e-Interaction News

March 2008 Features

Wallops Spaceport partnership that includes ODU expected to have role in new space station resupply project

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at Wallops Island, which is operated by a partnership that includes Old Dominion University, could become a global hub of space cargo transport as the result of a $171 million contract awarded Tuesday, Feb. 20, to Orbital Sciences Corp.

Orbital Sciences Corp., based in Dulles, VA, was chosen by NASA to develop an expendable rocket and delivery modules that can transport food, equipment and other essential items to personnel in the International Space Station (ISS). The company said that one of the potential sites that they would use is a MARS launch pad on a site leased from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore for the initial flight-testing and demonstration missions that are to begin in 2010.

The MARS partnership includes ODU, NASA and the states of Virginia and Maryland. The spaceport is operated by the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA) and its fiscal agent is the ODU Research Foundation. ODU's Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology offers technology and aerospace engineering support for MARS.

Billie Reed, the ODU assistant professor of engineering management who is the executive director of MARS, said the selection of Orbital Sciences reflects many months of hard work by the company in collaboration with the staffs of MARS and NASA Wallops. "It's huge," Reed said. "It represents a major opportunity for sustaining a business ultimately to provide cargo services" in space. "To do that here in Virginia is quite an achievement."

Oktay Baysal, the dean of ODU's Batten College, as well as an aerospace engineer, said this step toward MARS becoming a major launch site validates decisions made at the university a decade or so ago. "We dreamed, conceptualized and worked with the State to form the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority, and we appointed one of our professors to be the director. In addition to the successful launches so far and those that are scheduled, we have been waiting for more frequent launches for a while now."

Baysal said new activity at the spaceport also will present academic opportunities. "There are several layers of educational and research possibilities, and our College will benefit from them."

Marine Engineering and Design course to debut

The Department of Engineering Technology, in conjunction with members of its advisory board and other industry representatives has begun a sustained effort to promote and develop a strong course of study in Marine Engineering Technology. With strong ties to the world's largest Naval Base and superlative shipbuilding, maintenance and repair facilities, early qualitative research indicated high interest for development of such a program in support of one of the regions largest industries.

The Marine Engineering Technology program's goal is to provide students an opportunity to learn about designing and engineering ships, aircraft carriers, and cruise lines. With the world's largest naval base, there's definitely a need to develop a work force in this area.

At present Marine Engineering Technology is offered as an option within the existing TAC of ABET accredited MET program until the program is ready to seek independent accreditation.

The course joins others - including Software and Game Development; Computer Aided Drafting and Design, or CADD; and Digital Design - geared to prepare students for college and careers.

The course, Dean Oktay Baysal said, will increase interest in our marine engineering program and provide a foundation for continuing education in ODU's Mechanical Engineering Technology program.

Compiled from January 31, 2008 article by Cindy Focke at The Virginian Pilot & The Ledger Star

Event at ODU introduces engineering to girls

They're women and they're engineers. They build roads and design vehicles and develop cosmetics.

Nancy Holloway is one of them, working as a technologist in electronic materials development for NASA in Hampton.

At the Batten College of Engineering and Technology Womengineers Day on February 16, 2008, Holloway encouraged girls to explore the field. She urged them to think of areas of engineering they've never thought of, such as making jewelry or formulating moisturizers. Not that they couldn't build a bridge, but, "there's a softer side to engineering," Holloway said.

"It's all about empowering women," added Monica Barnes, another Hampton Roads engineer. "We want to let women know they don't have to be dorky."

At the table behind them, 10th-graders Karen Haberland and Brittany Starek threaded white beads into bracelets and painted clear polish on their nails. Then they stuck them under ultraviolet light and watched them change colors. The light, Holloway explained, exposed pigment that couldn't be seen otherwise.

Womengineers Day began at Old Dominion University in 2001, said Karen Kendall, the engineering college's outreach coordinator.

"If you have a boy in school that's good in math and science, he's pushed to engineering," Kendall said. "If you have a girl who's good in math and science, she's pushed to teach."

Womengineers Day, which corresponds with the college's open house, also introduces female role models to both sexes, said Linda Vahala, associate dean.

Engineering is "a good, lucrative field," she said. "There's a lot of demand for our graduates."

Compiled from The Virginian -Pilot, February 17, 2008

ODU traditions of innovation, achievement, and expertise displayed at Engineering open house

Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology hosted its annual Open House and Design Contest on February 15-16 at Kaufman Hall.

Well into its second decade, the open house brought teachers, counselors, prospective students and parents to campus to learn more about ODU's engineering programs and facilities. Highlights on Friday were geared toward introducing secondary school students to the field of engineering. Laboratory tours provided examples of the exciting research at the college. Representatives from professional and student engineering clubs and societies were be on hand for mentoring opportunities, as well as to showcase student projects, including the Mini Baja Buggy and Formula SAE Racer.

Several engineering and technology design competitions were scheduled for high school and middle school students on Saturday. The events were designed to test the students' inventiveness and skills. Contests include: paper airplane toss, tallest freestanding building, egg drop, model span and a host of others.

During Saturday's events, Roberta Gleiter, CEO of the Global Institute for Technology and Engineering, and consulting engineer of Aerospace Corp., gave the keynote address. During her 27-year career in satellite engineering, Gleiter has worked with NASA on satellite launch pad safety and with the U.S. Department of Defense on spacecraft design and development.

SBRCD Career Day Event 2008

The Shipbuilding and Repair Career Day Event was held in Ted Constant on February 21, 2008 at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. It offered an educational and fun-filled environment for middle and high school students to learn about various career paths and opportunities in shipbuilding and repair industry. The event was held from 8.00 am till 2.00 pm. About 600 students and 50 teachers participated in this daylong event from 20 different schools in Virginia.

The career day event was divided into three major activities:

• Industry Expo: More than twenty companies, government organizations and educational institutions took part in the Industry Expo. Companies included Northrop Grumman Newport News, Colonna's Shipyard Inc, BAE Systems, MHI, Northrop Grumman Ship systems, Technico and Earl Industries etc. The government organizations included MARAD and OSHA. Students talked to industry professionals and government representatives about their products, services and career opportunities. Industry Expo also included ROVR (virtual reality display) from NGNN. ROVR is a hi-tech tool used in ship design where designers can visualize their design in 3 dimensional environments using virtual reality. In addition, educational institutions offering programs in Marine Engineering and Technology provided information about educational pathways.
• Hands on Activities: Hands on activities gave students first hand experience about processes used in shipbuilding and repair. Students were able to perform weld inspection, drill holes, cut sheet metal, join parts by riveting and wire electrical circuits. In addition, ship design activities tested their creativity. More than ten hands-on activities provided a variety of experiences for students. The hands-on activities guided students through the real-life tasks and tested their practical knowledge.
• Shipyard Tours: Students were taken to working shipyards to observe shipbuilding and repair jobs. Tours were conducted throughout the day by two yards in Norfolk; BAE Systems Shipyard and Colonna's Shipyard.
• Welcome and Orientation: Upon arrival students were given bags containing a hardhat, and an event passport. Students were divided into different groups for the activities. A volunteer accompanied each group and guided students through Industry Expo and Hands-on Activities. Students had to visit at least six industry booths and participate in a similar number of hands-on activities and get their passports stamped. There was a raffle drawing for participants and two students won IPod Shuffles. At the end of the event, students evaluated the event and were assessed for the change in attitude about shipbuilding and repair careers.

Virtual Modeling Center Nominated for New Study

ODU's Virtual Modeling and Simulation Center could soon play a key role in settling disputes over the proposed solutions to Hampton Roads traffic congestion problems.

House Joint Resolution 194, put forward by Del. Chris Jones, R-Chesapeake, proposes to utilize VMASC's modeling capabilities to evaluate six potential transportation projects currently being considered by the general Assembly. Among these are an expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and a possible third crossing from the south island of the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel to I-564. Jones said" It is essential to proceed now as modeling and simulation will improve the understanding of the cost as well as explore scenarios for the population and economic growth of Hampton Roads".

ODU and VMASC, which have worked previously with the Virginia Department of Transportation on modeling projects, were eager to embrace the idea of virtual models to test different plans. Should Jones' proposal; be approved, the modeling center would conduct a series of tests and simulations that would aim to give planners a clearer picture of what traffic patterns would look like years down the road. The study would take into account future developments that would otherwise be difficult to account for, such as expanding population and increased traffic from the region's maritime ports.

Compiled from article by Alex MacDonald for Mace and Crown

VMASC Leads ODU's sponsored programs efforts

Dr. Michael McGinnis, Executive Director of VMASC stated" We're working on some very exciting things here". Utilizing cutting edge technology and some of the brightest minds in the Commonwealth, the modeling center is forging ahead with various projects that aim to improve the safety and quality of life for Virginia residents.

Among the studies being conducted is a State-requested traffic model of Hampton Roads which looks to chart and evaluate evacuation routes in case of a disaster. The center is also working on a model of local infrastructure including power lines, sewer systems and roadways, in order to virtually test them for potential weak points.

VMASC is conducting a study on the impact of the new Mearsk Terminal, which opened last September. The terminal is a potential area of concern for local officials, mainly because of the high level of traffic it could pour into Hampton Roads' already strained roadways.

Dr. Mohammed Karim, VP of Research pointed to how VMASC has moved beyond its initial focus on military research to include areas such as medical simulation and serious gaming as examples of its growing range of study. Aside from its research endeavors, the center is trying to stay active in the community by inviting local schools to view the facilities.

Compiled from article by Alex MacDonald for Mace and Crown

Virtual Reality makes Physical Therapy fun

The School of Physical Therapy is teaming with the university's Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center and Center for Learning Technologies to give walking-impaired patients a helpful dose of virtual reality.

Researchers are using virtual-reality Parisian scenery or a dragon-and-princess fantasy game to encourage therapy patients to extend the Virtual reality has long been used for military and pilot training. More recently, researchers have been looking at ways to adapt the technology for rehabilitation uses. Some groups have developed programs to enhance hand function or ankle function. Walker and her team decided to work on the whole-body task of walking. The combination of rehabilitation professionals and techno-wizards, such as engineers at VMASC, made ODU the perfect place to carry out research in virtual-reality-assisted therapies.

Corporations reach out to schools to create pipeline of future employees.

In a front-page story, the Wall Street Journal (3/6, A1, Chaker) reports that "corporations are reaching out to classrooms" and "drafting curricula while also conveying the benefits of working for the sponsor companies." They hope to "create a pipeline of workers far into the future" by "furnishing free lesson plans, and may also underwrite classroom materials, computers or training seminars for teachers." For example, "Lockheed Martin Corp. began funding engineering courses two years ago at schools near its aircraft testing and development site in Palmdale, Calif." Similarly, "British engine-maker Rolls-Royce PLC has helped fund high-school courses in engine propulsion," and the Intel Corp. "supports curricula in school districts where engineering concepts are taught as early as the elementary level." The Journal notes that "one of corporate-sponsored curricula's largest conduits into U.S. classrooms is Project Lead the Way," a nonprofit organization "that develops engineering coursework used in more than 2,000 schools nationwide." According to the WSJ, "Schools, for their part, have embraced corporate support as state education funding has remained flat for a decade." But critics point out that "such corporate input may blur the line between pure academics and a commercial agenda."

Old Dominion University is the State affiliate for Project Lead the Way in Virginia. To date, Batten College has helped about 40 Virginia schools to adopt PLTW's pre-engineering curriculum, train their teachers, and help equip their laboratories.

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Department Forms Modeling & Simulation Working Group

The EMSE department has established a Modeling and Simulation Working Group. The purpose of this group is to facilitate development of the unique role and contributions of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering to the Modeling and Simulation discipline. The group members include the following EMSE faculty: Resit Unal (Chair), Adrian Gheorghe, Chuck Keating, Ghaith Rabadi, Andreas Tolk, Patrick Hester, and Rani Muhdi. The group will focus on three primary objectives:

• 1.Examine the academic contributions of EMSE related to the Modeling & Simulation curriculum.
• 2.Identify the EMSE department research, capabilities, and contributions relevant to the emerging Modeling & Simulation discipline.
• 3.Provide integration and coordination of the EMSE department academic, research, and discipline activities related to Modeling and Simulation with the Virginia Modeling Analysis and Simulation Center.

Dr. Unal chairs the group and stated, "This group will formally recognize the unique contributions of EMSE to the academic and research domains of Modeling and Simulation - it is a natural fit with great opportunities to advance each of the disciplines".

Faculty Kudos

Noor published in Nov. 2007 "Mechanical Engineering"

The research of Ahmed K. Noor, director of the Center for Advanced Engineering Environments at ODU, was spotlighted in "Mechanical Engineering," a publication of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The article, entitled "Re-engineering Healthcare," is a blueprint for better health services by way of better communication, efficiency, streamlining unnecessary tasks, and next-generation technologies.

Laroussi named distinguished lecturer by IEEE

Mounir Laroussi, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Old Dominion University, has been named a Distinguished Lecturer for 2008 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

An expert in electrical engineering and bioelectrics, Laroussi was nominated for the honor by the president of IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Science Society. In this capacity, he will be invited to give presentations on his groundbreaking plasma-related research at various IEEE chapters around the country.

Laroussi, who directs ODU's Laser and Plasma Engineering Institute, holds several patents in the field of plasma applications and has authored or co-authored more than 50 papers. Developer of the "plasma pen", he has been at the forefront in researching plasma's healing qualities.

This article was posted on: January 22, 2008 on ODU news

New Journal of Physics Features Laroussi on Web Page

An interview with Mounir Laroussi, a cold plasma expert on the engineering faculty of Old Dominion University, appears with his picture on the Web page of the New Journal of Physics (NJP) as part of the international journal's celebration of the top articles it has published since it was founded 10 years ago.

In the interview, Laroussi discusses how he became interested in plasmas and has been a pioneer in the application of non-thermal plasma in medicine. Access to the interview is restricted, but most people in the ODU community can find it at http://www.iop.org/EJ/journal/-page=featauth/-author=1423/1367-2630.

NJP announced late last year that it had selected a paper about the germ-killing potential of cold plasmas authored by Laroussi as one of the most significant articles it published during the last decade.

The paper, "Plasma Interaction with Microbes," which originally was published in 2003, is in a special collection of article summaries commemorating the 10th anniversary of the journal in 2008. NJP debuted in 1998 as a publication of the Institute of Physics and the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.

This article was posted on: February 27, 2008 on ODU News

Andreas Tolk, Associate Professor for Engineering Management & Systems Engineering, was appointed as a subject matter expert for model composability and simulation interoperability to a dissertation committee at the University of Rostock, Germany.

Funds awarded for instruments, equipment - Spending package designed to bolster research

The Office of Research has awarded more than $1 million for instrument and equipment purchases in fiscal year 2008 to promote research by faculty members.

Mohammad Karim, vice president for research, said this spending package will cap a two-year, $4.6 million push by his office to better equip the university's laboratories and other faculty work spaces. Karim announced the 2008 awards, which fund 20 projects involving more than 40 different faculty members, on Jan. 17.

During this same two years period, the Colleges have invested over $3.2 million for procuring research equipment while the Office of Research has invested over $1.6 million in support of new faculty start-ups and $1.1 million for seed-funds totaling over $10.6 million investment by ODU to bolster its research agenda.

Complied from the Courier (February 15th edition)

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