Genesee News

FLINT—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today announced two new federal grants to support faculty and student research at Kettering University in Flint.

The grants, totaling $976,696, awarded through the National Science Foundation, will be used to support cutting-edge research conducted by faculty and students at Kettering University. The two grants are:

• $577,750 grant to support the acquisition of a three-dimensional scanning laser Doppler vibrometer—a high-tech instrument which will advance research in areas including ultrasound therapy, tire manufacturing, battery technology and structural integrity monitoring.
• $398,946 grant to help strengthen partnerships between Kettering University and various local businesses as they conduct real-world, industry-leading research supporting American manufacturing.

“I’m proud to have secured these federal grants for Kettering University as they deepen relationships with local manufacturers and continue to lead the nation and the world in critical technological innovation,” Congressman Kildee said. “In Congress, I will continue working to bring federal resources back to support mid-Michigan universities.”

“We are grateful for Congressman Kildee's support of Kettering University. This laser vibrometer instrument and its associated research projects will have profound impacts on human health, including understanding of skin conditions and cancers, service monitoring of wind turbines, characterization of tire contact patch forces for automotive safety, development of materials with improved vibration performance, and confirmation that electric cars are audible to visually impaired pedestrians,” said Dr. Javad Baqersad, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

“We are grateful for Congressman Kildee's continued support of the innovation ecosystem. This project will allow us to build the infrastructure to create and sustain partnerships among faculty and industry, allowing both to grow and inspire new technology breakthroughs that will benefit society and enhance our students' educational experiences,” said Dr. Diane Peters, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

Congressman Kildee has long-supported opportunities for students at mid-Michigan universities. In June, Kildee announced another National Science Foundation research grant to support cutting-edge clean energy technologies at Kettering University. In May, Kildee announced a new federal research grant to support the University of Michigan-Flint and children and families in mid-Michigan. 

Original source can be found here.