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Renowned expert leads WMU’s aerodynamics lab
INSPIRE Magazine - Research Edition 2023
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Michigan University
Through the pursuit of important research and the development of engineering models, innovations and technology, our college strives to advance the engineering and applied sciences fields. Through grants and other funding opportunities, our expert faculty lead labs and collaborate with important industry leaders to positively impact the world. Undergraduate and graduate research opportunities are at the forefront of our efforts. Learn more in this research edition of our magazine INSPIRE.
CTAs header
Lemmer, Kwigizile, Bhattacharjee
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Aerospace researcher shares expert knowledge with NASA
Dr. Kristina Lemmer is figuring out electric propulsion for rockets, Hall thrusters and cube satellites–and sharing expert knowledge with students and the aerospace community, including NASA. With funding in excess of $4.5 million, her lab conducts important research, testing and modeling for electric propulsion.
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When data—not cars—drives the new American city
A leading researcher in traffic safety, Dr. Valerian Kwigzile’s recent research examines how crowd-sourcing data can be used to both understand cities and to communicate with motorists. "Advances in technology have increased opportunities to achieve safety and mobility goals."
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Detecting threats and emergencies to protect infrastructures
Dr. Shameek Bhattacharjee's work resulted in a novel, unified anomaly detection framework that can detect emergencies and provide an early indication of cyber-attacks. The framework applies to a variety of smart technologies for civic infrastructure, including smart transportation and smart electric grids. “My work related to smart grids is associated with a social cause that gives me a sense of purpose.”
Labs and facilities
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Facilities and Offerings
With 75+ labs; 14 undergraduate, 11 master's and 7 doctoral programs; 3 graduate certificates; accelerated master's opportunities; and a campus designed for collaboration, there is so much to explore about how our building enhances research, learning and creativity.
More groundbreaking research
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Autonomous electric vehicle donation will bolster research opportunities at Western
“With this donation, we are able to expand ongoing efforts at WMU in electric and autonomous vehicle research, education and technology commercialization.” - Dr. Zachary Asher
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Western researchers debut new hybrid technology to test roof durability during weather events
Research at WMU is aimed at understanding how the forces generated by storms impact structures. “Our technology measures the forces and pressures ... it gives a more in-depth idea of what failed.” – Brian Montgomery
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Western duo powers launch of new compostability testing center
An innovative new lab at Western Michigan University is one of just four compostability testing facilities in North America.
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Student research into safeguarding astronauts
Inspired by her hormone condition, Marie Bridges, B.S.‘21, now a leadership development program associate at Rockwell Automation, was awarded funding from the Michigan Space Grant Consortium.
In the spotlight
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Intrigued by a good mystery, Western student decodes path in cybersecurity
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Dr. Bob Tuttle: Improving process control in metal casting
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University recognizes electrical and computer engineering professor with scholar award
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Visiting scholar produces important sustainability and recycling research
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1 of 8 U.S. engineering management programs certified globally
Alumni
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Leading USDA’s largest cotton classing facility
Alumnus Danny Martinez, B.S.’91, oversees one of the largest cotton classing facilities in the United States. Martinez’s focus is to continuously improve cotton classing productivity through automation and technology.
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Pursuing operational excellence, financial success and a positive culture
Standing at at the iconic 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open with his wife Jennifer Pierce Tedrow, B.S.E.’97, Jason Tedrow proudly displays his College of Engineering and Applied Sciences coin. We caught up with Jason to learn about his industry.
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Computer engineering expert new research and innovation vice president
Research fuels innovation among faculty, staff, and students, connecting us all in the shared enterprise. The mission of being discovery-driven has a new champion at WMU.
