Category Archives: Engineering

Myers-Lawson School of Construction charts future of the discipline with move into College of Engineering – Virginia Tech Daily

When the Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction was founded in 2006, several industry concerns were top of mind.

Among other priorities, the school was charged with growing the talent pipeline to meet an unfilled demand for highly skilled construction professionals and with creating a collaborative ecosystem within which industry and academia could discover and implement innovative technologies, approaches, and efficiencies.

Over 15 years later, those priorities remain unchanged and, in fact, have become even more pressing. Now, Virginia Tech is planning to further facilitate progress in these areas through its recent approval of a full transfer of Myers-Lawson into the College of Engineering.

The move, recently approved by the State Council for Higher Education for Virginia, not only streamlines administrative processes, but will also better support research and instructional partnerships across construction and engineering disciplines; offer students additional opportunities to pursue transdisciplinary research experiences; and open new doors to industry internships, co-ops, and collaborative projects focused on some of constructions most challenging problems.

As we welcome Myers-Lawson into the College of Engineering, we have a great opportunity to build upon the schools strong history of bridging the gap between academia and industry to move the discipline forward, said Julia M. Ross, the Paul and Dorothea Torgersen Dean of Engineering. Given emerging industry focus areas like prefabrication, robotics, additive manufacturing, energy production, and carbon emission reduction, the college is poised to both contribute to and benefit from increased alignment with construction research and instruction. This growing alignment between education and research across our disciplines is a core component of the colleges strategic plan.

Previously shared between the College of Architecture and Urban Studies and the College of Engineering, Myers-Lawson is one of only three schools of construction in the United States that offer both engineering and non-engineering construction degrees.

Its programs include undergraduate and graduate degrees in building construction, an undergraduate degree in construction engineering and management, and a doctoral degree in environmental design and planning. Additionally, the school partners closely with College of Engineering on graduate programs in civil engineering and with Pamplin College of Business for its undergraduate real estate program. Myers-Lawson also administers an interdisciplinary doctoral program known as BioBuild, which focuses on the planning and creation of bio-inspired buildings and communities.

Brian Kleiner, Myers-Lawson school director and the Ralph H. Bogle Jr. Professor in Industrial and Systems Engineering, sees the schools move as a chance to mobilize both engineering disciplines and construction to better support developments in manufacturing and construction 4.0. These concepts are aligned with industry 4.0 and seek to employ human-centered automation, advanced technologies, and new systems to improve industry processes and production.

Were looking at areas where wed like to grow and see great possibilities in closer association with our engineering collaborators, said Kleiner. Smart construction, new materials, modifications in civil infrastructure, and the integration of human-centered automation and technology across all construction sectors this is where the industry is headed. Its starting to mature from an innovation standpoint, and as we make progress, well need closer connections to those engineering sectors.

These sentiments are echoed by industry leaders and Myers-Lawson alumni alike, many of whom are seeking out the research and development testbeds offered by universities like Virginia Tech to spur advances in the discipline.

As a building construction alumnus and someone in industry who has long hired graduates of Virginia Techs program, Im very pleased to see Myers-Lawson move into the College of Engineering, said Preston White 63, founder and CEO of Century Concrete and member of Virginia Techs Board of Visitors.

The construction industry, perhaps now more than ever, is moving in a direction that increasingly seeks to leverage engineering disciplines and expertise, said White, who also serves on the schools executive committee. Although weve always collaborated with engineers, and Myers-Lawson has had a strong connection to engineering since its founding, we see these areas of overlap as becoming more relevant to the future of our work and the talent pipeline. We also think collaboration with the School of Architecture as a crossover is important as we move forward.

For an industry thats booming, some might wonder why the discipline appears to be pushing so hard for disruption. But construction is no stranger to deep-seated challenges, said Kleiner. Rising costs, labor and supply chain shortages, and issues with a historically homogenous workforce are only exacerbated by broader economic factors such as rising inflation and exploding demand. And construction has been slow to change or adopt new methods, with firms often prioritizing immediate financial concerns over long-term organizational innovation because much of the industry is made up of small to mid-sized companies.

This move for Myers-Lawson is coming at the right time, said Kleiner, for both our programs and where the industry wants to go.

Upon transfer into the College of Engineering, Myers-Lawson will retain its school title but function much like the colleges 12 other departments, with degree programs and requirements remaining unchanged. Although their degrees will be administered through the college, building construction students will not receive engineering degrees, nor will first-year building construction students be admitted into the general engineering program. These students will follow their established coursework and sequences for progress toward degree completion.

A long-standing program, building construction degrees have been offered at Virginia Tech since 1947, and when combined with graduates from other Myers-Lawson programs, the College of Engineering looks to welcome over 2,000 alumni into the college upon the transfers approval.

Read the rest here:

Myers-Lawson School of Construction charts future of the discipline with move into College of Engineering - Virginia Tech Daily

CIEE reintroduces Minority Introduction to Engineering summer program – Office of Communications and Marketing

First launched over four decades ago, Auburns Minority Introduction to Engineering program, or MITE, will be reinstituted the first week of July 2022.

This is the first time in more than two decades that this program will be offered on Auburns campus. MITE is an adjunct program of the universitys Center for Inclusive Engineering Excellence (CIEE) program. It is open to any eighth-grade through 12th-grade students and will be in person from Tuesday, July 5 to Saturday, July 9.

Students in the program will have the opportunity to stay on campus in one of the residence halls and will engage with students in various activities, as well as meet current undergraduate students, faculty and administration. Participants will learn about engineering majors and the vast array of potential engineering careers available to them.

The goal of the MITE program is to provide participants with exposure and exploration of engineering projects through hands-on experiences. Participants will learn aspects of engineering and their impact by exploring these skills such as engineering design, real-world problems, academic success strategies, college preparation workshops, essay writing and test-taking strategies.

Full story can be read here.

More here:

CIEE reintroduces Minority Introduction to Engineering summer program - Office of Communications and Marketing

EXUMA Biotech Announces Participation in the In Vivo Engineering of Therapeutic Cells Summit – PR Newswire

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EXUMA Biotech, Corp., a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing cell and gene therapies for liquid and solid tumors, announced that Dr. Sid Kerkar, the company's Vice President of Oncology, Research and Development, will participate in the In Vivo Engineering of Therapeutic Cells Summit organized by Hanson Wade on July 12-14, 2022 in Boston.

"We are encouraged by the preclinical findings with EXUMA's novelin vivoGCAR technology, which has the potential to overcome many of the barriers surrounding currentex vivoCAR therapies.Our mission is centered on creating highly effective, safe, and durable treatments while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, and increasing the speed and quality of delivery for the next generation of cell and gene therapies for cancer patients," said Sid Kerkar, M.D., VP Oncology, R&D.

EXUMA Biotech-Tuesday, July 12th, 2022

Participation: Pre-Conference WorkshopTitle: Moving from Ex Vivo to In Vivo CAR T Engineering to Improve Clinical Performance & AccessibilityDetails: In vivo CAR T has the potential to overcome challenges including production time, cost, and manufacturing delays, which could make this therapy more broadly available to patients.This workshop will offer a deep-dive view into everything you need to know about CAR T and how to make the switch to the in vivo approach.EXUMA Biotech Speaker: Dr. Sid Kerkar, EXUMA Biotech VP Oncology, R&DTime: 10:00 AM ET

EXUMA Biotech-Wednesday, July 13th, 2022

Participation: Fireside ChatTitle: Industry Leader's Fireside Chat: In Vivo Engineering of Therapeutic Cells as the Future of Cell & Gene TherapyDetails: This panel will explore what has inspired the move from ex vivo to in vivo therapies and will outline the advantages that in vivo cell and gene therapies offer.Speakers will discuss next steps to streamline pre-clinical development to fast-track in vivo therapies to the clinic.EXUMA Biotech Speaker: Dr. Sid Kerkar, EXUMA Biotech VP Oncology, R&DTime: 9:30 AM ET

EXUMA Biotech- Thursday, July 14th, 2022

Participation: Roundtable SessionTitle: Optimizing the In Vivo Approach: Considerations for Safety & TolerabilityDetails: Dr. Kerkar will offer details on improving the safety and tolerability of in vivo therapies.He'll explore off target effects and will address issues of immunogenicity, integration, insertional mutagenesis, oncogenicity and pre-clinical models for toxicology.EXUMA Biotech Speaker: Dr. Sid Kerkar, EXUMA Biotech VP Oncology, R&DTime: 1:30 PM ET

About EXUMA Biotech

EXUMA Biotech is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the discovery and development of novel cell and gene therapies for the treatment of solid and hematological malignancies.The company is leveraging a global R&D footprint to advance product candidates designed to have reduced cost and complexity with safety, efficacy and scalability differentiated from existing cell therapies. EXUMA Biotech is headquartered in West Palm Beach.For more information visit exumabio.comand connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

For more information: http://www.in-vivo-engineering.com

Business Development Contact

Gregory R Wade[emailprotected]

CONTACTSusan Roberts[emailprotected]

SOURCE EXUMA Biotech Corp.

See original here:

EXUMA Biotech Announces Participation in the In Vivo Engineering of Therapeutic Cells Summit - PR Newswire

Cavan Solutions Inc. Awarded the FAA Systems Engineering and Technical Innovative Solutions (SETIS) Contract – Yahoo Finance

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cavan Solutions Inc, a proven provider of highly technical support services to the FAA and NASA, is pleased to announce that they have been awarded the FAA Systems Engineering and Technical Innovative Solutions (SETIS) contract. The multi-award IDIQ contract has a contract ceiling of$2.3Band a 10-year period of performance if all options are exercised.

"We are proud to be among the premiere aviation companies selected for a SETIS award" -CEO Mary Pritchard

Cavan and its exceptional team will provide National Airspace System (NAS) Modernization and Air Traffic Management (ATM) support to the FAA NextGen Organization. The broad range of services encompassed by the program include Future NAS Research and Development; Innovation Support such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) and Commercial Space; Systems Engineering and Integration; Integrated Laboratory Support; Automation, Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance Support; Safety; Aviation Weather; Cybersecurity; Cloud Computing; Data Analytics; and Program Planning and Management.

"We are proud to be among the premiere aviation companies selected for a SETIS award. The contract will help the FAA chart the future of aviation for the next decade and Cavan is very excited to be part of that important work" said CEO Mary Pritchard. "Cavan and our SETIS partners are committed to the FAA's success advancing the National Airspace System."

About Cavan SolutionsCavan Solutions, a woman-owned small business, is a premier provider of high technology services specializing in systems engineering, air traffic operations, data analytics, and business management. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the company has earned a reputation for advancing research and emerging technologies into operationally viable solutions that deliver the benefits of the next generation aviation system.

Story continues

For more information visit: http://www.cavansolutions.com

Cision

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cavan-solutions-inc-awarded-the-faa-systems-engineering-and-technical-innovative-solutions-setis-contract-301581776.html

SOURCE Cavan Solutions

Here is the original post:

Cavan Solutions Inc. Awarded the FAA Systems Engineering and Technical Innovative Solutions (SETIS) Contract - Yahoo Finance

Queen’s University Department of Chemical Engineering: Thrive in a community-centric environment – Study International News

A world-class academic reputation, award-winning teaching staff, and a supportive community these are just some of the qualities that make an education at Queens University stand out. Established in 1841, Queens has a history of excellence as a leading Canadian research institution. Its commitment to the leading edge of scientific research is matched by its dedication to establishing an accepting and encouraging environment where students are encouraged to thrive academically and grow as individuals.

Its Department of Chemical Engineering is no different. Recognised as one of the top three research departments in Canada, Queens Chemical Engineering brings together the sharpest minds across the globe to carve out a brighter, bolder future.

Its selection of specialised undergraduate programs are among the first Chemical Engineering and Engineering Chemistry in North America.

Today, its graduate degree offerings include a Masters of Applied Science (MASc), Masters of Engineering (MEng) and a Doctoral programme. Students at Queens Chemical Engineering are taught by leading researchers and experts in their fields. Our department offers a supportive, friendly and collegial environment for conducting world-class calibre research, shares Professor Michael Cunningham, himself a Queens graduate with substantial industry experience. We have a broad range of research topics available through our faculty, with strong funding from both government and industrial sources. Several professors are national and international leaders in their respective fields, creating the opportunity for graduate students to have a rich, stimulating experience in their studies.

At the heart of Queens Chemical Engineering is the exploration of topics that are relevant and critical to the realms of science and technology. Cunningham teaches two graduate modules: the first surrounding the preparation of polymer nanomaterials, and the second examining the principles and practices of Green Engineering. The two modules are quite different, but both are rooted in the importance of developing new, sustainable routes for making materials, he says.

Experiential opportunities to enhance the learning experience are plenty. Many students travel within Canada and abroad as part of their professional development, says Cunningham. These experiences can take the form of travel to national and international conferences, exchange programmes at international universities of durations varying from several weeks to several months (e.g. France, Switzerland, Japan), and internships with companies sponsoring research within the department.

Source: Queens University, Department of Chemical Engineering

Life on campus is also fulfilling. There are many chances to connect with a thriving student community, from joining groups and societies to pursuing activities to improve health and wellness: Queens ranks third overall for student satisfaction, and first in extracurricular activities in Canada.

The Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association (CEGSA) is one of many societies at Queens that is fostering connections and camaraderie within the graduate community. From community events to platforms for students to share their research to others at Queens, CEGSA holds a variety of social events for graduate students.

Prior to the pandemic, CEGSA organised a trip to attend Fort Fright Kingstons famous haunted house at Fort Henry, shares Brianna Bradley, a PhD student at Queens. Walking through the fort and experiencing the spooky decorations was a great way to bond with other students in the department. To maintain community spirit during the pandemic, CEGSA organised virtual bingo and trivia nights, complete with prizes for the winners.

Queens has a large student population of almost 28,000 students, but thanks to its tight-knit community, everyone feels connected. Its always helpful to be able to connect and chat with others who are sharing a similar experience to you, says Bradley. CEGSA events such as the CEGSA Fridays at the Grad Club and the Tea/Coffee Breaks in the Grad Student Lounge are fantastic ways to take a break, enjoy some snacks, and chat with other graduate students in the department.

To support Queens Chemical Engineerings community of international students, CEGSA has set up an international affairs position. This rep serves as a point of contact to support international students with matters related to work/study plans, visa issues, livelihood, and entertainment, shares Bradley. They also ensure that the international student perspective is represented in CEGSA proceedings.

All in all, its certainly one of the best institutions for any aspiring engineering graduate and one that will serve as an experience that theyll cherish for a lifetime.

Follow Queens University Department of Chemical Engineering on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

See more here:

Queen's University Department of Chemical Engineering: Thrive in a community-centric environment - Study International News

Army Corps of Engineers warns most water-related accidents and fatalities occur in July – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reminding the public that more water-related accidents and fatalities occur at its lakes and river projects in July than in any other month.

July is the month when we normally see the most water-related accidents and fatalities so there is reason to be concerned, said Pam Doty, USACE National Water Safety Program Manager. We stress to the recreating public a number of things to be aware of while in, on, or near open water.

Park rangers and other staff at our lakes and river projects will be especially vigilant this time of year in looking for and cautioning the public about risky behaviors, added Doty.

USACE wants you to be aware of these things while in, on, or near open water (lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.):

Most adults who drown in open water knew how to swim and exceeded or overestimated their swimming abilities. People normally learn to swim in a pool where they can easily reach the sides or push off the bottom when they need to take a break. There are no sides to grab onto in open water and the bottom can be several feet below you, which can make taking a break and relaxing hard to do unless you are wearing a life jacket.

When swimming or wading along a shoreline there might be a deep drop-off just a few feet away. Drop-offs might be more than 100 feet deep at some lakes. Swimming in a protected area, such as a cove or around a boat, might seem safer, but even in those situations you can become exhausted. Boats tend to drift away and people misjudge distances like how far it is to the shoreline.

Sometimes people who become exhausted while swimming or overestimate their swimming ability never learned proper swimming breath techniques. Holding your breath too long while swimming or over-breathing by taking several deep breaths in a row (hyperventilating) before a swim can cause shallow-water blackout. Shallow-water blackout causes people to faint or blackout in the water and drown. A simple description of what makes that happen is that its the result of low oxygen to your brain. Shallow-water blackout often happens to people who know how to swim well because they deny their bodys desire to inhale for too long. Once someone loses consciousness water enters the lungs, causing them to drown.

Some adults are hesitant to tell their friends that they cannot swim well. In a pool they can get away with that mentality easier than they can in open water. In open water even strong swimmers can become exhausted and drown. Also, if you dont often swim your swimming ability will decrease the older you get. Some people may know how to float, but they dont think about survival floating when they panic. Wave action and currents also make it difficult to float in open water.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is something to be aware of when boating and swimming or floating around boats. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. Sources of carbon monoxide on your boat may include engines, gas generators, cooking ranges, and space and water heaters. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include eye irritation, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness. Knowing these signs and what to do to prevent them can help you stay alive. Install or use a properly maintained carbon monoxide detector on your boat. Turn off the boats engine and other carbon monoxide-producing equipment when anchored. Always maintain a fresh circulation of air through and around your boat. Avoid areas of your boat where exhaust fumes may be present. Do not let anyone swim under or around the boarding platform. Be aware of back drafting or what is also called the station wagon effect while boating. This is when the wind is coming from the rear of your boat and can increase the buildup of carbon monoxide on board. Its best to run your boat so prevailing winds will help dissipate exhaust fumes.

Wearing a life jacket can significantly increase your chances of survival, so when in, on, or near open water please wear a life jacket that fits you properly and is designed for your water-related activity. Some people say that you cannot swim in a life jacket, but that is not true. The belt-style, inflatable life jacket that you manually inflate is ideal for swimmers in open water. All you have to do is wear it and, when you need it, pull the inflation cord, let it inflate, and put it over your head. An oral inflation tube is provided on all inflatable life jackets as a backup inflation device. Non- or weak swimmers and anyone under the age of 16 should not wear an inflatable life jacket. There are other styles of comfortable life jackets that they can wear including vest styles that come in many different sizes and colors.

A lot of people who go boating never intend to enter the water so they dont wear a life jacket, but an incident can quickly happen that causes you to fall or to be thrown out of your boat. If that happens you will not have enough time to grab a life jacket before you are in the water. Those with you might not have time to save you by reaching or throwing something that floats to you, and you will be placing their lives at risk. So please wear a life jacket while boating to help ensure you return home safely to enjoy boating another day.

For more water safety information visit http://www.PleaseWearIt.com and follow Please Wear It on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Remember, Life Jackets WornNobody Mourns.

USACE statistics indicate that in the past 10 years 88 percent of public recreation fatalities were male, 87 percent were 18 years old and older, and 89 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Most of the fatalities, 47 percent, occurred while swimming in areas not designated for swimming and swimming in association with boating, and 21 percent occurred from falls from boats, docks, and shorelines.

USACE is one of the nations leading federal providers of outdoor and water-based recreation, hosting millions of visits annually to its more than 400 lake and river projects. Its estimated that 90 percent of the USACE-operated recreation areas are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas, offering diverse outdoor activities for all ages close to home. For more information on USACE recreation sites and activities, visit http://www.CorpsLakes.us.

Read the original post:

Army Corps of Engineers warns most water-related accidents and fatalities occur in July - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Engineering giant Renishaw in 50m expansion of its South Wales operation – Business Live

Engineering technology firm Reinshaw has confirmed a major expansion of its manufacturing operation in South Wales with a 50m investment.

At its existing 193-acre site in Miskin, near Cardiff, it will build 400,000 sq ft of additional low carbon buildings - almost doubling its presence where it employs 650.

The investment will deliver new production halls and an employee welfare facility. The existing production halls will also be refurbished to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Planning permission for the expansion, at the former Bosch automotive site which was acquired by Renishaw in 2011, was granted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council last year.

Renishaw said the additional manufacturing capacity is required to meet its forecast sales growth in the coming years and will also enable it to help achieve its 2028 net zero target. At this stage it couldn't give any indication of the scale of any new job creation at Miskin.

The construction will be completed in phases, with a 15-month programme of work starting in July to build a first hall of 188,800 sq ft, the welfare facility and supporting infrastructure.

The basic shell for the second new production hall, extending to 195,800 sq ft, will be built by December 2024. It will be completed when business levels require it.

Full details of the operations that will take place in each of the new halls has yet to be confirmed, but will see a ramping up in machining operations and the assembly of products already built at the site, including Renishaws metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) machines.

By the end of 2024, the company also aims to have refurbished the two existing halls reduce their carbon emissions including new energy-efficient cladding and the replacement of existing heating systems.

The investments complement initiatives at the companys other global sites, including large investments in roof-mounted solar panels, new car port solar panels, and feasibility studies to assess the viability of wind power.

Gareth Hankins, head of global manufacturing, said, The last two years have highlighted the importance of in-house manufacturing for Renishaw and the control that this gives us in meeting our quality, cost and delivery targets. This significant investment by our board to increase the groups production capabilities demonstrates a huge vote of confidence in our manufacturing operations and people, at an exciting time for the business.

UK-based Renishaw is a world leading engineering technologies company, supplying products used for applications as diverse as jet engine and wind turbine manufacture, through to dentistry and brain surgery. It has over 5,000 employees located in the 36 countries where it has wholly-owned subsidiary operations.

Continue reading here:

Engineering giant Renishaw in 50m expansion of its South Wales operation - Business Live

Alumnus and professor named new head of biomedical engineering – Pennsylvania State University

My education and career path mirror the broadness of biomedical engineering across fields, Hayes said. Im probably from one of the first generations of students trained as a convergent researcher. Now, everyone understands the need for inter- and multidisciplinary research, especially as it relates to health and disease.

Hayes researches and engineers advanced biomaterials for applications ranging from regenerative medicine to lab-on-a-chip technologies to drug delivery systems. He holds 10 patents, with another nine pending, based on his research. The work reflects several areas of expertise and the value of collaboration across Penn State, Hayes said.

Biomedical engineering is central to the future of Penn State, not only for the Universitys research impact, but for the education of future engineers and scientists, Hayes said. Innovative, cross-cutting and leading-edge research is critical to education. The best way to train the people who will build on current research is by having them research and make the connections to expand beyond todays questions to tomorrows answers.

By positioning the department to partner with units more broadly across Penn State, as well as expanding undergraduate research opportunities and growing graduate programs, Hayes said his plans can be summed up in one word: impact.

Ive worked with the faculty and staff in biomedical engineering for six years and with others across the University for more than 25 years, Hayes said. I have no doubt that, together, we will develop new research centers that join varied knowledge and resources, and we will establish joint faculty appointments to leverage specialized, intersecting expertise. Biomedical engineering is a young program, and it will only become more valuable to the University as it grows and matures.

Hayes said he aims to continue fostering a culture that values diversity, both in research and in people, to strengthen the department.

Dr. Hayes is both an excellent researcher and an exceptional colleague, said Justin Schwartz, Harold and Inge Marcus Dean in the College of Engineering. He most recently served as the colleges ombudsperson, a leadership role requiring the utmost trust of peers and respect of the University faculty senate to successfully resolve conflicts and elevate systematic issues for organizational review. With an extensive record of service to both Penn State and his profession, especially as a mentor for junior faculty, Dr. Hayes has clearly demonstrated how care and collaboration produces strong research that impacts and inspires others.

Hayes, who grew up in State College, said he dreamed of becoming a Penn State faculty member while he was in school.

Im very excited to lead the Penn State Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hayes said. Theres no limit to what you can achieve as a Penn State biomedical engineer.

More here:

Alumnus and professor named new head of biomedical engineering - Pennsylvania State University

Oregon State University part of $8M federal effort to improve electric grid operation – Oregon State University

CORVALLIS, Ore. Oregon State University is part of an $8 million Department of Energy effort to update and improve the operation of the nations hydroelectric generation systems, many of which are roughly a century old.

Ted Brekken, professor of electrical engineering and computer science in the OSU College of Engineering, will lead Oregon States $1.9 million portion of the project, along with co-principal investigators Eduardo Cotilla-Sanchez and Yue Cao, also electrical engineering and computer science researchers at Oregon State.

Brekken, who oversees the Wallace Energy Systems & Renewables Facility at OSU, will explore ways to enhance grid function and flexibility as the grid receives more electricity from wind and solar sources and deals with modern loads such as the charging of electric vehicles.

These advances and improvements can be implemented within the next five to 10 years and will be relevant for decades to come, Brekken said.

Brekken is part of OSUs Energy Systems group, which conducts research on a range of topics including renewable energy, motors, generators, power supplies, power quality and electrical systems resiliency.

Brekkens team on the Department of Energy project is aiming to demonstrate and quantify the value of a hybrid hydroelectric-storage generation unit, which involves combining a hydropower unit that does not have storage capability with supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors are short-term energy storage devices commonly used in systems requiring regular and rapid charge/discharge cycles, like automobiles and other vehicles, elevators and industrial machinery.

Brekken will guide the construction of a 200-kilowatt, lab-based hybrid hydroelectric-storage generation unit to serve as a testing ground for performance analysis and model validation.

The team will also develop a high-resolution, real-time, wide-area grid model for investigating the hoped-for grid operation benefits, which include improved ability to accommodate the growth of wind and solar generation, along with overall grid operational resilience and stability.

The other two grants awarded by the Department of Energy as part of the $8 million funding package to improve hydropower flexibility and grid reliability both went to teams led by power companies, General Electric and Littoral Power Systems.

Hydropower, one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy, uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity. It accounts for nearly 60% of Pacific Northwest electrical generation, 37% of total U.S. renewable electricity generation, and roughly 7% of total electricity generation, according to the DOE.

Go here to read the rest:

Oregon State University part of $8M federal effort to improve electric grid operation - Oregon State University

Driving Crypto Innovation Through Top Engineering Talent in Canada – Ripple

Today we announced the opening of our new office in Toronto that will serve as a key engineering hub. The new office will be our first in Canada, supporting our continued growth in North America and beyond. We plan to initially hire 50 engineers in Toronto with the goal to expand to hundreds of blockchain software engineers including applied machine learning scientists, data scientists, and product managers.

Crypto and blockchain present an incredible opportunity for engineers to tackle difficult problems, with the potential for these solutions to impact the movement of value around the world, says Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple. Nearly every financial institution is coming up with its crypto strategy to take advantage of this technology that will underpin our future global financial systems. Crypto is one of the most thrilling industries to work in, so its no surprise that talent is leaving tech incumbents and traditional finance to enter this space. We are continuing to scale and invest in our business by expanding our presence globally with our first office in Toronto.

While others in the industry have announced layoffs and hiring freezes, our key priority remains bringing on world class talent that will help us innovate and serve our customers for years to come. In the past year alone, weve opened new offices in key cities including Miami and Dublin and plan to hire hundreds of people globally in 2022.

At Ripple, we are a team building breakthrough crypto solutions to unlock greater economic opportunities for everyone, everywhere, and that creates an exciting atmosphere, says Devraj Varadhan, SVP of Engineering. We are excited to tap into Torontos technical talent pool and add builders to address the unmet customer needs on behalf of global customers our teams here will play a key role in driving Ripples innovations, ranging from blockchain protocol development and decentralized applications to machine learning and payment solutions.

The opening of the Toronto office further solidifies our commitment to a region that is already a prominent tech hub. We will tap into the local talent pool and recruit top engineers to foster crypto innovation in Toronto.

Im thrilled that Ripple is putting down roots in Toronto where we know the company will be able to benefit from the highly skilled technical talent, booming ecosystem, and competitive economic advantages the Region offers, said John Tory, Mayor of the City of Toronto. Ripples globally-renowned, innovative technology, and first-mover attitude will be a perfect fit for the diverse, entrepreneurial, and committed spirit of Toronto.

We have strong ties to the Toronto community through our University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) and in working with top-tier universities and colleges such as the University of Waterloo and Toronto Metropolitan University. Together with UBRI supporting leading research in several key areas of blockchain and crypto technology, we can provide students with opportunities to acquire strong technical skills.

Through our UBRI partnership, graduate students are trained on the latest in blockchain and its underlying fundamentals so theyre well-prepared to enter the workforce, says Professor Anwar Hasan of the University of Waterloo. Ripple and UBRI have played an important role in helping to foster talent within the University and with the opening of its Toronto office, were excited to see our graduates continue their blockchain journeya city with a fast-growing tech scene.

The Cybersecurity Research Lab of Toronto Metropolitan University is helping to accelerate breakthrough innovations in blockchain and digital payments happening within Toronto through its partnership with UBRI, says Dr. Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan, Canada Research Chair and Associate Professor, Information Technology Management of Toronto Metropolitan University. Ripple has shown that its committed to providing the tools and resources needed to lead the way in these efforts, and we look forward to seeing the impact that the opening of its Toronto office will have on the continuation of these innovations in the future.

Discover how you can become a part of Ripples blockchain journey.

See the article here:

Driving Crypto Innovation Through Top Engineering Talent in Canada - Ripple