

“We wanted to reduce distractions and make driving safer,” Ibnouf said. “Our system detects the sun’s position, finds where it hits the driver’s eyes, and blocks only that specific glare — helping reduce accidents caused by temporary blindness.”

The current prototype consists of:

An outward-facing camera that detects the sun’s position
An inward-facing camera that tracks the driver’s eyes
AI-powered software that calculates 3D coordinates to align the shading
An LCD screen that dynamically adjusts pixels to block the sun

Ponnam explained the technical challenge behind making the system work. “The hardest part wasn’t just writing the Python code — it was getting all the components to communicate with each other in real-time,” he said.

Mehrdad Zadeh, Ph.d., Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, advised the students on the project. “Students gain real-world problem-solving skills, apply STEM knowledge, and work with emerging technologies like AI when tackling projects like this,” Zadeh said. “The project enhances teamwork and communication while fostering innovation and critical thinking. Students also gain ethical awareness and exposure to future tech careers, making learning more engaging and purposeful.”

Next Steps: Smarter, Slimmer, and Scalable

The system is currently being tested with a large LCD screen mounted on the exterior of a school bus windshield. However, the students are working toward a thinner, more transparent version that would be integrated directly into vehicle windshields.

“In the future, this could be in all cars,” Ponnam said. “We’re looking at flexible, transparent LED screens to make it lighter, easier to install, and more cost-effective for manufacturers.”

The students are also aware of potential legal challenges, such as window tinting laws. However, they are working with International Motors’ legal team to ensure compliance while maintaining visibility.

A Future of Safer Roads

While the current focus is on reducing sun glare for school bus drivers, the technology has broader applications. The team envisions integrating heads-up displays, pedestrian detection alerts, and adaptive shading for different lighting conditions.

At ɫ��Ƶ, students don’t just study technology — they build real-world solutions. Whether through Co-op experiences or hands-on research, they create the curve instead of following it.

ɫ��Ƶ and Society of Automotive Historians Award First Travel-to-Collections Grant

rnorris — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:58:05 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ and Society of Automotive Historians Award First Travel-to-Collections Grant

rnorris Thu, 03/20/2025 - 09:58

ɫ��Ƶ’s Archives, in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), has awarded its first-ever Travel-to-Collections Grant to Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an Associate Professor at the Ohio State University. This competitive grant, funded by SAH, supports scholars conducting in-depth research using ɫ��Ƶ’s extensive archives on automotive history.

Dr. Eaglin’s project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, received top marks from the selection committee. Her research explores how automotive dependence — particularly through cars, buses, and trucks — has shaped a uniquely American identity across North, South, and Central America from the 1950s to the present. The ɫ��Ƶ Archives, home to significant collections on automotive innovation and industry history, will provide valuable primary sources for her work.

“We are thrilled to support Dr. Eaglin’s research and to see ɫ��Ƶ’s archives contribute to groundbreaking scholarship in automotive history,” said Dina Mein, Ph.D., University Librarian at ɫ��Ƶ. “By offering this grant, we are not only aiding researchers but also strengthening ɫ��Ƶ’s role as a hub for innovation and historical study.”

The ɫ��Ƶ Archives are housed at GM’s Durant-Dort Factory One, a National Historic Landmark widely recognized as the birthplace of General Motors. The factory, originally home to the Durant-Dort Carriage Company, played a pivotal role in the early automotive industry. Today, it stands as a center for historical preservation and research, making it an ideal location for scholars studying the evolution of transportation and industry.

ɫ��Ƶ’s Archives contain three major collections focusing on the history of ɫ��Ƶ, the City of Flint, and American automotive history, including rare documents from General Motors and other key industry players. The grant is designed to assist researchers who may not have the resources to travel to Flint to explore these unique materials in person.

The Travel-to-Collections Grant is made possible through ɫ��Ƶ’s partnership with SAH, an international organization of automotive historians that includes university faculty, museum curators, and dedicated enthusiasts. This collaboration underscores ɫ��Ƶ’s commitment to advancing automotive research and fostering connections with scholars worldwide.

As part of the grant, Dr. Eaglin will visit the archive in Factory One in June 2025 to conduct her research. She will present her findings in a special lecture open to students, faculty, and the broader automotive history community.

“The work of researchers like Dr. Eaglin brings our historical materials to life,” Mein added. “When scholars write books and articles based on our collections, it highlights the importance of preserving and studying automotive history.”

For more information about ɫ��Ƶ’s Archives and research opportunities, visit www.kettering.edu/library.

ɫ��Ƶ Professor Secures $50,000 NSF Grant to Advance Industry Partnerships

rnorris — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:48:24 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Professor Secures $50,000 NSF Grant to Advance Industry Partnerships

Grants

Mechanical Engineering

Research

rnorris Mon, 01/13/2025 - 09:48

Dr. Javad Baqersad also earns prestigious SEM award for his career contributions to structural dynamics

At ɫ��Ƶ, innovation drives achievement. Dr. Javad Baqersad, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, exemplifies this ethos through two recent accomplishments: securing a $50,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to explore the commercialization of cutting-edge vibration measurement technology and receiving a top honor from the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) for his contributions to the field.

Dr. Baqersad’s NSF I-Corps grant — Translation Potential of an Optical Vibration Measurement Technology for System Monitoring and Digital Twin Development — focuses on bridging academic innovation with industry needs. This one-year project will evaluate market demand for advanced vibration measurement tools with applications such as detecting misalignment or wear in industrial machinery, monitoring the structural health of bridges and aircraft, and optimizing the performance of wind turbines. These innovations address challenges in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, such as improving vehicle noise and vibration performance, ensuring the reliability of jet engines, and predicting equipment failures to reduce downtime.

This NSF new grant builds upon a previous NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant of more than $577,000, which Dr. Baqersad secured in 2023 to acquire a 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (3DSLDV). The instrument uses coherent light to measure the velocity of vibrating objects, enabling high-fidelity analysis of vibrations in high-temperature, lightweight, and rotating structures.

“Our goal is to connect academic research with real-world challenges,” Dr. Baqersad said. “This grant allows us to engage directly with industry experts, identify their needs, and tailor our technology to address those challenges.”

Through the NSF program, Dr. Baqersad and his team interviewed more than 70 thought leaders at companies like Ford, GM, and Consumers Energy to assess market demand. Insights from these conversations will shape future initiatives, such as NSF Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) applications, and may pave the way for establishing an Industry-University Research Center at ɫ��Ƶ.

Dr. Baqersad’s research does more than push boundaries; it prepares the next generation of innovators. Graduate student Arjun Gupta is integral to the project, connecting with industry professionals and bringing their needs into focus. “This experience is invaluable for students,” Dr. Baqersad said. “It prepares them to tackle industry challenges with confidence and expertise.”

Recognition from SEM further solidifies Dr. Baqersad’s place among the leaders in structural dynamics research. At the 2025 SEM International Modal Analysis Conference, he will be honored for his “outstanding research accomplishments in experimental structural dynamics.” It is one of only three awards SEM presents each year.

“It’s an honor to see my work recognized by such a respected organization,” Dr. Baqersad said.

Dr. Baqersad's work has a tangible impact, from noise reduction in vehicles and seismic protection in buildings to potentially detecting skin cancer. With more than 100 publications, a patent, and a dedication to mentorship, his contributions embody ɫ��Ƶ’s mission to produce accomplished leaders who influence global industries.

Looking ahead, Dr. Baqersad envisions creating new research centers at ɫ��Ƶ, strengthening partnerships, and giving students unmatched opportunities to lead and innovate. “We aim to create opportunities for students and industry partners to collaborate on projects that address practical challenges, deliver tangible results, and directly contribute to advancements in industries,” he said.

At ɫ��Ƶ, where excellence is built into every project, Dr. Baqersad’s achievements showcase the power of relentless innovation and real-world application.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Mechanical Engineering

Unveiling Hidden Dangers: ɫ��Ƶ Student Investigates Microplastics in Plants

rnorris — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:13:27 +0000

Unveiling Hidden Dangers: ɫ��Ƶ Student Investigates Microplastics in Plants

Campus Labs

Chemical Engineering

Research

rnorris Mon, 01/13/2025 - 09:13

ɫ��Ƶ is known for shaping the leaders who tackle tomorrow’s biggest challenges, and Giovanni Cavataio ’25 is proving that legacy true. A senior double majoring in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry, Giovanni is spearheading critical research into how microplastics infiltrate plant matter and, in turn, potentially enter our food supply. His innovative work aims to pave the way for more comprehensive studies.

Microplastics, the microscopic remnants of larger plastic waste, are becoming an increasing concern for environmental health. While the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems has been widely studied, their presence in plants is less understood — and the exact health effects of microplastics are still largely unknown. Giovanni’s work is set to change that.

In state-of-the-art labs at ɫ��Ƶ, Giovanni meticulously analyzes plant samples under a fluorescence microscope, revealing the concentration and distribution of microplastics in various plant tissues — stems, leaves, and flowers. To filter out the microplastic, he uses a chemical solution to break down plant cells, making them visible for analysis.

Giovanni has a clear hypothesis that drives his research: Plant stems will exhibit higher concentrations of microplastics than other parts like the leaves and flowers. His reasoning is simple: Plant stems have extensive vascular systems, allowing them to trap more microplastics. But simple or not, the impact of Giovanni’s research extends far beyond the laboratory and right to the food on our dinner plates. Since plants are a significant part of our diet and are consumed by livestock we eat, understanding microplastic contamination in plants is vital for assessing potential risks to human health.

“We don't fully understand the severity or how exactly microplastics impact biological function, but this research is helping us to better move forward in determining how to deal with the situation,” Giovanni says. “You can't really get microplastics out of the ecosystem. The best thing that we can do is try to prevent them from contaminating future organisms.”

As we continue to grapple with the challenges posed by microplastics, studies like Giovanni’s remind us of the importance of innovation in protecting our planet and our health.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Chemical Engineering

ɫ��Ƶ Receives Landmark Software Donation from Global Tech Leader Synopsys

rnorris — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:01:00 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Receives Landmark Software Donation from Global Tech Leader Synopsys

Engineering

Grants

Research

rnorris Mon, 12/16/2024 - 15:01

ɫ��Ƶ is now one of only a very small number of the nation’s top engineering-focused universities to offer the industry-leading semiconductor software and electronic design automation (EDA) suite to faculty and undergraduate students.

FLINT, Mich. - ɫ��Ƶ is pleased to announce it has received a substantial software gift from Synopsys, a global leader in comprehensive semiconductor software and electronic design automation (EDA) tools. With this gift, ɫ��Ƶ faculty and students, even as undergraduates, will have direct and unlimited access to the same comprehensive engineering design and development software suite and tools used by the world’s leading industries to design, simulate, and verify integrated semiconductor systems. ɫ��Ƶ students will now be able to graduate with deep skills and firsthand experience with the very same technology used and trusted by top innovators like NVIDIA, Google, Samsung, and Intel to create next-generation semiconductor systems and devices.

ɫ��Ƶ is aggressively investing in the expansion and development of its semiconductor engineering education and training capabilities in response to the growing market demand in Michigan and across the United States. Combined with curricular innovations currently awaiting final approval, this gift, which includes 50 seat licenses to the entire software suite, provides an important foundation for the creation of a center of excellence in semiconductor engineering and technologies at the University. ɫ��Ƶ is one of only a very small number of the nation's top engineering-focused universities to have this type of access to Synopsys’ comprehensive software suite. This industry-leading software will also be integrated into the University’s Industry 4.0 Lab — a hub for advanced research and technology on the campus.

“ɫ��Ƶ's partnership with Synopsys makes it possible for our students to become proficient in these industry-standard systems,” said ɫ��Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “Direct access to Synopsys’ advanced electronic design automation tools enables our students to design, simulate, and validate complex semiconductor systems — skills that are indispensable for excelling in the rapidly evolving semiconductor, mechatronics, and battery manufacturing sectors. This positions them to be significant contributors and leaders in developing the next generation of semiconductors and related technologies immediately upon graduation, if not before.”

ɫ��Ƶ and Synopsys also share a longstanding industry connection with Bob Kagle ’78. Kagle, widely regarded as one of the most successful venture capitalists in the history of Silicon Valley and founder of Benchmark Capital, was among the earliest investors in Synopsys. “ɫ��Ƶ is taking a remarkable step forward by putting Synopsys in the classroom, giving students hands-on access to tools that define the future of technology,” said Kagle. “I am proud to see ɫ��Ƶ leading in a field so critical to global progress and am thrilled to support this transformational partnership.”

Semiconductor technologies are the backbone of the world’s fastest-growing industries, including autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and artificial intelligence, all areas in which ɫ��Ƶ has strong education, cooperative, and research programs. With the Synopsys partnership, ɫ��Ƶ is poised to lead the way in these sectors, driving technological breakthroughs and ensuring our graduates are equipped to lead.

ɫ��Ƶ has, for over 100 years, played an integral role in educating highly talented engineers and industry leaders for a wide range of industries and technologies. It is among the reasons ɫ��Ƶ was selected as the only private institution to be part of MEDC’s Michigander Scholars Program, for which the semiconductor industry plays a significant role.

“ɫ��Ƶ doesn’t just anticipate the future — we actively shape it,” said Dr. McMahan. “Our unwavering commitment to experiential education through strategic industry partnerships ensures that our students are prepared to lead from the front, solving tomorrow’s challenges with the expertise and innovative mindset demanded by today’s most advanced industries.”

College of Engineering and Computer Science

ɫ��Ƶ Receives $465,000 NSF Grant to Launch Innovative Research Experience for Undergraduates Program

rnorris — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 18:13:21 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Receives $465,000 NSF Grant to Launch Innovative Research Experience for Undergraduates Program

Grants

Research

rnorris Wed, 09/18/2024 - 14:13

ɫ��Ƶ is proud to announce it received a $465,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site. This substantial grant will fund a groundbreaking program dedicated to advancing research in control and sensing for autonomous vehicles.

Led by Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Diane Peters, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, and Co-PI Dr. Rui Zhu, assistant professor of Computer Science, the REU program will offer undergraduate students from across the country the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on ɫ��Ƶ’s campus over the next three years.

The REU site will welcome 10 undergraduate students each summer for a 10-week immersive experience. This program is designed to expose participants to the exciting field of autonomous vehicles. This discipline leverages both mechanical engineering and computer science to drive innovation. Students will work on various research projects related to control systems and sensing technologies, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The ɫ��Ƶ/GM Mobility Research Center (MRC) will play a crucial role in the program, providing students access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

“Receiving this NSF grant is a tremendous opportunity for us to support and mentor undergraduates from institutions where research opportunities may be limited,” said Dr. Peters. “Our aim is not only to provide these students with a solid research foundation but also to foster their growth as future STEM professionals.”

Applications for the REU program will be open to undergraduates nationwide. The program strongly emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, targeting students from institutions without extensive research facilities, including community colleges. In addition to their research work, participants will engage in professional development activities, including industry tours and presentations. The program will also offer financial support, covering housing, travel, and a weekly stipend, ensuring students can fully focus on their research without financial stress.

“This grant allows us to make a significant impact by bringing together a diverse group of students and providing them with a comprehensive research experience,” Dr. Peters said. “We are committed to creating an environment where students can thrive academically and personally while also engaging with our broader academic community.”

Students selected for the program will be matched with research projects and faculty mentors that align with their interests and career goals. The program will culminate in a poster session, allowing students to showcase their work and gain experience presenting their research. Ultimately, participants could see their work published in academic journals or presented at conferences.

Applications for the program are expected to open in December 2024 via the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP). For more information, visit https://etap.nsf.gov/.

About the National Science Foundation (NSF)

The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 “to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense.” With an annual budget of over $8 billion, NSF is the funding source for approximately 20% of all federally supported basic research conducted by America’s colleges and universities.

Research

ɫ����Ƶ Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How ɫ����Ƶ is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

ɫ����Ƶ Enhances Academic Framework With Expanded College of Engineering and New School of Foundational Studies

ɫ����Ƶ's Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

ɫ����Ƶ Students Develop AI-Powered Sun-Blocking Tech to Improve School Bus Safety

ɫ����Ƶ and Society of Automotive Historians Award First Travel-to-Collections Grant

ɫ����Ƶ Professor Secures $50,000 NSF Grant to Advance Industry Partnerships

Unveiling Hidden Dangers: ɫ����Ƶ Student Investigates Microplastics in Plants

ɫ����Ƶ Receives Landmark Software Donation from Global Tech Leader Synopsys

ɫ����Ƶ Receives $465,000 NSF Grant to Launch Innovative Research Experience for Undergraduates Program

ɫ��Ƶ Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan Shares How ɫ��Ƶ is Building the Next Generation of Innovators During the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

ɫ��Ƶ Enhances Academic Framework With Expanded College of Engineering and New School of Foundational Studies

ɫ��Ƶ's Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

ɫ��Ƶ Students Develop AI-Powered Sun-Blocking Tech to Improve School Bus Safety

ɫ��Ƶ and Society of Automotive Historians Award First Travel-to-Collections Grant

ɫ��Ƶ Professor Secures $50,000 NSF Grant to Advance Industry Partnerships

Unveiling Hidden Dangers: ɫ��Ƶ Student Investigates Microplastics in Plants

ɫ��Ƶ Receives Landmark Software Donation from Global Tech Leader Synopsys

ɫ��Ƶ Receives $465,000 NSF Grant to Launch Innovative Research Experience for Undergraduates Program