"During fiscal year 1996, more than 72 faculty and 225 students were engaged in CEAT research activities of critical importance to the state and nation."
The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT) consists of the six schools of engineering, the School of Architecture, and the Division of Engineering Technology. CEAT offers a broad spectrum of educational, research, and out-reach opportunities designed to meet the technological needs of a modern society. Its faculty members have consistently achieved excellence in the classroom while directing a program that ranks among the best in the nation on the basis of research expenditures and out-reach expenditures per faculty. This is only possible because of an outstanding faculty and their commitment to excellence.
In 1993, the CEAT received the largest capital grant in its history--$7.3 million from the U. S. Department of Energy for the construction of an Advanced Technology Research Center facility. These funds have been used to match $12.5 million in state bond funds and $3 million in private gifts to date to construct a state-of-the-art facility for research, technology development, and technology transfer. This facility will satisfy the critical need for space for energy-related research that is of strategic importance to the state and nation. When completed in late 1997, the 165,000 square foot facility will provide the faculty from all schools and divisions with space to conduct research in the following areas: (1) applied laser research for industry and medicine, (2) energy conservation, (3) energy storage and conversion, (4) energy intensive manufacturing, and (5) water and hazardous waste management and mitigation.
By June 1994, the design of the structure and laboratories had been completed, and work had begun on the construction documents. The construction documents were completed in the spring of 1995; a contract was let in late summer, and construction began in the fall of 1995.
During fiscal year 1996, more than 72 faculty and 225 students were engaged in CEAT research activities of critical importance to the state and nation. External grants and contracts enable the recruitment of quality students for the CEAT graduate programs. These activities provide students with the opportunity to pursue graduate education while working with faculty mentors on challenging problems.
These research activities provide the basis for strong undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Research enables faculty to keep abreast of the most recent developments and innovations in their field. This information is subsequently incorporated into both for credit and extension instructional programs, enriching the education of students in engineering, architecture, and technology.
The diverse scholarly activities of CEAT faculty reflect the interests and expertise of this highly qualified and motivated group. Current research projects include basic research as well as practical applications to real-world problems. In addition to creating new knowledge, faculty are engaged in the transfer of technology to business and industry to enable these firms to compete in the global marketplace. While research is conducted that fulfills the broad range of faculty interests, CEAT places special emphasis on four research thrust areas: (1) integrated design and manufacturing; (2) energy conservation, conversion, and storage; (3) water and hazardous waste management and remediation; and (4) application of laser technology for manufacturing and medicine.
A strong CEAT commitment of support for state economic development activities has resulted in the successful pursuit of grants from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). Formed by legislation in the late 1980s, OCAST is responsible for the support of businesses, industries, and laboratories engaged in product research and development. The purpose of the act is to promote state economic development by establishing programs to create new products and processes, and to facilitate development and marketing. CEAT has been a strong partner in this activity, participating in the Chairs and Professorship, Health Research, Applied Research, and Centers of Excellence Programs. In addition to external grants and contracts, the University also supports faculty research by providing release time for professors to pursue research that does not currently have external sponsors. These funds target new faculty members and provide an avenue to develop research that will be successful in competing for extramural funds.
Each research project administered through the Office of CEAT Research Administration during 1996 is listed by school and project title. Also included is a brief narrative about the project's purpose, the name of the supporting organization(s), the name(s) of the principal investigator(s), and research assistant(s).
*School heads and directors are shown in parentheses.