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: (im-pakt)
n. the force exerted by a new idea,
concept, technology or ideology
Table of Contents
A Message from the President
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A Message from the Vice President of Research and Development
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Army Research Office Center for Excellence in Battlefield Communications
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Center of Excellence for Communication Systems Technology Research
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A Message from the President
For more than a century, Prairie View A&M University has been a learning environment that has fostered
Thermal Science Research Center
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Texas Gulf Coast Environmental Data Center
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Cooperative Agricultural Research Center
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impressive innovation. The tradition of excellence that is the cornerstone of this University has created
brilliant ideas that have served our world greatly. The research conducted at this University is no exception.
Each day, faculty researchers commit themselves—with tenacity and dedication—to investigate and conduct
cutting edge research. Our students work alongside these world-renowned researchers on a quest to impact
Prairie View Solar Observatory
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NASA Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration
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International Goat Research Center
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Surface Science Facility
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using plant-based materials, all conceived by research conducted in our midst.
Researcher Profiles
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This publication will display the dedication of our researchers and students while offering insight into the
the world through their findings. Their commitment to the discovery of new ideas and theories are the
embodiment of our University’s mission of teaching, research and service.
Because of the work done on our campus, PVAMU has gained notoriety in the areas of fusion plasma
experiments. The epidemic of childhood obesity will be impacted and contaminated soils will be remediated
work conducted in the halls of this great University each day. It is my hope that the research endeavors
Acknowledgments
documented will serve to inspire future generations to exemplify excellence in their own lives.
Impact is an official publication developed by the Prairie View A&M University Office of
Research and Development in conjunction with the Office of Public Relations. This publication
serves to promote the research endeavors of the PVAMU faculty, staff and students.
Dr. Willie F. Trotty, Vice President for Research and Development
Dr. Elizabeth Noel, Associate Vice President for Research
Dr. Marcia Shelton, Director of Research Regulatory Compliance
Ann Craddock, Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs
Robert T. Effinger, III, Administrator, Prairie View A&M University Research Foundation
George C. Wright, Ph.D.
President
Prairie View A&M University
Designer: Molly Murphy (www.blankcanvasportfolio.com)
Editors: Sheleah D. Hughes-Reed and Kimetris N. Baltrip (doctorkimb@yahoo.com)
Contributors: Christi A. Landry, Dr. Hylton McWhinney
Photo Credits: Christi A. Landry, Ryan Versey (student) and members of the faculty, staff
and student body of Prairie View A&M University
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Army Research Office Center for
Excellence in Battlefield Communications
In a combat situation, the best technology and infrastructure is essential to success. The Center for
Excellence in Battlefield Communications (CEBCOM) contributes to the combat effort by working to
create a novel battlefield communications network architecture that supports multi-service applications
utilizing a seamless internet protocol.
The CEBCOM was established in 2004 through funding from the United States Army Research Office.
With a goal of achieving national excellence in telecommunication, research and technology, the Center
A Message from the Vice President
of Research and Development
Impact is defined as the force exerted by a new idea, concept, technology or ideology. The force of
new ideas and concepts is one that abounds at PVAMU. Everyday researchers answer questions, solve
problems and gain insight into some of the most pressing issues of our times. Their work has led to patents,
publications and recognition of their peers from around the world.
collaborates with the United States Department of Defense as well as state and industry entities.
Students working within CEBCOM supplement their education with hands-on experience in areas vital to
battlefield communications, such as wireless networks and power control for mobile ad hoc networks.
Students get to explore battlefield communications through
practical experience in the Center for Excellence in Battlefield
Communications. Under the direction of Dr. Dhadesugoor R.
Vaman, pictured, CEBCOM research is updated regularly to
address issues encountered by the United States military.
As the Vice President of Research and Development, it is my pleasure to present Impact, a research
publication of Prairie View A&M University. This publication is designed to serve as a snapshot of the
research endeavors conducted within this University. The publication includes our student researchers and is
a testament to our mission of teaching, research and service.
PVAMU’s academic research garners national and international recognition. Research conducted on this
campus has demonstrated its importance in some of the most pressing and relevant issues of our time.
Our research has offered insight into areas of engineering, agriculture, mathematics, biology and related
sciences. While creating a presence on the global stage, we are pleased that the University has produced
several scholars who have gone on to create their own impact throughout the world.
The caliber of work from PVAMU is impressive and our researchers continue to produce new discoveries
and innovations. The research center profiles on the pages of this publication are certainly worthy of
acknowledgement, however we know there is much work to be done. This University is up to the challenge of
creating new breakthroughs and new human capital to continue our impact.
Willie F. Trotty, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research and Development
Prairie View A&M University
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CEBCOM
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CECSTR
Laboratories
Mixed Signal Communications
Systems Lab
The Mixed Signal Communication Systems Lab is
specifically designed to accommodate research by
engineers well versed in analog and mixed signals, an area
of communications research in high demand.
Sponsored by Texas Instruments, the laboratory features
testing, measurement and research equipment, including
a complete mixed signal testing and research station
mimicking TI’s own data converter laboratory.
DSP Solutions Lab
The Digital Signal Processing Solutions Lab is sponsored
by Texas Instruments and explores the application of
mathematical operations to digitally represented signals.
Center of Excellence for
Communication Systems Technology Research
The research conducted in the DSP is vital to the market
for DSP solutions products such as cellular phones, home
theaters and PC multimedia.
Since its beginning as the first academic center geared toward enhancing communications systems, the
Center of Excellence for Communication Systems Technology Research has worked to keep industry leaders
on the cutting edge. Its mission is to develop new and enhance existing communications systems through
Broadband Technology Lab
modeling, testing and simulation. Research conducted in the CECSTR focuses on five areas: signal/image/
The Broadband Technology Lab, sponsored by
Sprint Communications, provides functional testing,
interoperability and reliability testing of communication
systems to industry partners.
video processing systems; broadband (high speed) communication systems; analog and mixed signal
systems; DSP solutions-based systems and communication-based control systems. The research conducted
in CECSTR serves governmental entities, including the United States Army and NASA as well as industry
leaders such as Texas Instruments and Sprint.
CECSTR plays an active role in the education of students, offering intensive research experiences that
With its state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment
and testing tools, the BTL is currently implementing a core
network for secure end-to-end communications.
go beyond standard classroom instruction. CECSTR develops new courses designed to enhance existing
curricula in the Electrical Engineering and Engineering Technology programs. Combined with the practical
knowledge gained by students learning within CECSTR, the well-rounded experience prepares students for
successful careers in communication systems. After graduation, students trained in CECSTR labs are often
hired by lab sponsors.
CECSTR was created by Dr. Cajetan Akujuobi and is now
under the direction of Dr. Annamalai Annamalai. Pictured with
research associate Shumon Alam, student researchers are able
to explore such areas as communication systems, wavelets and
wavelet transforms and mixed signal systems and broadband
(high speed) communication systems.
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Communications Systems
Control Lab
The Communications Control Systems Lab conducts
research designed to streamline and improve
communications through networked control systems
utilized with respect to Homeland Security.
The CCSL, developed with a United States Army Research
Office grant, utilizes state-of-the-art equipment such as
2DOF and 3DOF Helicopters to address performance
deterioration in networked control system technology.
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TSRC
Texas Gulf Coast Environmental Data Center
The Gulf Coast is an environment that offers a wealth of knowledge for ecological studies. The Texas Gulf
Coast Environmental Data Center located in the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering has focused on this area
since 1995. TEXGED has developed capabilities in conducting research in areas such as bioremediation using
biological agents including earthworms and soil microorganisms. The Center also monitors biodiversity of
habitats, ecological conservation and changes over time.
TEXGED is also utilizing remote sensing data in detecting environmental problems in the Gulf of Mexico,
specifically the study of sea surface temperature of the Gulf to detect its impact on biological activities. In the
past, the Center collaborated with Ain-Shams University in
Egypt to establish a graduate program in Environmental Science
and exchange visitors to share experience in issues related to
environmental problems. The center recently established the
International Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering
to highlight environmental issues of concern from a scientific
perspective.
The TEXGED has collaborated internationally with AinShams University in Egypt to establish a graduate program in
environmental science. Headed by Dr. Safwat Shakir, pictured,
the center has also trained and supported undergraduate,
graduate and post-doctoral students in research projects
exploring environmental issues. Dr. Shakir, Dr. Irvin OsborneLee and Dr. Willie F. Trotty have served as Fulbright scholars to
Ain-Shams University.
Thermal Science Research Center
The Thermal Science Research Center (TSRC) is tasked with conducting basic and applied research
that addresses complex physical problems related to futuristic physics and engineering endeavors.
Tackling such issues as heat transfer, flow boiling and local heat transfer, the lab has developed
simulations, correlations and assessments that improve the understanding of physical engineering
boundaries and thresholds.
Work conducted in the TSRC centers around
experimentation, engineering modeling and design,
and engineering simulation. The Center also boasts
additional capabilities in natural convection in
enclosures and mixed convection involving internal
and external geometries. The TSRC has established
linkages with scholars and laboratories in Japan
and Europe.
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TSRC has played an integral role in the academic development
of its student researchers. Student researchers have created
engineering models that are currently in use in the center.
Dr. Ronald Boyd serves as the center’s director.
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CARC Laboratories
FOOD SYSTEMS
The food systems component
of CARC conducts research
that address issues such
as enhancing nutrition and
improving food safety and
quality. Researchers are tasked
with increasing the body of
knowledge related to nutrients
and mechanisms implicated in
illness and diseases as well as
the quality and safety of value
added products.
Cooperative Agricultural Research Center
Agriculture is present in everything, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. The Cooperative
Agricultural Research Center conducts research in the areas of Animal Systems, Food Systems
and Plant and Environmental Systems to maximize the benefits of ever-present agriculture.
Funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Center started as an
agricultural experiment substation in 1947. It has evolved into a important research center that
trains a large number of student researchers. Currently, two CARC scientists have been granted
patents for their research work.
Started as an agricultural experiment substation in 1947, CARC
responds to the needs of agricultural producers, extension
agents, government agencies, scientists, students, faculty and
the private sector to ensure that the best research information
and technology are being developed. The Gov. Bill and Vera
Daniel Farm and Ranch, pictured below, is a fully functioning
facility aiding in CARC research and academics. It is an integral
part of the center’s operations. CARC is under the direction of
Dr. Richard Griffin.
ANIMAL SYSTEMS
The animal systems element
focuses on improving the
physiological mechanisms
affecting reproduction, growth
and performance of grazing
animals such as cattle and
goats. The International Goat
Research Center located within
CARC is essential in studying
various breeds of goats.
PLANT SYSTEMS
The plant and environmental
systems component conducts
research within the scope of
soil monitoring, biogeochemical
processes and alternative
cropping systems. Projects
and research conducted within
this system enhances the
regional environment including
the Texas Gulf Coast Prairie
Wetland Ecosystem.
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Solar Observatory
Prairie View Solar Observatory
In the years since man first ventured into space, much has been learned about the vast
frontier. But as much knowledge as the world has gained, there are countless secrets
waiting to be unlocked. The Prairie View Solar Observatory seeks to explore those secrets
and expand the world’s knowledge, specifically in the realm of solar physics, fusion plasma
physics and space science.
The ground-based observatory was the first of its kind in the state of Texas when it was
built in 1998. With support from the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center and Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, the dome was constructed in 1998. The primary instrument of
the observatory is a 35-cm Gregorian vacuum telescope, equipped with a Daystar H-alpha
filter (0.5Å FWHM) and a SBIG ST-7 CCD camera, giving it the ability to produce images in
high resolution. The Observatory also hosts the Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Program sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
The observatory carries the distinction of being the first groundbased solar research facility in the state, seeing first light in
December 1998 and conducting first observations in April 1999.
Dr. Tian-Sen Huang is director of the facility.
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NASA Center for Radiation Engineering
and Science for Space Exploration
The NASA Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration works
to develop methods of keeping astronauts and their flight instruments safe from harmful
radiation for up to three years in deep space. Potentially deadly radiation is one of the
limiting factors in human space exploration.
Research leaders utilize scientifically accurate “recipes” of earthly materials to recreate
soil found on Mars and lunar soil to build above ground and underground “habitats.” These
structures will be bombarded with radiation particles that mimic surface and subterranean
exposures found on Mars and the moon. NASA uses the data as a stepping stone for further
experiments to minimize the danger of radiation.
CRESSE is composed of scientists who have studied radiation research, instrumentation,
environmental modeling, materials research and electronic components. Experimental and
theoretical radiation studies utilize leading edge particle accelerators at Brookhaven National
Laboratory, Loma Linda University Medical Center and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Main photo: Students researchers working within CRESSE have
conducted research outside of the laboratory, including aboard
NASA’s KC-135 flying test-bed during a summer microgravity
research project.
Left: Student researchers are key to CRESSE. The center
provides the infrastructure needed to increase the pipeline of
African-American, Hispanic and other underrepresented student
populations into the science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Center: A CRESSE student researcher double checks preliminary
data while sorting through several batches of regolith, one of the
key materials components of a CRESSE project.
Right: CRESSE student researchers are active within the center,
taking precautions with masks and gloves while mixing a fresh
batch of regolith.
Dr. Richard Wilkins is the director of CRESSE.
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CRESSE
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International Goat Research Center
Surface Science Facility
Since 1983, the International Goat Research Center has solidified its presence as one of the
largest and longest-established goat research programs in the country. IGRC specializes in
research impacting genetics, reproductive physiology, nutrition and veterinary health. Research
projects conducted at the Center also focus on products from goat milk to goat meat.
Like its name, the center’s impact is seen internationally. Scientists within IGRC have conducted
goat-related research that is currently in use in Africa. The College of Agriculture and Human
Sciences’ Institute for International Agribusiness Studies has been involved in a project funded
by the United States Agency for International Development to improve animal health, farm
management and the marketing of sheep and goats in Ethiopia.
IGRC was established in 1983 as the arm of the Cooperative
Agricultural Research Center tasked with goat research. The
center is considered a world leader in goat research and related
outreach activities, such as the annual Goat Field Day. Above, Dr.
Lou Nuti conducts a seminar for goat producers during the yearly
event. Dr. Gary Newton serves as IRGC research leader.
Surface Science Facility
The environment that surrounds us is one our most precious resources that must be tended to with
deliberate care. Despite this, damage from various sources has taken its toll, ultimately increasing
the need for waste abatement. The Surface Science Facility based in the Prairie View A&M University
Department of Chemistry focuses on surface phenomena related to areas of environmental waste
treatment, waste management and restoration.
The facility has conducted research in oxidation mechanisms on copper, ceramics for fusion energy
application and soils, sediment and minerals characterization. A major goal for the Surface Science
Facility is to strengthen collaborations within and outside of PVAMU to provide infrastructure access
for faculty and students.
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Dr. Hylton G. McWhinney leads the Surface Science Facility,
which has conducted various research projects, including
carbon nano-tube research and surface phenomena related to
environmental waste treatment, waste management and waste
restoration.
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Researcher Profiles
boasts a wide variety of researchers representing all facets of
academia, from Agriculture to Environmental Engineering. Their contributions are noted throughout the world and many are
considered leaders in their respective fields. This is a small sampling of researchers from across the University.
Dr. Sharon McWhinney is a
professor of human nutrition and dietetics.
She specializes in health disparities.
Dr. E. Gloria Regisford researches
the role of reproductive hormones in ovarian
carcinogenesis and the process of embryo
implantation.
Mr. Shumon Alam is a research
associate with expertise in signal processing
and telecommunication system design and
architecture.
Dr. Gary Erickson is a research
scientist specializing in theoretical and dataanalysis projects and the development of the
Integrated Space Weather Prediction Model.
Dr. Velva McWhinney is a research
Dr. Eric Risch is an agricultural
Dr. Warsame Ali is an associate
professor of electrical engineering and an
expert in control and power systems.
Dr. Hua-Jun Fan is a chemistry
Dr. Michael Nojeim specializes in
nonviolence and civil resistance, Gandhi
and King, peace studies, the Civil Rights
movement, U.S. foreign policy and the
Middle East.
Dr. Eugene Romashets is a research
Dr. Ananda Amarasekara is
an associate professor of chemistry with
research interests in biomass-based chemical
feedstock, catalysis and ionic liquids.
Dr. John Fuller is a professor of
electrical and computer engineering and an
expert in high voltage transmission.
Dr. Pamela Obiomon is an associate
professor in the electrical and computer
engineering department specializing in
microelectronics and microsystems.
Dr. Matthew Sadiku is a
professor in the electrical and computer
engineering department and an expert on
electromagnetism.
Dr. John Attia is a professor and head
of the Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering. He specializes in single event
testing methodologies and design of
radiation-hard-by-design techniques for
CMOS circuits.
Dr. Charles Grear
is an assistant
professor of history with a specialization in
Texas and Civil War history.
Dr. Olusegun Odejide is a
Dr. C. L. Tolliver is a professor in
Dr. Paul Biney is the director of the
Future Aerospace Science and Technology
Center, focusing on the research and
development of lightweight structural
composites and nanocomposites.
Dr. Michael Gyamerah
is an
associate professor of chemical engineering
with a research focus on bio-ethanol
fermentation for use as a fuel, fungal
fermentations and biocatalysis.
Dr. Remi Oki is a professor of
Dr. Yonghui Wang is an assistant
Dr. Laura Carson is a polymer chemist
who studies biodegradable polymer systems
and their role in the environment.
Dr. Jian-ao Lian is a professor of
mathematics with research interests in
wavelets and applications, computer-aided
geometric design, and signal and image
processing.
Dr. Irvin Osborne-Lee is a professor
and head of chemical engineering. His
research interests include understanding and
improving engineered systems, with efforts
including modeling and analysis, as well as
laboratory studies.
Dr. Xiaokang Yang is a research
scientist of plasma physics and controlled
nuclear fusion. He specializes in design
and testing of high power microwave and
RF sources, RF heating and current drive
experiments.
Dr. Orion Cifjta is an associate
professor of physics specializing in strongly
correlated electronic systems, fractional
quantum Hall effect and semiconductor
quantum nano-dot systems.
Dr. Adela Mora-Gutierrez is
a research scientist specializing in the
physicochemical characterization of
relevant agricultural and biological proteins
by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
spectroscopy.
Dr. Godson Osuji is a research scientist
Dr. Yonggao Yang is an associate
professor in computer science with an
expertise in software development. His
research interests include computer graphics,
scientific visualization 3D modeling and
virtual reality.
Dr. Raul Cuero is a research scientist
with extensive studies in the areas of
synthetic biology and environmental
microbiology.
Dr. Raghava Kommalapati is
Dr. Yuri Petrov is a research associate
specializing in fusion plasma experiment and
theory.
Dr. Yongpeng Zhang is an assistant
professor of engineering technology
with research interests in digital control,
networked control system, power electronics,
and real-time DSP solutions.
Dr. Suxia Cui
Dr. Yi Lu is an assistant professor in
computer science specializing in data mining,
bioinformatics and service computing.
Dr. Lijun Qian is an associate professor
specializing in wireless communications
and mobile networks, network security and
intrusion detection, and systems biology.
professor specializing in computational
modeling on inorganic, organic and
macromolecules.
an associate professor specializing in
remediation of contaminated soils.
is an assistant professor
of electrical and computer engineering
specializing in image and video watermarking,
information security, image completion,
compressive sampling and hyperspectral
image processing.
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scientist specializing in the biochemistry of
nutrition-lipid related disease problems.
postdoctoral researcher specializing in signal/
image/video processing and communication
systems.
chemistry specializing in processing and
fabrications of polymer matrix composites
and nanocomposite materials, industrial
processes and military applications.
specializing in protein, fat and cellulosic
biomass accumulation, and the biochemical
responses of plant metabolism to changes
in the environment, including soil acidity,
fertilizers, pesticides, toxic metals.
engineer researching goat milk and meat
production and assisted in establishing an
environmental-based GIS laboratory.
associate focusing on the use of satellite data
to observe solar active regions and small
solar magnetic fields on the sun’s surface.
the electrical and computer engineering
department. His research interests include
communication systems, RF and security
systems.
professor of electrical technology with
research interest in image and video
processing based on wavelet applications.
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was founded in 1876 and is the second-oldest
public institution of higher education in Texas.
With an established reputation for producing
engineers,
corporate
leaders,
nurses
and
educators, the historically black college offers
a variety of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral
degree programs through eight colleges and
schools. A member of The Texas A&M University
System, the University is dedicated to fulfilling
its land-grant mission of achieving excellence
in teaching, research and service.
To learn more about research at
www.pvamu.edu | (936) 261-1550
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