1992 — 1994 |
Chen, Julie |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Research Planning Grant: Conformability of Fiber Preform Architectures @ Trustees of Boston University
The objective of this research is to determine the effect of the structure of a fiber preform on its conformability to certain part shapes -- e.g., corners, curves. The use of fiber preforms can significantly open up the medium to high volume composite markets due to its potential to produce cost-effective yet structurally sound, near net shape parts. However, complex part shapes can result in regions where the alignment of fibers is not in the direction of maximum loading. In addition, fiber movement can result in regions of low fiber volume fraction leading to weak spots. Both of these variations tend to occur in areas where stress concentrations are also a concern, resulting in failures below projected loading capacity. The project will investigate several methods of measuring preform deformation (e.g., tensile, shear, and bending behavior) -- including the use of optical and image analysis techniques, tracer fibers, and various load configurations simulating processing conditions. It is expected that this preliminary work will lead to a more detailed study resulting in the quantification of the deformation response of aligned, biaxial, and random fiber mats. By understanding the deformation behavior of different fiber mat geometries, the response of various preform architectures to processing conditions can be predicted and thus optimized to fit the desired part shape. A detailed understanding of the behavior of fiber mats is essential to the widespread use of composite materials in the "mass market" application areas, particularly in the automotive industry.
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0.951 |
1994 — 1998 |
Chen, Julie |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Research Initiation: Modeling of Textile Structure Deformation For Composites Manufacturing @ Trustees of Boston University
9409963 Chen The award is for research to understand and model the fundamental physical mechanisms which govern the deformation behavior of 2D and 3D textile woven fabrics used as preforms in composite manufacturing. Model experiments will be conducted to quantify local unit cell behavior under a variety of constraint conditions and to determine critical strain conditions for fiber buckling for various weave patterns. Results from those experiments will be incorporated into a unit cell model that can be used to predict quality of conformance to complex part shapes. The research is directed toward the establishment of scientific design guidelines for more efficient use of textile preforms. Insights gained from the research are likely to lead to the development of new, innovative, and robust methods for high volume manufacturing of composite parts.
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0.951 |
1998 — 2002 |
Chen, Julie Sherwood, James (co-PI) [⬀] |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Goali/Iucrp: Modeling of Co-Mingled Glass/Thermoplastic Fabrics For Low Cost/High Volume Composites Manufacturing @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
9800483 Chen The successful integration of lightweight composite structures into high volume applications is impeded by the lack of cost-effective, high quality manufacturing processes for these materials. This research will investigate the processing of co-mingled, non-crimp fabrics in a thermoplastic composite matrix. The goal of this research is to utilize a combination of experimentation, analytical modeling, and numerical simulation of the stamping process to optimize the material structure and the process parameters. In addition to regular interactions between the University and the industrial collaborator's (Ford Motor Company) researchers, access to the stamping equipment at Ford will lead to a more accurate understanding of the material behavior at the production scale, and quick turnaround of the results to the industrial process. It is anticipated that simulation of the manufacturing process can be used in conjunction with material characterization tests to reduce development cycle time, lower tooling costs, guide materials selection, and improve product and process reliability.
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0.951 |
1999 — 2004 |
Cao, Jian (co-PI) [⬀] Chen, Julie Sherwood, James [⬀] |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Intelligent Material and Process Design For Stamping of Structural Composites @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
Structural or continuous fiber composites possess the unique qualities of high strength, high stiffness, and lightweight, as well as tailorable thermal and electrical properties. Despite demonstrated success in low volume aerospace and defense applications, structural composites remain at the periphery of high volume industries such as construction, automotive, and consumer goods because of long cycle time. Stamping, the target manufacturing process of this project, provides a means of making composite sheet products at rates ten to a hundred times faster than any existing continuous fiber processes. However, to make composites stamping a viable process, one must understand how the fibers deform, what causes defects such as wrinkling and tearing, and how process parameters such as temperature, stamping rate, and boundary constraints all affect the material response. These challenging issues will be addressed by collaborative research between two universities and Ford. The investigators will apply their collective knowledge in the areas of sheet metal stamping, textile mechanics, and composites forming. The primary goal of this research project is the development of a composite stamping model to assist designers with optimizing material selection and tool/blank/process design for manufacturing. This knowledge will create opportunities for stamped structural composites to be utilized in high volume applications. The knowledge gained in this research will have not only a substantial impact upon industry but will be widely disseminated to industry practitioners and graduate and undergraduate students.
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0.951 |
2001 |
Chen, Julie Cao, Jian [⬀] |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Workshop: Composite Sheet Forming; September 12, 2001, Boston, Massachusetts @ Northwestern University
The aim of this Workshop on Composite Sheet Forming is to address key issues related to improving the viability of the composite sheet forming process in manufacturing. To accomplish this, the workshop will provide a forum for experimentalists, modeling specialists, statisticians, material suppliers and end users with the goal of formulating a feasible and representative benchmark and organizing for its execution. The benchmark will be used to standardize materials testing procedures for this new class of materials and to examine the current state-of-the-art in simulation. It is expected that the workshop will have significant international representation and will stimulate this kind of research in the U.S., which is unfortunately less active than our counterparts in Europe and Asia.
Composite sheet forming has demonstrated great potential as a valuable alternative to provide high-strength and low-weight products at a much-reduced manufacturing cost. This cost reduction is due primarily to significantly shorter cycle times and parts consolidation. Over the past several years, an international group of academic and industry researchers has conducted studies of the material behavior and the forming process, in conjunction with fabrication of prototype parts. The outcome of this work is a substantial body of experimental and modeling data. However, as the research in this area is still relatively new, as compared to the longer history of sheet metal forming, much of these results have lead to more questions than answers, which was well echoed at recent technical conferences. The state of the research efforts in composite sheet forming are at a critical point where benchmarking will lead to major advances in our understanding of the strengths and limitations of existing experimental and modeling approaches.
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0.942 |
2002 — 2006 |
Chen, Julie Sung, Changmo Barry, Carol (co-PI) [⬀] Mead, Joey [⬀] |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Interface Effects in High Volume Nanoscale Processing of Polymers @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
The overall objective of this research project is to understand the fundamental science affecting the nanoscale processing of plastics. Manufacturing is responsible for control of molecular morphology and geometry. At the nanoscale, control implies understanding interfacial effects. While much of the current nanotechnology research has focused on ceramic and metallic materials, there has been relatively little work done on the processing of polymers at the nanoscale. Yet, because of their low density, high toughness, and versatility, polymers will play an important role in the nanotechnology revolution. We intend to focus on the effect of polymer properties and process conditions on "internal" interfaces between phases in polymer blends and on the "external" material/tooling interface. Applications of this technology include extruded multicomponent thin films for conformable, high-density data or energy storage, injection-molded low-cost calibration standards, and electrospun nanowires and nanotextiles for circuits and selectively permeable membranes. This research project builds upon our unique strengths in the area of plastics processing, our exceptional contacts with industry and government labs, and our interdisciplinary interactions with faculty in polymer chemistry and the engineering programs at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell (UML).
The discoveries made as a part of this research project will be broadly disseminated through support of graduate and undergraduate students and yearly workshops open to industry and academia. To educate industry and the general public, a series of nanotechnology seminars will be developed in conjunction with UML's highly successful continuing education plastics seminar program. For the broader audience, through coordination by the UML Institute for NanoScience and Engineering Technology and the College of Engineering, the excitement of nanotechnology and research in general will be conveyed to middle school and high school students and teachers with hands-on demos and activities.
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0.951 |
2005 — 2007 |
Chen, Julie Doumanidis, Charalabos (co-PI) [⬀] Ando, Teiichi (co-PI) [⬀] Sun, Hongwei (co-PI) [⬀] |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Sger: Nano-Heater Systems For Thermal Nanomanufacturing @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
This project introduces a novel nano-heater source/valve concept, based on the exothermic material transformation of thin Ni and Al film pairs, deposited on the processed substrate. These are lithographically patterned into nanoscale islands in addressable arrays or custom layout systems, for in-situ, one-time localized rapid heating. Ignition and control of each nano-heater element is individually effected through thin dielectric and nano-channelled porous interlayers sandwiched between the Ni-Al films, by regulating the electrokinetic flow of reactants via interconnected electrical activation. This project will explore preliminary feasibility and utility of such nanoheater systems, by fabrication, testing, model-based thermal identification, design and control, to achieve specified dynamic thermal processing distributions at the nanoscale.
If successful, the nanoheaters will be suitable for multiple thermal nanomanufacturing processes, especially in nanotemplated tools for massive processing of polymer substrates and nanofiber membranes, and autonomous power applications. On the other hand, they would be valuable as on-board power sources for autonomous operation of numerous nano/micro-electromechanical systems (N/MEMS), nanomotors, biomedical devices etc. Broader impacts of nano-heater research emanate from its integration with education and training activities, to be pursued via curricular materials and functional rapid prototypes, illustrating the scaling laws of thermal processing. In addition, they stem from the technical benefits of the technology, including its manufacturing simplicity, affordability, scalability, flexibility, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
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0.951 |
2005 — 2010 |
Chen, Julie Sherwood, James [⬀] Gorbatikh, Larissa |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Linking Process-Induced Properties to Thermoplastic-Matrix Woven-Fabric Composites Performance @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
The objective of this research is to utilize an integrated analytical, experimental and numerical effort to attain a fundamental understanding of two governing physical phenomena - interlayer (fabric-fabric) friction and interconnected through-thickness and in-plane compaction. Modeling of the in-service performance of thermoplastic-matrix woven-fabric reinforced structural composites - e.g., damage tolerance, crashworthiness, vibration - is currently inadequate for parts of any geometric complexity because of the inability of existing performance models to capture the true deformed material properties. The key to taking advantage of the reduced weight and potentially increased occupant safety that these composites can offer is to provide a direct link between part geometry, material selection, process conditions, process-induced local properties, and part performance, thereby allowing informed feedback to the design process. The capabilities of the predictive model will be demonstrated by considering a prototype part from design conception, to manufacturing under a set of prescribed conditions, through seamlessly examining its in-service performance. This research is being cosponsored by the DOE Freedom Car Project.
The availability of a predictive model that can be widely used by industry will facilitate the greater use of lightweight composite materials in the automotive industry, increasing fuel-efficiency without sacrificing safety. In coordination with the overall theme of processing-structure-performance interrelations, outreach efforts are planned to develop new sessions on "Design, Fabrication, and Testing of Braided Composite Baseball Bats" for grade 8-10 participants in the extremely successful UMass-Lowell Design Camp. A similar summer-session collaboration with Cislunar Aerospace, Inc. is planned for introducing girls to science and engineering through examples of aerodynamics in sports. In addition, all undergraduate and graduate students in this project will have the opportunity for extensive interactions with our industry (Ford, GM) and international (Belgium, UK, France) partners.
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0.951 |
2006 — 2007 |
Chen, Julie |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Us-Japan Young Researchers Exchange in Nanomanufacturing and Nanotechnology @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
ABSTRACT
Both the United States and Japan have recognized the potentially revolutionary contributions of Nanomanufacturing and Nanotechnology to a broad range of fields, including human and environmental health, communications and electronics, national security, and transportation. With significant investments by both countries, exciting research discoveries in nanoscience and nanotechnology have been occurring at an explosive rate. However, for these laboratory discoveries to have an impact on a commercial scale, critical fundamental scientific barriers to achieving high volume, high rate processing at the nanoscale must be overcome. Solving these complex nanomanufacturing problems requires the collaboration of researchers across multiple disciplines as well as across international boundaries, to enable the optimal utilization of expertise and resources.
To facilitate these types of multi-disciplinary, international collaborations, we propose to organize the third program of the NSF-MEXT Young Researchers in Nanotechnology Exchange series initiated in 2003, with an emphasis this year on Nanomanufacturing. The program includes a 1-day spring symposium in the US for the initial meeting of the US and Japanese researchers, followed later in the year by a 10-day visit to several Japanese universities and research institutions. The Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) will sponsor the Japanese participants.
The participants in this exchange program are primarily at the assistant professor level, with the intention of fostering long-term, substantive collaborations amongst the scientific leaders of the next decade(s). In addition, the selection of US participants has resulted in a team that is over one-third female and represents a broad geographical distribution.
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0.951 |
2007 — 2008 |
Chen, Julie Avitabile, Peter (co-PI) [⬀] Sherwood, James (co-PI) [⬀] Kurup, Pradeep Niezrecki, Christopher [⬀] |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Mri: Acquisition of a 3d Scanning Laser Vibrometer @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
Magnetorheological (MR) elastomer composites are among a few smart materials which can provide satisfactory performance on the four essential properties for engineering applications: quick-response, wide-controllable range, long-term stability, and simple servo-system. However, they are quite soft with respect to the storage moduli and uncontrollable in terms of damping ratios, impairing their great potentials applied to sensors, actuators, and semi-active devices. In this project, we aim to develop an integrated fabrication and testing system for novel MR elastomer nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), whose properties can be significantly improved and actively controlled in comparison with the existing MR composites. The system consists of a materials fabrication module and a materials testing module to control the ferrous particles and CNTs to form desired micro-scale and nano-scale structures respectively. The completion and success of the development will allow us to fabricate the state-of-the-art smart nanocomposites with improved performance and functionality. We are committed to taking advantages of the established system to investigate and optimize the nanocomposites performance for various engineering applications such as smart dampers and isolators for seismic protection of civil infrastructure, pressure sensors for structural health monitoring, adaptive power actuators and semi-active suspension for automobile systems, and adaptive acoustic emitters for sonar systems. This project is among the first attempt to develop such a fabrication and testing system for MR smart nanocomposites. It will lay a solid foundation for advanced research in the area of smart nanocomposites with various engineering applications. It will promote cross-disciplinary research among materials scientists, structural engineers, and solid mechanics researchers. Furthermore, it will provide the state-of-the-art instrumentation and opportunity for research training of diversified students to gain experience on hand-on training in materials design and system integration as well as actual control systems implementations.
Intellectual merit of the proposed activity: Strengths The PIs propose to acquire a 3D scanning laser vibrometer which will provide 3D non-contact vibration experimental data. The proposed equipment will enable the exploration of new areas of research such as health monitoring and crashworthiness.
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0.951 |
2007 — 2010 |
Chen, Julie Ando, Teiichi (co-PI) [⬀] Wong, Peter Gu, Zhiyong (co-PI) [⬀] |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Industrial Safety of Nanoheaters @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
Societal implications of nanotechnology have been well-recognized as critical to the life-cycle success of new nano-based products arising from recent exciting scientific discoveries. Much of the current societal emphasis has been on environmental and health effects of nanoparticles and nanotubes. In contrast, an area in which significant gaps of knowledge exist, with much less ongoing research, is the study of the industrial safety. In particular, while the potential explosion hazards of micron-size particles in coal mines, in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and in powder processing facilities are well known, safety guidelines do not exist for nanoparticles. Thus, the objective of this Center supplement is to better understand and mitigate the risk of fire and explosion during processing, handling, and transportation of nanoscale particles, wires, fibers, and films. The specific focus of the research is on metallic heterostructures (e.g., Aluminum and Nickel) whose exothermic reactivity can be harnessed for nanoscale (spatial and temporal) heating, but can also create the risk of accidental explosion. The intellectual merit of this research focuses on a fundamental understanding through integrated modeling and experiments of: (1) the effect of size, shape, agglomeration, and environment on ignition and explosion risk; (2) the effect of separation membranes to control both the ignition and the reaction propagation rate; and (3) methods of packaging nanoheaters to optimize effectiveness while minimizing safety risks during handling, transportation, and use.
This fundamental understanding will be applicable to a broader range of nanostructures. Thus, as the demand for larger quantities of nanoparticulates increases, the broader impacts of this research include reducing the risk of industrial accidents that can cause significant loss of life, damage to equipment and buildings, delay in production output, and loss of public trust in new technology. The knowledge gained from this research will be disseminated through the existing infrastructure of the Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing, including incorporation into EHS seminars to industry. In addition, our strong international connections will help to facilitate global discussion and implementation of more effective safety guidelines.
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0.951 |
2009 — 2012 |
Chen, Julie Niezrecki, Christopher [⬀] Avitabile, Peter (co-PI) [⬀] |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Dynamic Stress-Strain Prediction of Vibrating Structures in Operation @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
The research objective of this project is to integrate novel dynamic experimental measurements and computational modeling to predict the total spatial response and most importantly, how internal structural members respond to externally induced dynamic loads. For many complex composite structures (e.g. wind turbine, helicopter blades and other large flexible structures), mechanical failure is not externally apparent and typically occurs at the interfaces between the structure's surface and the internal ribs or stiffening members. Unfortunately, the interior dynamic response due to time-varying environmental, aerodynamic, and operating loads is not currently predictable from measured data. The proposed research will examine the use of analytical shape expansion functions for a large number of measured distributed points while rotating to predict interior dynamic stress-strain information at intricate joint interfaces, where failure often occurs. Such an approach will also enable the estimation of the externally applied distributed forces that are currently not measurable. The modeling approach can be applied to virtually any structure that has intricate joint interfaces by using a reduced number of measured degrees of freedom to interrogate or monitor a structure?s integrity. The proposed research is a new technology that will enable full-field dynamic measurement of rotating structures in operation, resulting in an improved understanding of the structural response of blades in flight. Both graduate and undergraduate students involved will gain an appreciation for current research areas important to industry and academia. The analytical tools can be used to create visually stimulating data that connects the effect of design decisions to the vibration response, and examples from music and sports can be tailored to the interest of different audiences to show how scientific research can contribute to our everyday lives. A strong outreach effort, building on previous successes, will be implemented using the animated image correlation data to motivate women and K-12 students to become interested in science and engineering.
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0.951 |
2010 — 2014 |
Chen, Julie Gu, Zhiyong [⬀] |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Collaborative Research: Microscale Joining Using Nanoheater Structures @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
This grant provides funding for a multi-institution, multi-disciplinary project to understand the processing-structure-property relationships of composite nanoheater-joining-material structures. The focus is on joining applications at the microscale level where spatial and temporal control of temperature profiles is important in complex geometries and heterogeneous devices with temperature sensitive parts. This research aims to understand (1) the fabrication of nanoheater composites of nanoheaters and joining materials, including the effect of mixing on proper distribution of heat output; (2) the deposition of the nanoheater-joining material composite onto flexible substrates; (3) the controlled, non-contact ignition of the nanoheaters; and (4) the functionality and reliability of the joining/interconnects. Both metal-based structures and polymer adhesives will be investigated. Fabrication and deposition of the composite joining system will be done by both ultrasonic powder consolidation and printing or direct electrospinning/electrospraying. Ignition experiments and modeling of self-ignition will be conducted. Finally, joint quality and robustness will be characterized.
If successful, this research will enable new ways of joining materials in conventional applications that increase productivity, reduce energy and material usage, lower costs, and broaden the range of products. This research is anticipated to lead to new ways to build microscale devices such as Lab-On-Chips, flexible electronics, micro-optical devices, sensors, medical devices, and energy and information storage devices. The project will also contribute to human resource development (especially women and minorities) and increased public understanding of STEM through collaborations with the Urban Massachusetts Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (UMLSAMP), local K-12 schools, the Museum of Science, and international partners (University of Cyprus).
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0.951 |
2012 — 2016 |
Ho, Ivy Bond, Meg (co-PI) [⬀] Tran, Nellie (co-PI) [⬀] Chen, Julie Rayman, Paula |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Collaborative Research: Institutional Networks and Continuous Learning to Undo Effects of Micro-Inequities On Women (Include-Women) @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
The unique collaboration between the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the University of Massachusetts Medical School has as its primary focus to quantify microinequities that affect the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in the STEM disciplines. Many advances have been made in addressing the most visible barriers to increased participation of women in STEM fields. However, to date, the focus on microinequities has relied on qualitative analysis of the subtle biases that prevent women STEM faculty from achieving their full potential. To date, little to no evidence has been provided on the creation or development of quantifiable metrics and tools for the assessment of subtle gender biases and other roots of microinequities in an effort to eliminate these subtle discriminations and, ultimately, make them negligible. A scientific understanding of and metrics for microinequities are expected to be relevant in refining existing techniques and designing new methods for addressing gender biases in the academy. This project, because of the nature of the partnership between these institutions, is expected to impact not only the campuses involved, but also multiple campuses within the Massachusetts public higher education system. The products that result from this project are also expected to benefit not only women, but also male faculty in all fields; and they will provide the foundation for addressing similar subtle biases in non-academic and/or international environments. Ultimately, with a robust dissemination plan, this project will transform the study of microinequities and how their impact on all underrepresented groups, both within and outside of academic arenas, is determined.
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0.951 |
2016 — 2018 |
Malcom, Shirley Rayman, Paula Chen, Julie Wong, Joyce (co-PI) [⬀] |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Creating a National Higher Education Rating System For Stem Equality Achievement (Sea): the Sea Change Workshop @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
The STEM Equity Achievement (SEA Change) workshop project will bring together teams from six to eight public and private higher education institutions to develop and launch a pilot program to recognize U.S. institutions higher education that have demonstrated commitments to promoting an equitable environment for underrepresented groups in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is a partner on this pilot project with the institutions of higher education. The model to be developed will be informed by the successful Athena SWAN model developed in the United Kingdom (UK). Athena SWAN evolved from work between the Athena Project and the Scientific Women's Academic Network (SWAN) which were earlier efforts to advance the representation of women in science, technology, engineering, medicine and mathematics in the UK.
The SEA Change workshop supported with this grant is expected to result in a rating model that the participating institutions will implement and test as a pilot. This pilot work will develop and refine a process and structure for a rating system that may be effective in the United States. Based on the success in the UK, this type of rating system could result in institutions of higher education voluntarily seeking ratings from the system.
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0.951 |
2016 — 2021 |
Bond, Meg (co-PI) [⬀] Ruths, Marina (co-PI) [⬀] Chen, Julie Moloney, Jacqueline Sobkowiczkline, Margaret |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Advance Institutional Transformation At the University of Massachusetts Lowell @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
The ADVANCE program is designed to foster gender equity through a focus on the identification and elimination of organizational barriers that impede the full participation and advancement of women faculty in academic institutions. Organizational barriers that inhibit equity may exist in areas such as policy, practice, culture, and organizational climate. The ADVANCE Institutional Transformation (ADVANCE-IT) track supports the development of innovative organizational change strategies within an institution of higher education to enhance gender equity in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) will implement a set of strategies designed to create an academic environment that supports gender equity so all faculty can achieve their highest potential. The UML project will focus on disrupting interpersonal and institutional microaggressions (casual belittling of socially marginalized groups made by individuals that intend no offense and are likely unaware of causing harm) that undercut productivity and well-being. The project includes three related studies of microaggressions at UML that will add to the knowledge base on the phenomenon and effective interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of microaggressions.
According to UNL, research suggests that microaggressions have a powerful, cumulative negative impact on individuals who experience them and impacts their access to support and advancement. The ADVANCE-IT program at UML will implement strategies to: (1) disrupt microaggressions, (2) promote alternative interactional patterns, and (3) address targeted aspects of the organizational context that can breed bias. These strategies address issues ranging from institutional procedures to interpersonal interactions. Activities include an information campaign and bystander training as well as comprehensive transparency and accountability initiatives to establish detailed procedures for committee decision making, workload distribution, and college and department-level self-assessment and action planning. The research studies will also further develop the research method of collecting journal data for studies of this nature.
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0.951 |
2020 — 2025 |
Chen, Julie Hart, Anastasios John (co-PI) [⬀] Reynolds, Elisabeth Saberi, Sara Kirk, Carolyn |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Fmnet: a Network For Rapid Execution For Scaling Production of Needed Designs (Respond) @ University of Massachusetts Lowell
Crises require rapid response, resilience, and preparedness, as observed in the COVID-19 pandemic. Crisis resilience and preparedness necessitates a rich manufacturing ecosystem of agile production assets which can be rapidly reconfigured, as well as an overarching innovation architecture that leverages policymakers and academics to accelerate crisis response. Now, more than ever, policymakers must develop actionable, evidence-based toolkits which can be reconfigured and deployed to combat the urgency and novelty of crisis scenarios. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 public health emergency reflect the breadth of disruption inherent to crisis events. For the COVID-19 crisis, it was necessary for manufacturing systems to rapidly pivot to fabricate critical life-saving products at scale without existing supply chains and manufacturing lines. In contrast to directly supporting a particular new manufacturing process, the RESPOND network will establish a transdisciplinary, diverse stakeholder ecosystem that sustains critical supernodes of communication and accelerated crisis response through product development, supply chain management and manufacturing capacity during crisis response. The future manufacturing focus of this network is providing the framework for understanding what shared resources, tools, and education and workforce development are needed to rapidly pivot manufacturing, for effective decision making by organizations, as well as stimulating new relevant research topics. The outputs of the network will thus be valuable beyond the scope of an individual crisis as an exemplar of product innovation in a truncated timeline, with limited information. The network is supported by the experience of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Emergency Response Team (MERT), a government-led initiative that facilitated the production of millions of medical products through dozens of pivoted manufacturing firms at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The RESPOND network will contribute principally to the fields of manufacturing science, agile business models, product development and innovation, emergency preparedness and resilience, risk management, economics, and data science. The network will disseminate its findings through partner engagements, convening activities, and publications which include actionable documentation, resources, and tools. This network will contribute directly to the aforementioned fields as well as form a foundational ecosystem upon which future research into related subjects can be performed. RESPOND will: (1) Perform a detailed analysis of the relationships between technological, organizational or environmental factors and the probability of firm-level success in pivoting production using fuzzy-set theoretical methods applied to data acquired through qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys of firms that were both successful and challenged in participating in MERT; (2) Refine statistical models utilized by the MERT and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for demand-projection across product categories with the intent to publish them as templates for future statistical models; (3) Utilize rank-matching and machine learning approaches in making recommendations for manufacturing capacity database architectures which may enable organizing bodies to triage efforts towards high-impact firms; (4) Evaluate the influence of exogenous factors on firm-level success and provide policy recommendations for emergency management stakeholders and regulators; (5) Prepare an adaptable game-based simulation framework used both as a research tool for informing alternative approaches and as an instructional tool in preparing stakeholders for future crises; (6) Physically or digitally convene a network of stakeholders around these activities and, especially, the aforementioned game-based activity, for the purposes of fostering connections, transferring knowledge between different actors, and refining research; and (7) Disseminate the sum-total of knowledge generated or captured within the preceding tasks through modular curricula deployed via academic and professional credentialing programs.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
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0.951 |