Revise Nov. 2010
UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION CENTER (UTC)
STRATEGIC PLAN
Prepared:
November 2007
Revised by:
Joann Esenwein
Director
YSU Center for Transportation & Materials Engineering
For Submission to the U.S. Department of Transportation
Research & Innovative Technology Administration
Joann Esenwein
330-941-2421
jfesenwein@ysu.edu
Approved November 2007
Revised December 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Program Overview
A.
Glossary
B.
Center Theme
C.
Center Director’s Summary
Program Activities
A.
Research Selection
B.
Research Performance
C.
Education
D.
Human Resources
E.
Diversity
F.
Technology Transfer
Management Approach
A.
Institutional Resources
B.
Center Director
C.
Center Faculty and Staff
D.
Multiparty Arrangements
E.
Matching Funds
Budget Details
A.
Format
B.
Grant Year
C.
Salaries
D.
Scholarships
E.
Equipment
F.
Foreign Travel
G.
Other Direct Costs
H.
Facilities and Administrative (Indirect) Costs
Appendix A:
Baseline Measures for the Youngstown State University (YSU), University Transportation Center
I.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
While some of these terms may not be unfamiliar to all readers, this list is included to be as inclusive as possible, for each of reading and
evaluation.
I.A Glossary
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AASHTO
American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials
ASSHTO RAC
AASHTO Research Advisory Committee
ABET
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
AIChE
American Institute of Chemical Engineers
ASM
American Society of Materials
ASCE
American Society of Civil Engineers
ASME
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
CET
College of Engineering and Technology
CRS
Cooperative Research Seminar
CUS
Cleveland State University
CTME
Center for Transportation and Materials Engineering (the UTC at YSU)
CUTC
Council of University Transportation Centers
FHWA
Federal Highway Administration
FIPSE
Funds for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education
FTA
Federal Transit Administration
IIE
Institute of Industrial Engineers
IEEE
Institute of Electrical Engineers
LSAMP
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Programs
MPO
Metropolitan Planning Organization
MRUTC
Midwest Regional University Transportation Center
NCHRP
National Cooperative Highway Research Program
NSBE
National Society of Black Engineers
ODOD
Ohio Department of Development
ODOT
Ohio Department of Transportation
PENNDOT Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
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PI
Principal Investigator
RiP
Research in Progress
RITA
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
SAFETEA-LU
Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act
A Legacy for Users
STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
STEMM
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine
SWE
Society of Women Engineers
TCRP
Transit Cooperative Research Board
TRB
Transportation Research Board
UA
University of Akron
UT
University of Toledo
UTC
University Transportation Center (operating under the UTC program of
WIB
Workforce Investment Board
YSU
Youngstown State University
YSU CTME YSU Center for Transportation and Materials Engineering
3FIP
Third Frontier Internship Program
the US DOT)
I. B Center Theme
The theme of the University Transportation Center (UTC) at Youngstown State University (YSU) is:
“Transportation: Mobility, Longevity and Sustainability.”
In order to further define this theme, this UTC will be known formally as: the YSU Center for Transportation and Materials Engineering
(YSU CTME). We have chosen this theme to respond to the national strategy for surface transportation as delineated in the USDOT Strategic
Plan and the USDOT Research, Development, and Technology Plan. Building on YSU’s established expertise in the areas of materials
science and engineering enables the Center to focus its efforts on applied research and applications through innovations in advanced
manufacturing of materials to increase the longevity, mobility, and sustainability of the nation’s transportation infrastructure. The YSU
CTME will be partnership driven and include students, faculty, stakeholders, and transportation and transit agencies and organizations. All of
our efforts at the YSU CTME will address the goals of the UTC Program through research, education, and technology transfer activities.
Our efforts will focus on four multi-disciplinary areas (specific activities in these areas will be described in more detail within relevant
sections of this strategic plan):
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Planning, Workforce Development, and Outreach – Understanding and anticipating the impact of multimodal
transportation operations and management research, including implementation of the research results by the transportation
industry and developing new education initiatives to enhance workforce development and outreach in the transportation
workforce.
Infrastructure/Construction Technology Applications – Planning for and implementation of new technology in
infrastructure renewal, congestion management and construction technology to focus on increasing the longevity of our
nation’s transportation infrastructure and maintaining traffic flow through our roadways and highways and construction work
areas.
Sustainability and The Environment – Understanding and implementing research applications to develop sustainable
designs with minimal environmental and ecological impact on the transportation corridors and the surrounding population.
Materials Technology and Applications – Identifying new materials and new applications for materials/manufacturing
processes for use in all modes of transportation industry.
The scope of CTME will address specific goals and objectives of the FTA (Federal Transit Administration) “Strategic Research Plan,
September 30, 2005.” Specifically, five FTA strategic research goals were identified. We plan to address objectives delineated with four of
the research goals identified in that document:
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Provide Transit Research Leadership (Goal 1)
Improve Capital and Operating Efficiencies (Goal 3)
Improve Safety & Emergency Preparedness (Goal 4), and
Protect the Environment and Promote Energy Independence (Goal 5)
Elaborating, we plan to focus on (at least) the following specific objectives indentified in the FTA Strategic Plan:
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1.1
1.2
Ensure transit research supports national goals
Continue to improve research management
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1.3
3.4
3.5
4.1
5.1
Facilitate Implementation of research results by the transit industry
Identify solutions to improve transit infrastructure maintenance
Improve the capacity of the transit industry and workforce
Identify solutions to improve transit safety
Facilitate development of technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce transit vehicle emissions
CTME will also address specific goals and objectives of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Research and Technology
Functional Areas:
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Infrastructure
Safety
Operations Environment/Planning
Policy
Advanced Research
[from the FHWA web site, and as presented at the “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users”
(SAFETEA-LU DOT University Transportation Centers Program) in Washington, DC, April 2006].
CTME has continued to refine its focus on applications of our programs and research outcomes in the areas of transportation, focusing on, for
example, and the following realms:
o development of lighter-weight, more fuel efficient vehicles (including cars, trucks, trains, planes, and other modes of
transportation);
o increasing the longevity of our nation’s transportation infrastructure;
o improved bridge safety and protecting them from terrorist (or other) attack;
o improvement of pavement-bridge interfaces
In addition, over the longer time frame of the Center’s existence, other areas of research and applied research will include:
o
o
o
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transportation safety performance systems
the use of information technology to better manage the transportation infrastructure of the nation
the growing demand for global transportation solutions
increased sustainability of the nation’s transportation system
o pavement research
o “green” vehicles
o Human factors, safety.
Our expansion into other areas specific to transportation from the civil and construction engineering and technology perspectives can have
profound impact on the transportation infrastructure and industry, potential research areas, and their relevance to the increasing challenges
and issues faced by the transportation industry. These areas include:
o High-speed/low-clearance construction
Because of increasing pressures for temporal and spatial limitations on construction, the concrete pavement construction
community will require new construction techniques. Construction projects that generate no waste can be achieved only if
researchers seek ways to use in situ materials without jeopardizing long-term durability and performance.
o Improving competition
Research on improving the competitive nature of concrete paving in the highway industry is a construction-related issue that is
sometimes overlooked. Two such topics, for instance, are contractor training and alternative bidding procedures.
o Effect of Utility Installations on Pavement Integrity
The objective of this research is to establish procedures for the utilities and other relevant agencies to assess pavement integrity
after utility installation and to predict the life span of the restored pavement. This research can be accomplished, for instance,
through the following tasks;
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Evaluate existing methods used to assess loss of pavement integrity due to utility installation.
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Design of Case Studies, including activities that define the parameters and factors that may affect pavement integrity.
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Select Sites and Conduct Case Studies. [Reference: Transportation Research Board – Technical Activities Division –
Utilities Committee (AFB70) AFB70-RPS06]
o Congestion Management
As our Nation runs out of room to add lanes to our highways, managing the traffic on the existing system is becoming more
important. New technologies are needed to keep traffic moving, reduce the time motorists are sitting in traffic, and reduce
emissions of air pollutants. The use of information technology to improve our traffic signals and improve communication between
the motorist and roadway conditions can be valuable in reducing congestion.
CTME research – both on-going and proposed – is aligned with the above focus areas and with National and modal research priorities as
identified in the USDOT Strategic Plan 2006-2011: - “New Ideas for a Nation on the Move” (2006); and, FTA Strategic Research Plan
(2005).
Table 1 on the following page shows a sample of our research and how it matches with our focus areas, DOT goals and modal priorities, and
National research priorities, as identified in the documents cited above.
Table 1: YSU CTME
National
Research
Materials/Infrastructure Research YSU CTME Focus Areas
Priorities
-Human Factors research
Infrastructure/Construction
-Improved bridge safety
Technology
Safety
-Pavement loss assessment
Materials Technology and
Applications
-Identify solutions to improve transit Materials Technology and
infrastructure maintenance
Applications
-Effects of Utility Installations on
Infrastructure/Construction
Mobility
Pavement Integrity
Technology
andReduced
- ITS- Intelligent Information
Planning workforce
Congestion
Systems
Development, Outreach
Sustainability and the
Environment
-Contractor training
Infrastructure/Construction
-Alternative bidding procedures
Technology
Global
-New construction techniques –high Materials Technology and
Connectivity
speed/low-clearance construction
Applications
Planning Workforce
Development, Outreach
Environmental -Green vehicle research
Sustainability and the
Stewardship
Environment
Security
-Improved security for bridges,
Preparedness and tunnels, etc
Response
Infrastructure/Construction
Technology
Materials Technology and
Application
National Research Priorities
-Advanced technologies
-Safety management, practices, data system
-User centered design
-Driver competency
-Cost effective solutions for transportation
-Travel demand management
-Incident management
-Long term durability of construction materials
-Intelligent infrastructure initiative
-Cost benefits of preventative maintenance
-Performance measures
-Goods movement
-Multimodal and intermodal planning
-Technology
-Wildlife movements and crossings
-Road effects on adjoining land
-Water quality and aquatic ecosystems
-Institutional barriers to effective goods
movement
-Back-haul and technology opportunities
-Incident management
A complete list of our CTME focus areas is presented in Section I of this plan.
These priorities are identified in: USDOT Strategic Plan 2003-2008: Safer, Simpler, Smarter Transportation Solutions, highway research and Technology, The Need for Greater Investments
(2002); and, FTA Strategic Research Plan (2005).
I.C Center Director’s Summary
Background
YSU is located in the northeast Ohio Corridor known as the Mahoning Valley, which is midway between New York and Chicago and is
within 50 miles of 50 percent of the U.S. population and 10 of the largest 25 U.S. markets – ideally situated for an intermodal transportation
UTC.
Strategic, state-of-the-art work and planning in the materials engineering area has been occurring at YSU since the Fall of 2002. YSU’s
Rayen College of Engineering and Technology decided to respond to the needs of our region, our student body, state and local governments,
and to create a world-class “Materials Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing” program. This program was established with two major
components:
o an academic component consisting of the development of academic degree programs to provide materials engineers with the
necessary skills and education for that workforce; and
o a research component – both basic and applied – to work with companies research centers, and other appropriate agencies on
advanced materials and processing.
In 2007, an administrative reorganization led to the formation of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
STEM continues its focus on materials, with the creation of a new PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering (pending HLC
approval, expected Fall 2011/12), and the designation by the State of Ohio as an emerging Center of Excellence in Materials and by the Ohio
Department of Development as a Hub for Innovation and Opportunity in Advanced Materials Commercialization and Software Development.
Within the transportation realm, this work has impact on producing lighter-weight, stronger, safer and more fuel-efficient vehicles, and to the
design of pavement materials that can be used to improve longevity and sustainability of our nation’s transportation system, bridge integrity
and safety. This work puts us in an ideal position to become a leader in the UTC community.
Vision
The vision of the CTME, is that the YSU CTME will be recognized as “THE” place to go for solutions in transportation engineering and
materials design to promote mobility, longevity and sustainability of the transportation infrastructure and industry in the Youngstown and
surrounding region (including, Mahoning County, Trumbull County, Columbiana County and Northeast Ohio, and beyond). At the end of the
grant, CTME will have the capability to provide research, education and outreach to ensure the existence of the talent, facilities, students,
funding and collaborations to tackle the issues and challenges relevant to the Center’s theme of “Transportation: Mobility, Longevity, and
Sustainability” and to find solutions to the complex issues facing the transportation enterprise. We will continue to grow and to maintain
strong working relationships with our partners, both public and private. We will have a multidisciplinary community including university
students, staff, faculty, other university partners, corporate partners, community organization partners, government and other agency partners,
that can work together to identify and solve our region’s and the nation’s challenges. Ideally, we will also have a Center that can participate
in solving the larger energy-use problems that society faces beyond that of transportation. We will have a structure for preparing the
engineers, technologists, and others who will be needed for as leaders for the future transportation workforce.
II.
PROGRAM ACTIVITES
Research Selection Goal: an objective process for selecting and reviewing research that balances the multiple objectives of the program.
1. Baseline Measures
Our progress will be measured with respect to the YSU CTME’s performance as assessed by Baseline measures 1 and 2 provided in the
Exhibit A.
The number of proposals received, number of proposals awarded, yearly budgeted costs, number of PIs, and the number of students involved
with research as well as the numbers of degrees obtained – will be collected and summarized. Beginning in Fall 2011, YSU anticipates
approval for a doctoral program in Materials Science and Engineering and will be able to report doctoral level statistics. These results will be
reported to our Advisory Boards and in our Annual Report to RITA UTC Program Office.
2. Research Selection Program Outcome
The process will be based upon specific projects or programs that meet peer-review criteria as determined by the YSU CTME’s Advisory
Board. The process is one that addresses the theme of the YSU CTME and provides for balancing the multiple goals and objectives of the
YSU CTME. This selection process will provide fairness, promote flexibility, and encourage quality research. Faculty, students, and
industrial partners will be informed of the process details and will have equal opportunity to submit proposals. Our procedures are an
adaptation of those developed by the National Science Foundation (NSF). These criteria and operating procedures are to ensure that YSU
CTME program operates as intended and that our efforts are directed toward meeting both YSU CTME goals and maintaining adherence to
our stated theme.
3. Planned Activities
We will devise and implement a process to select research projects. This process will include student, faculty, and other experts. Our
selection criteria will reflect the YSU CTME theme and will support national transportation strategies. Details of the research selection
process are described in the text following the Table (“YSU Center for Transportation and Materials Engineering”) which lists the Advisory
Board. The Advisory Board has met to discuss this process, and the “Request for Proposal” (RFP) and “White Paper” that will be used in the
research selection process. These documents are finalized and posted on the CTME webpage.
3.a Required Activities
The establishment of an Advisory Board is a key factor in our research selection process, and as noted above, has been formed. This board
has been selected and is charged with ensuring the integrity of the selection process itself, among other goals. More specifically, the role of
the Advisory Board is to support the mission and goals of the CTME as consistent with the goals of each UTC as stated in the RITA
documents cited previously. The mission of the UTC Program is “to advance U.S. technology and expertise in the many disciplines
comprising transportation through the mechanisms of education, research and technology transfer at the university-based centers”
[“Instructions for Preparing a UTC Strategic Plan (3/06), Exhibit I”]. The goals, as stated in the same document, are research selection;
research performance; education; human resources; diversity and technology transfer.
The Board consists of the following members:
“YSU Center for Transportation and Materials Engineering”
Dr. Martin Abraham, P.E. Chair
Dean, College of Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) &
YSU
Dave DeChristofaro, P.E., P.S.
Trumbull County Engineer
Warren, OH 44483
Rose Ann DeLeon
Port Authority
Youngstown, OH
Dr. Jeffery Dick
Associate Professor & Chair
Department of Geological and
Environmental Sciences
YSU
James Ferraro
Executive Director, Western Reserve Transit
Authority (WRTA)
Youngstown, OH 44502
Darren Ford
Engineering Manager
GM, Lordstown Plant
Lordstown, OH
Bill Gaffney, Jr.
Marucci Gaffney Excavating Co.
Youngstown, OH 44502
Brian Hetzel
R&D Manager, Fireline Inc.
Youngstown, OH 44505
Marlyn Kenner, P.E.
Mahoning County Deputy Engineer
Youngstown, OH 44511
Dr. Scott Martin
Professor & Chair
Civil, Environmental, & Chemical
YSU
Jack Noble, P.E.
Planning and Programs Administrator
Ohio Department of Transportation District4
Akron, OH 44366
Cynthia Gerst
Manager, Innovation, Research and
Implementation
Ohio Department of Transportation
Columbus, OH 43223
Dr. Jalal Jalali
Professor & Chair
Electrical Engineering
YSU
Dave Kurtanich, P.E.
Associate Professor & Director
School of Engineering Technology
YSU
Laurie Moore
Delphi
Warren, OH
John Getchey, P.E.
Executive Director, Eastgate Regional
Council of Governments (Eastgate)
Youngstown, OH 44503
Dr. Peter Kasvinsky
Associate Provost for Research and Dean
Graduate Studies and Research
YSU
Pat Lowery
Director of Outreach and Special Projects
Congressman Ryan’s Office
David Mosure
MS Consultants
Youngstown, OH 44503
Bob Stabile
R&J Trucking
Boardman, OH 44512
The research selection process has been refined and finalized. Periodic review by the advisory board ensures currency and fairness of the
selection process. The selection guidelines and proposal forms are included on the CTME web site.
We have adopted criteria from the NSF criteria, for selection and relevance to the YSU CTME theme:
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Peer-Review Criteria (adapted from the National Science Foundation [NSF] documents):
What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity?
How significant is the proposed project to advancing knowledge and understanding within its own and/or related
multidisciplinary fields?
Are the qualifications of the proposal’s Principal Investigators (PIs) appropriate and of the highest quality?
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Is the proposed project well-thought our and organized?
Does the proposed project advance research, education, and/or outreach consistent with the scope of work for the YSU CTME?
What is the likelihood that the results of this project can be applied in a real-world scenario
The research selection process:
1. The UTC issues a “Request for Proposals” to Faculty members and interested industry (The STEM College network includes
participation in the Advanced Methods for Innovation, an area non-profit that seeks to connect regional industry with YSU
researchers. AMI maintains a database of over 1000company representatives);
2. In response to the RFP, faculty and/or industry will submit a “White Paper”. The white paper requires a summary (brief, up to 2
pages) of the proposed research, duration of the research, costs, PI and other information.
3. The most promising of the “White Papers” are selected by the executive committee and full proposals are requested.
4. The full proposals are reviewed by the executive committee, which makes recommendations to the Advisory Board.
5. The Advisory Board will vote to ratify the Executive Committee’s recommendations.
6. The CTME Director will make all required notifications of selected projects.
Note: as stated in the March 2006 document, “Instructions for Preparing a UTC Strategic Plan” (page 5), the selection criteria above are
clearly reflected of the Center theme, and will be “…supportive of the national strategy for surface transportation research as identified by a
report of the National Highway Research and Technology Partnership entitled Highway Research and Technology” The Need for Greater
Investment (http://Gulliver.trb.org/publications/rtforum/HwyRadT.pdf) and the programs of the National Research and Technology Program
of the Federal Transit Administration (http://www.fta.dot.gov/26_ENG_HTML.htm).”
Our criteria also support the national research, development, and technology “…priorities of DOT and its Operating Administrations, as
identified by the Department of Transportation Strategic Plan (http://www.dot.gov/about_dot.html), and other documents and RITA items
cited in the “Instructions for Preparing a UTC Strategic Plan. We will be ensure that items posted by RITA on the UTC Program’s web site
(http://utc.dot.gov) that indicate current DOT priorities will also be incorporated into the Center’s research activities.
3.b Recommended Activities
The focus areas identified in the “Program Overview” Section of this document, as well as those areas identified by DOT and its
Operating Administrations, are reflected in the research YSU CTME is currently undertaking and will conduct under this grant. (See
Table 1 which was presented earlier in this document for a graphic summary.)
3.b.1 Advanced Research
As noted in the guide “Instructions for Preparing a UTC Strategic Plan (3/06),” RITA defines advanced research as “research that
involves and draws upon basic research results to provide a better understanding of phenomena and develop innovative solutions.”
YSU is doing advanced research relevant to the Center’s theme in partnership with several companies. Faculty involved in the Center
are involved in advanced research in several transportation related areas, for example, bridge safety and protection in response to the
need to produce bridges that are secure from attack and safe in general; and investigation of the use of masonry lintels with internal
steel reinforcing or external FRP reinforcing to replace high maintenance steel lintels used in the transportation industry in areas
subjected to highly corrosive environments (e.g. maintenance buildings; salt storage facilities, etc.) Advanced and basic research in
the areas of pavement integrity and pavement-bridge interfaces is in progress. One of the evaluation criteria for potential projects,
etc., will be to ensure that some projects meet RITA’s criteria for advanced research.
3.b.2 Congestion Chokepoints
This area is one that involves multiple areas of engineering and engineering technology and/or a multidisciplinary approach. Congestion
chokepoints arise due to many different, diverse factors, some short-term (for instance, construction area congestion) and some long-tern
(congestion that arises when new development – residential and/or commercial – occurs and the current transportation infrastructure is
inadequate to deal with the resultant congestion problems). Since the cause of congestion chokepoints can differ greatly, so will the
solutions to specific problems. This is one area in which collaboration with the State DOT’s will be necessary.
As stated in the “Instructions for Preparing a UTC Strategic Plan (3/06),” we are aware that this is a “…near-term priority initiative that
addresses the Secretary of Transportation’s congestion mitigation strategy…” and the “…such projects may involve any discipline of
science, engineering, technology, and policy analysis that is capable of addressing these factors.” YSU’s STEM College is the perfect
setting to get the different disciplines required together as collaborators to research a solution for congestion chokepoints.
4. Performance Indicators
The University has in place processes to assure that the Center will obtain the information necessary to track its progress using
Performance Indicators 1 and 2 as set forth in Exhibit A of the document entitled “Reporting Requirements for University Transportation
Centers (3/06)” (referred to hereafter as the “UTC reporting requirements”). The Office of Institutional Research (and other departments
with the College itself) and Center personnel will collect these data from the existing offices on campus.
II.B Research Performance
Research Performance Goal:
An ongoing program of basic and applied research, the products of which are judged by peers or other experts in the field to advance the
body of knowledge in transportation.
1. Baseline Measures
See the baseline measures 3 and 4 in Exhibit A. Center personnel will collect these data from the College and relevant departments.
2. Research Performance Outcome
The YSU CTME expects improvement in at least three areas over the life of this grant:
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An increase in the number of research activities, published papers and presentations related to transportation and mobility,
longevity and sustainability.
An increase in the number of both undergraduate and graduate students and faculty in the transportation field.
An increase in our ability to have reliable funding sources for the future.
The YSU CTME will conduct and facilitate research, including basic, advance and applied, that:
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Is consistent with the theme of the Center, i.e., “Transportation: Mobility, Longevity, and Sustainability
Advances the state-of-the-art technology in the fields of transportation and related areas
Fulfills the needs of the stakeholders in the Center, including the relevant federal and state agencies (e.g., FTA, FHWA,
USDOT, and ODOT, among others); the corporate and industrial sector companies that are involved in transportation/transit
related activities (such as the State DOT’s, local and regional economic development and planning agencies, etc)
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Has high potential for technology transfer (Section II.F)
Meets criteria for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and presentation at relevant technical meetings and workshops
3. Planned Activities
Procedures will be established to monitor the progress of research projects associated with the Center. These procedures will mirror the
reporting procedures as outlined in the document form the USDOT RITA entitled, “Reporting Requirements for University Transportation
Centers (UTC’s), April 2010.”
Research at the YSU CTME will be subject to external merit-based peer review. All papers and proposed publications will be reviewed
by a technical editor for readability. Papers will be submitted for presentation at appropriate conferences and meetings, as well as to
appropriate peer-reviewed journals. We will emphasize dissemination and implementation of our research activities. Research progress
will be tracked and reported in semi-annual and annual reports. Results will be posted on the YSU CTME website and reported for
posting to the UTC Program Officer/TRB research website.
II.C Education
Education Goal:
A multidisciplinary program of course work and experiential learning that reinforces the transportation theme of the Center.
1. Baseline Measures
See Baseline Measures 5 and 6 in the Exhibit A.
For each year of this grant, the YSU CTME staff will update the education performance indicators by collecting required data from all
faculty members.
2. Education Program Outcome
YSU CTME envisions:
• A robust, multi-disciplinary program of course work and experiential learning that reinforces transportation for both traditional and
non-traditional students. The program will dramatically increase student interest in, and preparation for, careers in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• An increase in the number of highly-qualified teachers in math, science, technology, and engineering and to give them a professional
environment.
• Systematically engaging multiple partners from industry, government, higher education, K-12 schools, and the community to form
leadership teams with the necessary breadth of resources, influence, and commitment to affect sustainable change.
3. Planned Activities
In this section, planned activities within the realm of education, both in-class and out-of-the classroom, are outlined. It should be noted
that we have an established “Professional Development” program, in collaboration with the School of Business and the YSU Office of
Career Services through which many students are placed into co-op positions and internships. Other experiential learning activities, such
as undergraduate research with faculty mentors, are also already available and all of these programs are growing. The list below reflects
these and other (for example, curriculum development and workforce development and training) planned activities:
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•
Establish certificate programs within specialized areas of study and research within the UTC (e.g., “Construction Management for the
Transportation Infrastructure” “Certificate for Specialization in Materials Used in Transportation Infrastructure Maintenance and
Development,” to name only a few possibilities);
Maintain and expand our Internship Program, through which students are paid and/or receive credit;
Encourage undergraduate students to work with faculty mentors on relevant research projects or projects by companies in the
community.
Encourage student/faculty participation in chapters of numerous Professional Engineering and Engineering Technology Societies,
including the American Society for Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Institute of
Industrial Engineers (IIE), the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE),
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), to name only a few. Each of these groups has a “service” component, and each year
each group identifies a non-profit organization with which to work, in their area. One outstanding example of this is our students’
participation in “Habitat for Humanity,” a non-profit group that builds home for those who might otherwise never have the
opportunity to own their own home. Other groups adopt projects such as working to make homes ADA-assessable for homeowners
who cannot afford the expense on their own.
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Expand experiential learning programs by visiting companies on a regular basis and invite them to visit us to view our facilities,
especially as new labs and new equipment are added.
Participate in the Third Frontier Internship Program [3FIP]: This is a program designed and funded by the Ohio Department of
Development [ODOD] in order to encourage companies to hire engineering, engineering technology and computer science interns. In
brief, the funding received by YSU (and other state schools in Ohio) goes directly to assist companies to hire interns by reimbursing
that company up to $3,000.00 towards the intern’s wages. One primary objective of that grant is to enable smaller and/or younger
engineering and technology firms to hire interns with the assistance of the reimbursement which assists in subsidizing the cost of the
internship. YSU’s CET was fortunate to receive one of these grants in the first round of competition (2004), and has placed numerous
students into positions, many related to the topic of this grant.
Increase the number of students involved with research projects. Students are encouraged to present their research and projects at
YSU’s annual Undergraduate Research Symposium (this annual event is entitled “QUEST” and students’ presentations and work are
evaluated and outstanding students are named and receive awards.
Encourage Masters’ students to engage in work with faculty and others associated with projects and research through the Center. Our
outstanding Master’s students are encouraged to pursue doctoral studies. Beginning in fall 2011, YSU anticipates approval for a
doctoral program in Materials Science and Engineering. Continue to develop both credit and non-credit programs for workforce
education and development to guarantee a qualified work force as the current workforce ages (and retires) and as the need for training
due to new technologies arises. We continue to meet with companies to determine their workforce needs (both numbers and training)
Continue working with companies (particularly the ‘energy’ companies, including FirstEnergy, Reliant Energy, among others) to
develop programs (for credit) to meet their workforce needs. Two new two-year “Associates in Technical Studies” degrees were
implemented in the fall of 2002 and 2003, respectively, and these programs have flourished and grown exponentially.
As part of the YSU Center’s mission and activities, procedures will be established to guarantee that research, education, and outreach projects
and other activities are occurring and progressing in a timely, efficient manner.
YSU will incorporate, at a minimum the following elements:
•
In addition to required activities as described in the document “Reporting Requirements for University Transportation Centers
(UTCs)” from the USDOT Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) dated March 2006:
o Semiannual reports on each project (internal to YSU)
o Annual reports on each projects
o Collaborations and partnerships with other Ohio Tier II UTCs [i.e., those at Cleveland State University (CSU), the University
of Akron (UA), and the University of Toledo (UT)
o Partnerships with other universities
o Partnerships with corporate organizations (as appropriate) and relevant professional societies
To accomplish this mission, the Center will coordinate existing University outreach programs and will facilitate collaboration by the
stakeholders (e.g. Business, K-12 Schools, Higher Education, Government, community Leaders, Trade Associations, etc.) to create a new
outreach opportunities that will have a significant impact on the STEM pipeline, on STEM reaching and learning in K-16, on K-12 STEM
outreach, and on STEM Education and Research.
Through collaboration and integration of all the STEM initiative partners, this initiative will:
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Take a systematic approach to engage multiple partners in meaningful, measurable, and scalable programs while optimizing the
available resources to run existing and new programs more efficiently.
Maximize its impact on local urban school districts.
Strengthen all existing programs through increased accountability and evaluation.
Expedite the sharing of best practices both internally and throughout the Higher Education Community.
Create multiple program offerings for faculty seeking to make connections and share their expertise to the K-12 community.
Provide technical assistance to STEM faculty across the campus interesting in incorporating K-12 outreach into the current and future
proposals.
Streamline access to all University efforts by target audience (i.e. teachers, students, faculty, business, and the community).
Create a common vision for the University consistent with the broader goals of Practice Oriented Education by creating K-12
opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students- broadening/deepening their educational experience.
Integrate professional development and pre-service – creating/expanding opportunities for intergenerational learning, as we prepare
the next generation of urban teachers.
Work with business to develop outreach programs for workforce development and collaboration on research initiatives to spur the
entrepreneurial development of advanced technology start-up companies.
Work with all STEM faculty of adding the education component to all new research proposals, as required by NSF and other funding
agencies.
Strengthen the STEM education and research opportunities for all of Northeastern Ohio.
Play a key role in improving teaching and learning of STEM courses in K-12, Higher Education, and Workforce Development.
Conduct an annual review of the YSU CTME Education Program with its academic staff and with industry and government
representatives to make revisions and/or additions as necessary.
Continue to expand internship opportunities.
Develop and implement transportation workshops related to the CTME theme for the purpose of sharing information with a cross
section of transportation stakeholders
•
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•
Develop shared resources utilizing distance learning
Develop ‘webinars’ for the purpose of education and training, as well as for sharing information with interested stakeholders
Develop continuing education and training opportunities for state and local transportation agencies.
3.a Required Activities
3. a.1
Develop numerous new courses, to address the cutting edge of research and applications of materials. The program is one that is truly
interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary in nature and the draft curriculum is currently being developed. In addition, courses in materials to
encourage interdisciplinary work in majors such as civil engineering, civil and construction engineering technology, transportation-related
programs and courses (e.g., special topics courses) are also being added to the traditional program curricula. A minor in materials is also in
development. As noted above, we are currently developing new programs. We plan to offer workforce education programs, some of which
are developed to address the problem of the aging workforce and to guarantee that there will be adequate numbers of workers in the
transportation field (and others) in the future. We anticipate adding new faculty as the transportation program grows.
3.a.2
The faculty and staff of the YSU CTME will participate in meetings of the RITA/UTC Program Office and/or with DOT experts regarding
DOT/modal priorities. As stated in the “Instructions for Preparing a University Transportation Center (UTC) Strategic Plan, our education
programs will support the national strategy for surface transportation research as “…identified by a report of the National Highway Research
and Technology Partnership entitled “Highway Research and Technology: The Need for Greater Investment…” and the programs of the
National Research and Technology Program of the FTA. We will also be working with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to
support their strategic plan. In fact, the PI attended the ODOT “2001 Cooperative Research Seminar” (August 30, 2007) and 2010 Research
Summit (November 22, 2010). The purpose the seminars is to provide a forum for the exchanging ideas on ODOT’s strategic research plan,
and is sponsored by the ODOT Office of Research and Development.
3.a.3
YSU CTME when appropriate will select an outstanding student of the year. Each participating Center shall award its Student of the Year
$1000 and the costs for the student to attend an award ceremony in Washington, DC, during the annual winter meeting of the Transportation
Research Board (TRB).
4. Performance Indicators
The YSU CTME will assess progress using Baseline Measures 5 and 6. These data will be tracked by Center personnel and project directors
overseeing student research.
II.D Human Resources
Human Resources Goal:
An increased number of students, faculty, and staff who are attracted to and substantively involved in the undergraduate, graduate, and
professional programs of the Center.
1. Baseline Measures
Baseline Measures 7, 8, and 9 are in Exhibit A.
We will update annually the human resource performance indicators by collecting all necessary information from both faculty and graduating
students.
2. Human Resources Program Outcome
YSU anticipates that the number of students and faculty involved in the work of the CTME will increase significantly. To accomplish this,
the YSU CTME will work towards expanding educational and research opportunities at the university so as to attract highly-qualified
students, faculty, and staff to the transportation field. In addition, the Center will encourage participation of practicing professionals in
educational and research opportunities to provide their insight and practical knowledge to improve the understanding of current
transportation/transit problems. Recruitment and retention of students, faculty and staff are both key components in this realm.
3. Planned Activities
•
Graduate Student recruitment
o Working with the Office of Graduate Admissions, the CTME will develop materials to recruit graduate students for the YSU
CTME and relevant MS programs in civil engineering (with transportation emphasis), civil and construction management, and
engineering management.
We are fortunate to have a number of graduate assistantships, teaching assistants, and one exciting Graduate Student
Fellowship, the “Cushwa/Commercial Shearing” graduate fellowship. The later funds outstanding students for two years,
including summers, and covers all costs associated with the MS degree.
o Similarly, individual departments have their own recruitment activities for graduate students, and the CTME will collaborate
with these departments in their outreach and recruitment activities (e.g., career fairs, presentations to various groups on
opportunities available through the CTME and other outreach activities).
•
Undergraduate Student Recruitment
o CTME will continue its working relationship with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to develop recruiting materials,
make presentations at local (and certain non-local high schools) to recruit students for engineering and engineering technology.
o Emphasize undergraduate student research as an important activity for students, and encourage faculty to work with
undergraduates on research projects.
o Undergraduate grants: The Graduate School and Provost’s Office also provides funds for undergraduate research sponsored by
faculty. Students, with at faculty mentor, can apply for these grants.
o Each year, the Provost’s Office hosts a university-wide “Undergraduate Symposium – QUEST” in which students present the
results of their research projects. Monetary awards are presented to the students who make outstanding presentations.
o Students will be encouraged to present at local, regional (and, in some cases, national professional society meetings).
•
Faculty Recruitment
o As the program grows, additional resources may become available for faculty; we already use adjunct/part-time faculty for
courses in their specialty, as needed. For new courses, we may need to use people (typically from industry), as instructors.
o Recent hires within the past two years have already yielded faculty who have expertise in the areas of interest within YSU
CTME. For example, in the Civil Engineering Department, a new faculty member includes expertise in bridge safety among
his research specialties.
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Outreach Activities
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Exhibits, Displays, and Demonstrations at Professional Society meetings (including poster sessions, etc.)
Publication of a newsletter, electronic and print
Sponsoring or co-sponsoring of workshops, special courses offering professional development credit
Participating in career days at local schools (K-12), vocational and other schools beyond grade 12, community colleges, and
community groups
Articulation agreements with other colleges, institutions of higher learning
Partnerships with K-12 (in particular, high schools)
Participation in special summer programs for students interested in engineering/engineering technology
Offering of “Summer Programs” for high school teachers in subject areas relevant to YSU CTME
Offering a “Constructor for a Day” program in collaboration with the Youngstown Chapter of the Ohio Contractors
Association; note that we have already participating in this program for the past 9-10 years. Each year, with the collaboration
and sponsorship of the Youngstown Chapter of the Ohio Contractors Association, student visit various construction projects
being build in the area. In the past, this has included many bridge and/or other transportation related sites.
Please also refer to the “Technology Transfer” section of this document, as many of our educational activities and outreach are
interrelated and correlate with activities and outreach associated with technology transfer (planned and/or already in progress).
4. Performance Indicators
As detailed in the UTC Reporting Requirements, program in this area will be tracked by Baseline Measures 7, 8, and 9. Such information
is collected by individual Departments and the Dean’s Office. In addition, the University Office of Records maintains such data.
The CTME Director will compile all relevant statistics, and keep these on record within the Center.
II.E Diversity
Diversity Goal:
Students, faculty, and staff who reflect the growing diversity of the US workforce and are substantively involved in the undergraduate,
graduate, and professional programs of the Center.
1. Baseline Measures
Because of privacy concerns raised by grantees who receive UTC Program grants in prior years, RITA no longer requires the collection of
performance measurements regarding diversity.
2. Diversity Program Outcome
Diverse faculty, staff, and student bodies are essential to the well-being and vitality of any University and its individual schools and
colleges. Consistent with YSU’s commitment to diversity, the Center would focus attention on these goals and reflect the strong
commitment of YSU to diversity in all its aspects, and for all components of the College (students, staff, and faculty).
3. Planned Activities
Note: Although UTCs may target minorities and women as beneficiaries of Center programs for the purpose of achieving diversity, they may
not exclude non-minorities and men from those same programs.
The CET has been involved in activities to increase interest in STEM disciplines in general for many years. Some of these programs are
targeted at minorities and women, but many are not. The PI for YSU’s CTME has been involved in numerous programs of both types (e.g.,
those targeted to increasing interest in general in STEM areas as well as those targeted at individuals who have not traditionally been attracted
to STEM fields. Such programs include, but are not limited to:
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The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program: This is an initiative for universities and colleges in Ohio to
increase graduates in STEM areas. Activities include summer programs and undergraduate research throughout the year (among other
activities such as peer mentoring, etc.). The PI has been involved in the “Summer Camp” portion of this program for several years
and her focus has been to interest students in engineering and engineering technology areas through a focus on applications of
computers to transportation problems (specifically, bridges).
Undergraduate research: the Center has, and will continue to involved undergraduate (and graduate) students in meaningful research
relevant to the transportation priorities identified in previous sections of this Strategic Plan.
In recent years, three annual summer camps for teachers co-sponsored by the American Materials Society, the YSU STEM College,
and – this year – the YSU UTC, the YSU CTME. A special unit was added on transportation engineering.
The STEM College at YSU have hosted an annual “Women and Science and Engineering” day for the past ten years. Representatives
from diverse STEM area participate in panels. Transportation is an area that is represented by panelists. Participants then are
involved in hands-on activities (e.g., making concrete, construction of bridges, etc.).
We have increased our efforts to visit K-12 classes to recruit in general for engineering and engineering technology; transportation is
an area that is represented.
4. Performance Indicators
Because of privacy concerns raised by grantees who received UTC Program grants in prior years, RITA no longer requires the collection of
performance measurements regarding diversity.
II.F Technology Transfer
Technology Transfer Goal: Make research results available to potential users in a form that can be directly implemented, utilized, or
otherwise applied.
1. Baseline Measures
Performance Indicators as Baselines 10 and 11 are in the Exhibit A and will be tracked by YSU CTME personnel.
2. Technology Transfer Program Outcome
Technology transfer is multi-faceted and involves written reports, outreach through conferences, workshops and exhibits, continuing
education and the sharing of research results to hopefully bring the research to implementation and commercialization. We continue to
explore collaborations with companies and will focus on those with a transportation focus in areas identified as strategic by the relevant
agencies mentioned previously. This will serve also to expand the scope and breadth of the research, education and workforce goals of the
Center.
3. Planned Activities
Efforts and activities to facilitate and enable technology transfer of research and project results to the users of the technology will include:
• Working with the corporate members of the Center’s Advisory Board to Disseminate work performed through the Center to them and
their colleagues.
• Development of appropriate workforce education and training tools (e.g., workshops, on-line courses and other forms of continuing
education)
• Maintaining our work on the new database created and maintained by the TRB (i.e., the TRB’s Research in Progress [RiP] database)
• Working with area businesses, workforce policy boards, and other workforces entities in the areas of transportation
• Participating in the Cooperative Research Program [CRS] in the Office of the Ohio DOT Division of Innovation, Research and
Implementation.
• Working with relevant economic development and planning agencies at the local, regional (and larger) community levels
• Exhibits, displays and demonstrations at professional society meetings (including poster sessions)
• Publication of a newsletter, electronic and print
• Sponsoring or co-sponsoring of workshops, special courses offering professional development credit engineers and other interested
individuals
• Participation in career days at local schools (K-12), vocational and other schools beyond grade 12, community colleges, and
community groups
• Articulation agreements with other colleges and institutions of higher learning
• Partnerships with K-12 (in particular, with high schools)
• Participation in special summers programs for students (high school) interested in engineering/engineering technology
• Offering of “Summer Programs” for high school (or other) teachers in subject areas relevant to the YSU CTME (teachers can receive
“Continuing Education Units” for participation in such courses
•
•
•
Offering a “Constructor for a Day” program in collaboration with the Youngstown Chapter of the Ohio Contractors Association; we
have already been participating in this program for the past 9-10 years. Each year, with the collaboration and sponsorship of the
Youngstown Chapter of the Ohio Contractors Association, students visit various construction projects being built in the area. In the
past, this has included bridge and/or other transportation related sites.
Place all presentations, reports and project status on the CTME webpage.
Participate in the Ohio UTC Student Research Conference where the CTME research projects will be presented.
3a. Required Activities
3.a.1 The YSU CTME will have its own website/home page. The web site is already established and will be updated on a regular basis.
The web site address is: www.stem.ysu/CTME. We are also establishing a separate email address for the center which will be
CTME@ysu.edu.
3.a.2 Meeting Participation and Expert Advise
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YSU CTME personnel will participate in occasional meetings of UTC and/or DOT experts on high-priority topics, or to provide
expert advice to DOT on technical or education topics.
YSU CTME has participated in the annual Council on University Transportation Centers meetings (since 2006) and will continue to
do so.
In addition, we will attend and participate in other relevant association meetings. Within the State of Ohio, we also participate in the
Cooperation Research Seminar Program from the Office of Innovation, Research and Implementation (ODOT).
Faculty involved with the Center have, for example, already attended relevant meetings, including importantly the AASHTO
Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting held in Seattle in August 2007.
We will also attend relevant workshops offered by other UTCs, universities or other entities (e.g., seminars offered by economic and
advanced manufacturing initiatives and organizations in the community and elsewhere, as appropriate.
The CTME Director will participate in local Metropolitan Planning Organization meetings. These meetings include participate from
all forms of transportation.
CTME will attend meetings and participate in local transportation planning studies.
YSU CTME attended ODOT office of Innovation, Partnership & Energy Research Summit.
Participated in ODOT’s office of Innovation, Partnership & Energy Request for Proposal Workshop.
4. Performance Indicators
The Center Director will adhere to the USDOT RITA and documents to meet all the required procedures for the Center’s operation,
management of grants, and personnel management.
Currently, the CTME director reports to the Dean of the STEM College. In turn, this individual reports directly to the Provost and Vice
President for Academic Affairs. The Center itself (e.g., director, staff, faculty, as well as physical facilities such as laboratories, etc.) is
housed in the engineering and engineering technology building on campus.
Administrative assistance to the Director is provided through the Dean’s Office. [Support for a part-time administrative assistance is also
requested in the Budget, Exhibit III of this document.] Faculty associated with the Center work with the Center Director, but report
directly to the Chairs of their respective departments; the Chairs in turn report directly to the Dean.
SECTION III – MANAGEMENT APPROACH.
III.A Institutional Resources
The following brief description of institutional resources delineates the institutional resources available at YSU.
Institutional resources and support units that are significant to achieving the goals of the YSU CTME include the University Library, the
computing center within engineering and technology (and other computing labs in the sciences and mathematics areas), and both
Undergraduate and graduate admissions offices. In addition to admissions, there are other non-academic support units that officer
services that are available to the Center and its operations.
Within engineering and engineering technology, the following laboratories are representative of both research and educational for the
YSU CTME:
Materials Engineering Laboratories & Equipment (not inclusive)
Chemical Vapor Deposition Laboratory
This laboratory is capable of the study of deposition of chemical vapors onto a solid substrate under atmospheric pressure and under
vacuum down to 6 torr. The system includes:
o A Varian 3800 gas chromatograph with thermal conductivity detector;
o A Carbolite VST furnace with Mullite process tube capable of temperatures up to 1500° C;
o Mass flow control of up to four feed gases;
o Automatic data acquisition of all process variables.
Corrosion Laboratory
This laboratory utilizes a Gamry Multichem 8-Channel Electrochemistry system to study the corrosion rates of coated and uncoated metals.
Up to eight samples can be measured simultaneously. A critical pitting temperature system is included to determine at what temperature a
metal begins to corrode for various corrosive liquids.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry Laboratory
This laboratory utilizes a Perkin-Elmer Diamond differential scanning calorimeter equipped with HyperDSC. This system allows the study of
melting points and phase transitions of polymers and pharmaceuticals from -50ºC to 750ºC at temperature ramp rates up to 500ºC/min.
Plastic Injection Molding Laboratory
This laboratory houses a Van Dorn Demag Ergotech EXTRA 55-200 with NC4 Ergocontrol injection molding machine with a 50 metric
tonne capacity. The unit has a 3-ounce shot capacity with internal mold cooling capability. Two ASTM tensile bar molds are available.
Vacuum Casting Laboratory
This laboratory is capable of producing silicon molds to study the effect of mold design on plastic parts prepared by vacuum casting.
o An Ellisse Vacuum Chamber with an MCP Vacuum Casting System is employed to produce and cure samples;
o A MCP Silicomat Vacuum Mixing unit is utilized to prepare silicon to manufacture molds.
Strength of Materials and Structures Laboratories
The strength of materials and structures laboratories has:
o 600 kip and 120 kip universal machines,
o MTS hydraulic pump testing system, MTS vibration testing system with actuators,
o MTS fatigue testing equipment with independent controls, torsion and impact testing machines,
o Machines for testing strains in different materials under various loading situations.
o This laboratory also has P3 Strain Indicator and Recorder from Vishay Micro-Measurements with four input channels.
Microscopy and Materials Testing Laboratory
The laboratory currently includes the following equipment:
o Instron Universal Testing Machine: capable of tension/compression/flexure testing up to 30,000 pounds. Additional
software automatically collects test data and provides real-time stress-stress graphs/
o Zeiss Metallograph & Nikon Stereomicroscopes: Light microscopes with digital cameras linked to adjustable 21-inch
LCD display.
o Struers planopal and pedemax polishers/grinders: automatic ginder/polisher capable of rapid metallographic sample
preparation.
o Struers Primopress: dual staging press for quick hot-mounting of metallographic samples.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Laboratory
Within this laboratory are the following:
o Cambridge Stereoscan 200 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM): capable of 200,000 times magnification. Digital
imaging upgrade allows for fast rendering of high-resolution micrographs and fractographs for a wide and diverse
range of specimen types. One benefit of SEM technology is the ability to generate high-resolution images using the
diction of the SE and BSE electrons. The depth-of-focus for the micrographs is tremendous; e.g., fracture surfaces are
easily rendered and apparently-minute details are clearly exposed. Note: scanning electron microscopy is extremely
useful both for failure and any materials engineering research, among other uses.
o SEM Column and Specimen Chamber: The electron detector is able to receive both SE and BSE electrons for detailed
microscopy. The EDAX detector (see below) is used for receiving x-ray signals for elemental analysis. Tungsten
filament, hosed in the upper section of the column, is able to generate up to 30 keV for powerful, rich microscopy.
o An EDAX [Energy Dispersive x-ray Microanalysis] unit: Liquid-nitrogen-free system coupled with Genesis™
software allows for powerful elemental analysis, including line, map and particle x-ray microanalysis.
Note: for samples of typical micrographs taken with the Cambridge SEM, please see our web site (noted previously).
Manufacturing Laboratory
Included in this laboratory’s equipment inventory are:
o Z-Corporation™ 3D Printer: This station allows for full processing of rapid prototypes on the 3D printer. In addition,
molds for direct aluminum casting can be produced from high digital data.
o Thermolyne High-Temperature Furnace: Maximum temperature range is up to 2900º F. This programmable furnace is
capable of heat treatment of a wide and diverse range of materials.
o Van Dorn Plastics Injection Molder: Used for rapid manufacturing of molded plastic (a wide range of plastics can be
used). See page 1.
Other Laboratories include:
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o
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Concrete and masonry testing
Steel testing
Asphalt testing
Soils
Environmental engineering
Transportation
Others (available in the science and mathematics departments)
Library Resources
The William Maag Library is the central library facility on campus, supports all areas of the University’s academic programs. Engineering
and Engineering Technology faculty, staff and students have access to a large collection of books, periodicals, and databases with the Maag
Library and through OhioLINK. Within the Library of Congress of Classification of Subject Areas relevant to engineering and technology
disciplines, book collection in Maag includes a total of more than 30,000 titles. In addition, through membership to OhioLINK, the statewide
consortium of Ohio colleges and universities, YSU has access to numerous online resources and databases, including OhioLINK member
institutions and the OhioLINK Electronic Journal Center. This latter is a compilation of more than 4,000 full-text electronic journals and
includes significant holdings in the engineering and technology disciplines.
Non-academic Support Units
These units serve programs in engineering and technology, as well as the entire YSU campus, and include:
o Cooperative Education and Internship Programs
For example, the “Professional Development” program is a joint venture between the School of Business and
engineering and technology to provide cop-ops and internships for students.
o Office of Career Services
o Engineering Computer Services
o Machine Shop
o Electronic Maintenance Services
o Math Assistance Center
o Writing Center
o Student Support Services
Includes, for instance, student tutorial services, and supplemental instruction for selected courses.
o Disability Services
o Counseling Services
III.B Center Director
Dr. Hirtzel, effective, January 1st, 2007, was named the Executive Director of the YSU UTC, with the Center titled, “Center for
Transportation and Materials Engineering (CTME).” Dr. Cynthia Hirtzel was responsible for attracting the initial FIPSE funds, subsequent
and substantial equipment and other in-kind donations for the Materials initiative [e.g. new equipment donations on the order of
approximately $300,000], as well as in-kind donations of labor, research collaborations with industry (discussed above).
Joann Esenwein, effective November 1, 2010, was named the Director of the YSU UTC, titled, “Center for Transportation and Materials
Engineer” (CTME).” Joann brings 30 years of experience with the Ohio Department of Transportation, where she gained experience as a
project engineer, design engineer, consultants contract coordinator, major/new project coordinator and for 10 years the capital planning
manager in the District 4 Planning Section.
III.C Center Faculty and Staff
The Center Director will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and, as noted above, adherence with all requirements of the Center by
the USDOT RITA. Other staff will include a student. Students are involved in research projects with faculty; and at times may be hired on
an as-needed basis to assist with the web page to keep it updated and in compliance with the standards established by RITA for maintaining
the web site. Faculty will be involved through research projects selected for funding and university funds made available to faculty (in the
form of “release time from teaching”, sabbaticals and other sources on campus). Faculty directly involved in the Center included faculty from
many of the engineering and engineering technology departments as well as faculty from the sciences and mathematics departments.
III.D Multiparty Arrangements
Within Ohio, there are four universities that have University Transportation Centers (at the Tier II levels): these are CSU, UA, UT and YSU.
We have met as a group (together with a research division representative from the Ohio DOT) and will continue to do so to share information
and ensure that we are meeting the objectives of the UTCs and to enhance collaboration among ourselves and the Ohio DOT. The plan is that
Directors of Ohio UTCs will meet on a regular basis to discuss their Centers’ activities and potential collaborations. We are also participating
in the State of Ohio Department of Transportation’s “Cooperative Research Seminar” [CRS] program operated through the Ohio DOT’s
Office of Innovation, Research and Implementation. This program is described in detail on the Ohio DOT web site:
www.dot.state.oh.us/division/TranSysDev/research. The Ohio Department of Transportation is an active member of YSU’s CTME Advisory
Board.
III.E. Matching Funds
Budget Match for DOT UTC Funds
($430,000 required)
Note: Much of the first year of this grant will be devoted to the tactical planning, implementation of the Strategic Plan for the UTC, and to
creation and establishment of the requisite procedures and protocols for successful operation of the UTC as described:
o “Instructions for Preparing a UTC Strategic Plan”, March 2006;
o “UTC Reporting Requirements”, April 2010; and the
o “Research Agenda: Office of Transportation Policy”, which was distributed at the April 2006 meeting of UTC Plenary
Sessions in Washington, D.C.
Budget Match:
Personnel:
ƒ
ƒ
Joann Esenwein [Director of UTC]:
o Calendar Year Salary and fringes, at 50% FTE
$59,850
Administrative Staff: activities are 20% funded by grant and 20% as University match commitment. Activities in Year 11-12:
o AY Base Salary of $17,500 and fringes, at 0.25% FTE
$35,000
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Faculty hires [tenure-track in August, with related release time
Associated with this project for AY 06-07 (33%)]:
o AY Base Salary of $62,000 and fringes, at 0.25% FTE
($-possible)
Graduate Student on Cushwa Fellowship:
o AY complete tuition, fees, travel, etc. (~$10,000) and
Calendar stipend ($15,000 and fringes), at 100% effort
$48,028
$15,000
ƒ
Ohio’s Department of Development “Third Frontier Internship Program”:
o Renewal of funding through June 2007 for 30 positions.
o 20 of these 30 positions will be dedicated to the UTC and its projects; 10 interns at $3,000 each ($30,000 possible match)
$0
ƒ Note: Funded by the State of Ohio, many
interns have been Materials and other companies
closely linked to the mission of the UTC
•
Unrecovered Indirect Costs (based on 50% of salaries and wages)
SUBTOTAL: Personnel
$44,705
$202,583
OTHER:
Note: for the future, we will be looking forward to collaborative partnerships and cost sharing with Ohio’s DOT.
We will also be looking for cost-sharing on needed equipment [see list], sharing of space within the College, with other University,
Community Colleges, Career Centers, High Schools, corporations, industry, and all other possible sources.
To date, we already have the following commitments concerning laboratory and classroom space, equipment, classrooms dedicated to
new technologies:
Equipment:
o Specialized equipment donated within the last two years, including an SEM (scanning electron microscope), capable of up to
200,000 times magnification.
This machine, while a couple of years old, has received considerable upgrades and has a current value (replacement) on the
order of (this is a considerable underestimate)
$125,000
o Donations of new equipment relevant to materials strength testing, corrosion testing, and strength testing, among other uses
from RMI Titanium Environmental Service. The original value was established at $183,000. Allowing for a conservative
50% depreciation in value, current value would be equivalent to match of (0.50) x ($183,000)
$91,500
o Numerous other donations of new, relatively new equipment dedicated to the Materials Engineering program (including
materials themselves, material handling devices, vacuum chambers, etc.) have been made. However, a very small amount of
‘match’ has been assigned to these donations in order to add the credibility of this strategic plan and the match YSU has will
continue to accrue.
$10,000
SUBTOTAL: Equipment
$226,500
SPACE:
Note: CTME has a significant amount of space designated exclusively to the Materials Engineering Program and its specialized
equipment needs (such as a vibration-free and humidity/temperature-controlled environment.) In addition, in order to avoid
contamination of the chamber, a negative pressure must be maintained at all times, required extensive use of power back-up systems,
etc. YSU also has other equipment that requires specialized laboratory space.
In the following estimate, CTME includes only those labs that may be used for UTC activities. In addition, a separate estimate of
classroom space will be provided, based upon space devoted exclusively to Materials Engineering and UTC Programs.
o Cost of Use of Specialized Laboratory Space (2,000 sq. ft.’ gross underestimate):
ƒ $100/hr at 10 hrs. per week, of the AY (36 weeks);
(more in the summer, but I am neglecting that value here):
$36,000
SUBTOTAL: Space
$36,000
GRAND TOTAL Break-out of MATCH:
o Personnel
$155,358
o Other:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
“Unrecovered” Indirect Costs
Equipment
Space
$ 44,705
$226,600
$ 36,000
GRAND TOTAL
(Year One)
$430,263
The numbers as submitted above have been calculated on a conservative basis.
1. Eligibility as Matching Funds
As per the guidelines in the “Instructions for Preparing a UTC Strategic Plan (3/06,” the matching funds identified above are in accord
with the rules governing the use of in-kind and cash contributions are matching funds as specified on page 9 of the “Instructions”
document. It is understood that these funds must be used to accomplish program objectives, fully documented and accounted for in
records (which are maintained in our Grants Accounting Office), as well as in the Center itself.
2. Special Rule for UTC Program
Again, as specified in the “Instructions” document, it is understood that the “…non-Federal share of Center costs may include funds
provided to a recipient under section 203, 504(b) or 505 of title 23, United Stated Code. (Those sections refer to the technology
deployment, local technical assistance, and state planning and research programs managed by the Federal Highway Administration.)”
IV.
BUDGET DETAILS
IV.A Grant Year
As reflected in Exhibit 3 below, Grant Year 1 has been designated as 10/01/2010 through 9/30/2011. It is expected that subsequent grant
years would follow this same cycle.
Please see Exhibit III on the next page.
Exhibit III
University Transportation Center (UTC) Budget Plan
YSU CTME
Name of Grantee: Youngstown State University Grant Year 1: 10/01/2006 thru 9/30/2007
(Date)
CATEGORIES
Center Director Salary
Requested Budget
Amount form
DOT
$45,000
Explanatory Notes
0.5 FTE Base Salary + 33% fringe
Faculty Salaries
$36,111
Faculty salary + 33% fringe
Administrative Staff Salaries
$17,500
Admin. Assistant (PT) + 25% fringe
Graduate Assistant (GA)
$75,000
+ 77% Fringes
Fringe Benefits (all)
$72,292
$245,903
Salaries above + respective fringes
Permanent Equipment
$50,000
Expendable
Supplies, and Services
Domestic Travel
$48,088
Single item equipment purchase of
$5,000 are defined as equipment, and
RITA must approve such equipment
acquisitions prior to purchase
Miscellaneous supplies
Total Salaries and Benefits
$15,000
Foreign Travel
Written permission for travel to any
destination outside the US and its
territories must be obtained from RITA,
prior to the initiation such travel
Fees and Services
(contractual)
Total Direct Costs
$15,000
F & A (Indirect) Costs
$89,410
$128,088
50% of salaries and wages
PROJECT GRAND TOTAL =$860,263
TOTAL COSTS
Federal Share requested
$430,000
Matching Share (if applicable) $43,263
See previous section in text for YSU
matching
If necessary, YSU reserves the right to revise the Budget for the Requested funds, as well as the matching components. The Center will
provide such budget revisions requests with justification in writing to the RITA UTC Program Office for approval.
It is understood that any revisions to the budget must be approved by RITA, and that once the Strategic Plan is approved, any subsequent
budget revisions requests must be submitted, in writing, to RITA with a justification prior to the expenditure of any proposed revised funds.