The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs has announced the following grants awarded to university faculty and staff in March 2021.
I-Corps Sites: Southeastern Wisconsin-Enhancing Regional Technology Commercialization
$1,000 – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean in the Opus College of Engineering, on behalf of Cierra Griffin and Nelly Dennis, senior undergraduates in the Opus College of Engineering
Abstract: This award goes towards a student-founded startup, Little Box of STEAM, a subscription box service designed to raise young girls’ self-esteem through science and art with hopes of increasing diversity in STEAM related fields.
I-Corps: A machine learning and video-based sensor for measuring sewer flows
$50,000 – National Science Foundation
Walter McDonald (PI), assistant professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering, and Dr. Henry Medeiros, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, in the Opus College of Engineering
Abstract: This proposed technology seeks to overcome challenges facing water reclamation facilities around backups of untreated water through a machine learning and video-based sensor for measuring sewer flows and water quality. This has the potential to provide water reclamation facilities with accurate and reliable data across all pipe flow conditions that they can use to make costly infrastructure and operational decisions.
Optimal Access and Routing Strategies for Multi-Tier Satellite Networks
$10,000 – Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
Jie Gao, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering in the Opus College of Engineering
Abstract: This project intends to develop network access and routing strategies for future satellite networks. Achieving targets will significantly increase both the flexibility of satellite networks by providing extensive alternative paths for data delivery tasks and the adaptivity by enabling the optimal access and routing for each task.
Grit and Self-regulation in Engineering Education: An Intervention via Community of Practice
$10,000 – Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium
Somesh Roy (PI), assistant professor mechanical engineering in the Opus College of Engineering; Dr. Amber Young-Brice, assistant professor of nursing in the College of Nursing; and Jenna Lassila, assistant director of academic advising in the Opus College of Engineering.
Abstract: With the emergence of online and hybrid learning during the pandemic, many engineering courses were transitioned online without faculty receiving adequate training. This project intends to develop a faculty development program to promote and facilitate implementation of evidence-based interventions that incorporate grit and self-regulated learning into undergraduate engineering course pedagogy, with the ultimate goal of increased academic achievement and lifelong learning.