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[Pages:195]School of Engineering | University of Connecticut Annual Report

202000 01

University of Connecticut School of Engineering Annual Report

2000-2001

Table of Contents

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Annual Report Summary.......................................................................

3

DEPARTMENTS

Chemical Engineering

Annual Report Summary............................................................

9

Archival Technical Journal Publications........................................

13

Books, Book Chapters, Book Sections & Edited Volumes................ 17

Conference Proceedings & Other Publications.............................. 19

Active Research Grants and Contracts..........................................

23

Awards, Honors, Patents............................................................

29

Major Professional Activities.......................................................

31

Civil & Environmental Engineering

Annual Report Summary.............................................................. 37

Archival Technical Journal Publications........................................

39

Conference Proceedings & Other Publications.............................. 43

Active Research Grants and Contracts......................................... 47

Awards, Honors, Patents............................................................

53

Major Professional Activities.......................................................

55

Computer Science & Engineering

Annual Report Summary............................................................

59

Archival Technical Journal Publications..............................

......... 61

Books, Book Chapters, Book Sections & Edited Volumes................ 63

Conference Proceedings & Other Publications.............................. 65

Active Research Grants and Contracts..........................................

69

Awards, Honors, Patents............................................................

73

Major Professional Activities.......................................................

75

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Annual Report Summary.............................................................

81

Archival Technical Journal Publications .......................................

83

Books, Book Chapters, Book Sections & Edited Volumes................ 87

Conference Proceedings & Other Publications............................... 89

Active Research Grants and Contracts..........................................

101

Awards, Honors, Patents............................................................

111

Major Professional Activities.......................................................

113

Mechanical Engineering

Annual Report Summary.............................................................

125

School of Engineering Annual Report

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Archival Technical Journal Publications ........................................

127

Books, Book Chapters, Book Sections & Edited Volumes ............... 131

Conference Proceedings & Other Publications............................. 133

Active Research Grants and Contracts......................................... 137

Awards, Honors, Patents.............................................................

143

Major Professional Activities.......................................................

145

Metallurgy & Materials Engineering

Annual Report Summary.............................................................

147

Archival Technical Journal Publications .......................................

151

Books, Book Chapters, Book Sections & Edited Volumes................ 155

Conference Proceedings & Other Publications.............................. 157

Active Research Grants and Contracts........................................ 161

Awards, Honors, Patents.............................................................

163

Major Professional Activities.......................................................

165

CENTERS

Advanced Technology Institute.............................................................

171

Connecticut Transportation Institute......................................................

173

Taylor L. Booth Center for Computer Applications and Research..............

177

PROGRAMS

Biomedical Engineering........................................................................ 181

Environmental Engineering Program...................................................... 185

Eurotech Program................................................................................ 187

Management and Engineering for Manufacturing....................................

189

Undergraduate Programs Office............................................................. 191

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School of Engineering Annual Report

School of Engineering Annual Report 2000-2001

During the 2000-01 academic year, the School of Engineering continued its dramatic growth trend. We strengthened our commitment to nurturing industry/university partnerships, industrial investments in our School, undergraduate enrollments, and outreach activities geared toward elevating the profile and awareness of engineering education and profession among Connecticut's school-age student and teaching populations.

Our aggressive efforts of the past three years continue to pay off in terms of improved national ranking. This year, U.S. News & World Report ranked our graduate program number 52 among 260 public and private engineering programs offering Ph.D.s nationwide. This marks a dramatic improvement over our ranking in 1998 of 83.

Five undergraduate programs within the School of Engineering will undergo accreditation review in fall 2001. Considerable preparation time was spent throughout the year to ensure the programs subject to review will be fully ready and primed for the review process. To this end, the School invited and organized two distinct "practice" ABET visits on August 27-28, 2000 and January 18-19, 2001. The reviewers were distinguished Department Heads from peer universities invited to review educational, institutional, facilities, programmatic and professional qualities of the department. The visits culminated in oral and written assessments that helped the department strengthen curricular and academic qualities while developing an incisive strategy linking program objectives, self- and constituent assessment results, and program outcomes in an integrated manner.

NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS

During 2000-01, the School of Engineering formally debuted two new undergraduate majors, in biomedical engineering and engineering physics. The baccalaureate program in biomedical engineering builds upon the School's existing successful graduate degree program in biomedical engineering (which began in 1965 with both master's and doctoral degree programs). With areas of specialization comprising biochemical, bioelectrical, biomaterials and biomechanical areas, the program prepares graduates to enter a practice of biomedical engineering at the basic level or undertake graduate study in engineering, medicine or related fields.

The engineering physics major, offered jointly by the School of Engineering and the Department of Physics, offers students a strong foundation in physical science and engineering so that a wide range of career choices is available after graduation. Students combines core physics studies with coursework in one of three engineering disciplines: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or metallurgy & materials engineering. Graduates of this program will be prepared for a career in industry or to pursue graduate studies in engineering, physics/applied physics, law or business.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

During 2000-01, the School of Engineering sustained its focus on the five areas of strategic importance established during the previous year: development, outreach, undergraduate enrollment, faculty recognition and facilities.

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Development During the year, the School assertively pursued a variety of development and cultivation activities geared toward increasing alumni donations and industry investments in the engineering programs. Through these efforts, the School of Engineering is better equipped to support undergraduate scholarships, attract top faculty and strengthen existing programs. In addition, the School continued to foster strong industry partnerships with Connecticut companies.

In 2000-01, the School of Engineering successfully concluded negotiations with General Electric Industrial Systems ($1.5 million) and the GE Fund ($750,000) culminating in a combined $2.25 million investment by General Electric. The collaborations will produce groundbreaking new technological programs:

? Under the GE Fund agreement, the School of Engineering will establish a revolutionary new eengineering environment, referred to as the GE Information Technology Clinic. The Clinic will feature not only directed research into e-engineering resources and methodologies but also a vital e-learning lab for engineering undergraduates and graduates, in a variety of engineering majors.

? Under the three-year GE Industrial Systems agreement, GE and the School of Engineering will conduct joint research into a variety of areas, including circuit breaker material, arc interruption/extinction, and power/energy management systems.

In addition, two years of negotiations with Connecticut Innovations Inc., a leading venture capital organization, culminated in a signed agreement in May for establishment of a Connecticut Institute of Fuel Cell Research & Innovation at UConn's Depot campus. The alliance will entail a $7 million endowment, with $3.5 million invested by CII through its Clean Energy Fund initiative and the balance of $3.5 million will be committed from industrial partners and UConn 2000 State matching funds. Under terms of the agreement, six Chair Professorships ? to be filled by world leaders in the field of fuel cell R&D ? will be established in the School of Engineering, each with a $1 million endowment, from which interest income will support the fuel cell research of the Chaired Professors. The Institute will focus on fostering research and development of advanced fuel cells, collaboration with Connecticut's energy companies, academic instruction and continuing education, outreach, technology transfer and business incubation.

In terms of alumni development, the School of Engineering invested considerable time and energy throughout the year in reaching out to alumni, particularly in the Northeast. The Alumni Development Officer, Marni Churchill, organized six-to-seven off-site alumni receptions and activities, providing a forum for the Dean to meet with graduates and to discuss the accomplishments and future plans of the School of Engineering. Events held at locations throughout Connecticut, Boston and Washington, DC were sponsored by active alumni and permitted the Dean to network with and educate graduates about the School's mission.

Outreach During 2000-2001, the School of Engineering remained committed to enhancing awareness of engineering careers, the quality of UConn's engineering programs, and the dramatic societal/economic impacts wrought by engineers. This campaign remained focused on primary and secondary-school students, middle and high school math/science teachers, and traditionally under-represented student populations. Among the activities undertaken were:

? Engineering 2000 ? this summer engineering camp (June 25-30, 2000) was expanded for promising Connecticut high school students, allowing 50 participants to examine core engineering and technological concepts during an all-expenses paid one-week program. Twenty percent of the

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School of Engineering Annual Report

program's participants are drawn from traditionally underrepresented populations and inner-city schools.

? da Vinci Workshop ? a five-day residential, all-expenses-paid workshop was debuted August 611, 2000. The program, designed for Connecticut math and science teachers, introduces teachers to hands-on engineering concepts that can be integrated into the middle- or high-school curriculum.

? Connecticut Invention Convention ? for the third consecutive year, the School of Engineering hosted and co-sponsored the Connecticut Invention Convention at Gampel Pavilion (April 7, 2001). The event attracted more than 2,000 attendees, including 650 students from Connecticut schools plus teachers, administrators, and representatives from Connecticut industry and government.

Undergraduate & Graduate Enrollment The efforts to increase the size and quality of our undergraduate and graduate enrollments continued unabated throughout the year. In answer to these efforts, freshman enrollments increased both for the fall 2000 and 2001 terms, continuing the encouraging growth trend of the last four years. In September 2001, the School will welcome more than 323 freshmen (whose registrations, with deposits, were received by May 2001). The School of Engineering has realized an 80 percent increase in freshman enrollment ? the highest at UConn ? since 1998, accompanied by a 40 point increase in average SAT score. In contrast, average engineering freshman enrollment increased nationally 12 percent for the same period.

A large proportion of incoming freshman engineering students are awarded scholarship support as an inducement to enter UConn's engineering program. During the 2000-01 academic year, the School of Engineering awarded more than 300 merit scholarships to current and entering undergraduate engineering students. These included:

? More than 100 scholarship awards made yearly to incoming freshman students and averaging $2,500 in dollar size, offered as an inducement to selecting UConn over alternative universities;

? More than 130 in annual named scholarships awarded during the year to outstanding sophomore, junior and senior students (ranging in size from $1,000 to $6,000, with the average award totaling $3,000), made possible through the generous support of alumni and industrial friends totaling more than $200,000;

? University scholarships such as the Nutmeg Scholar and Day of Pride Scholar programs; ? National Science Foundation grant scholarships to 40 undergraduate engineering students enrolled in

computer engineering, averaging $3,125; ? The Connecticut Innovations Inc. Technology Scholar Program, a new State program geared to

encourage more Connecticut students to pursue high tech educations and careers within the State. Ten engineering undergraduates received CII Technology Scholarships of up to $12,000, based on their scholastic achievement. ? The CTinfoTech Scholarship Program, a new pilot program passed by the Connecticut legislature, targeting students enrolled in the sciences and technology-oriented disciplines, awarded 22 engineering undergraduates and graduates scholarships in 2001.

Two editions of the twice-yearly School of Engineering newsletter, Frontiers, were published and disseminated during the year. With a circulation approximating 20,000 recipients, Frontiers strives to straddle the diverse interests of alumni, corporate supporters, prospective and current students, and

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academics nationwide. The newsletter remained a valuable recruiting vehicle and a powerful means of enhancing the School's visibility and reputation among its various constituents.

Faculty/Staff Recognition & Awards The faculty recognition awards and incentives debuted last year were continued during the 2000-2001 fiscal year. Because three individuals received three Distinguished Engineering Professor Award in 1999-2000, no awardee was named in 2000-2001. The remaining awards included the following:

? Outstanding Teaching Faculty Award for superior achievements in teaching. This award includes a $2,000 honorarium plus $5,000 for professional development. The 2000-2001 recipient was Eric Donkor, Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering.

? Outstanding Junior Faculty Award given to an assistant or associate professor for scholarly achievements in research, teaching and service with the promise of sustained future professional growth. The award entails a $2,000 cash award and $5,000 for professional development. The 2000-2001 award winners were Thomas Wood, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Leon Shaw, Associate Professor of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering.

In addition, the School awarded an Staff Outstanding Service Award to Virginia Tewksbury, administrative assistant in the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the School of Engineering by a member of the classified or professional staff.

RENOVATIONS & OTHER SUPPORT

The most significant facilities milestone was our successful effort in gaining approval for a new Information Technology building. Plans and designs are already underway for construction of the 100,000 sq. ft. building scheduled for completion in March 2003. The team of Burt Hill and Preiss Breismeister, P.C. of Stamford was awarded the job. The building, to be constructed using $30 million in State UConn 2000 monies, will be erected between the Homer Babbidge Library and the new School of Business building currently under construction.

When completed, the Information Technology building will house the Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) and Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) departments and be integrated with the Booth Research Center.

During the fiscal year, we also continued to support a significant amount of building renovation to improve the quality, functionality, safety and appearance of offices. Renovations were made in hallways and staircases within Engineering II, the F.L. Castleman Building, and UTEB.

PERSONNEL

During the year, the School successfully recruited a new department head for the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department and made several changes in leadership at the center level. Dr. Robert Magnusson, professor and Chairman of the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Texas, Arlington, accepted the position of Department Head for the ECE Department and will assume his responsibilities effective in August 2001. Dr. Mehdi Anwar, who has served as Interim Director for two years, will return to his regular academic duties. Since receiving his Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1976, Dr. Magnusson has developed very strong research, teaching and leadership assets during last two decades, both in industry and academia. He will be an asset to the department as it seeks to refine its future research and academic direction.

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School of Engineering Annual Report

During 2001, the School of Engineering extracted engineering computer services from the Booth Research Center purview and established it as a separate unit under the auspices of the School of Engineering. Dr. Douglas Cooper, professor of Chemical Engineering, assumed the role of Engineering Computer Services Director. All personnel who provide computer services to the School, including Dr. Cooper, now report directly to the Dean. In this administrative role, Dr. Cooper is responsible for improving the quality and reliability of generic computing services to School of Engineering faculty, staff and students.

Throughout the year, various engineering departments conducted faculty searches, some culminating in successfully hiring new tenure-track faculty members, all of whom will formally begin their duties with the fall 2001 term. The Civil & Environmental Engineering department recruited two new faculty, Dr. Britt Holm?n, formerly of the University of California ? Davis and Dr. Lisa Aultman-Hall of the University of Kentucky. The Chemical Engineering department hired Dr. Richard Parnas, formerly with the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) in Virginia. The Computer Science & Engineering department hired two new faculty members, Dr. Dina Goldin, most recently with Brown University, and Dr. Chun-Hsi Huang, formerly with the State University of New York at Buffalo.

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