FLINT, MI – Two federal grants totaling almost $1 million will go to support faculty and student research being conducted at Kettering University.
Awarded through the National Science Foundation, the grants total $976,696. Both were announced in partnership with Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Flint Township) on Aug. 30.
The first grant of $577,750 will be used to purchase a 3D scanning laser vibrometer which will help researchers advance in areas such as ultrasound therapy, tire manufacturing, battery technology and structural integrity monitoring.
The grant was awarded to Javad Baqersad, an associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at the university. Planned research will use the device to measure human skin and soft tissue to detect skin conditions and monitor the health of wind turbines.
This machine can measure vibrations without touching the subject that it is measuring, which makes it extremely valuable for researchers, according to a news release from the university.
“This instrumentation will enable a breadth of projects that have the potential to be significantly impactful in the areas of providing sustainable energy sources, using lightweight materials to develop fuel-efficient cars and improving human health,” Baqersad said. “It will also enhance research in non-destructive inspection, energy, lithium-ion battery monitoring, additive manufacturing and material science.”
The second grant of $398,946 will create a new internship program for graduate students called EMERGE, which stands for Enabling Meaningful External Research Growth in Emergent Technologies.
EMERGE is designed to strengthen partnerships with local industries to provide more opportunities for students to research in the field.
“The project will have a positive impact on Kettering and benefit our faculty and student body as a whole rather than supporting one specific research project or initiative, which is what makes this program unique,” Diane Peters, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, said. “It will also have an impact beyond Kettering and on innovation in our region.”
Kettering will partner with the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, the University of Northern Colorado and Western Carolina University to form the academic project.
The four universities formed a partnership after working together in a series of National Science Foundation workshops leading up to the grant proposal.
These are the second and third large grants that Kettering University has received from the National Science Foundation this year. The university was awarded a $249,999 grant in June to design new thermoelectric materials that convert waste heat to electricity.
Kettering has received more than $2 million in research grants since January.
Read more on MLive:
Grand Blanc implements ‘fortifying our foundation’ theme as new school year begins
Mt. Morris seeking two candidates to fill Board of Education vacancies
Mott Community College basketball coach earns second hall of fame induction in hometown
This Special Olympics team won softball gold and ran the Lois Craig Invitational in same day
Alleged Flint storefront casino raided for second illegal gambling operation in two years
Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Flint” daily newsletter.
If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.
