Michael P. Wolcott - US grants

The objective of this research is to produce plastics in microorganisms that grow naturally in wastewater treatment plants and then to mix these plastics with wood fibers to create wood-composite products that are used in door, window, decking, siding, and roofing applications. The approach to this research will be undertaken in three discrete tasks. Task 1 will characterize PHA-rich biomass from selected WTFs, develop a time cycle assessment of PHA within WTFs, and establish a biopolymer properties matrix based on lab-scale biopolymer production. Task 2 will evaluate critical biopolymer properties that impact the production and end-use performance of wood-composite products manufactured with wastewater biosolids. Findings from Task 1 and 2 will be used to develop a virtual manufacturing model in Task 3.

This project will develop an environmentally benign manufacturing process that utilizes thermoplastics biologically derived on renewable carbon sources (sewage); the bacterial biomass would otherwise be disposed, often in a manner that produces greenhouse gases. The process will reduce (1) our nation's reliance on fossil fuels, (2) additions to the global carbon budget, and (3) resource utilization in both the petroleum and timber industries. The proposed study will advance discovery while promoting teaching, training, and learning through actively involving college students and K-12 teachers in research related activities. Significant educational and research related findings generated as part of the project will be disseminated by all participants in peer-reviewed science and educational journals; local, regional, and national conferences; local school districts; and a website constructed as part of this project.

The Washington State University will hold a planning grant meeting to become a member of the multi-university Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Reinforcing Buildings and Bridges with Composites. The research team at Washington State University has considerable experience in managing large research teams. This will help to insure technical advances and industrial successes in the research program of this proposed center. The unique combination of materials development, codes and standards experience, and structural expertise will benefit the interdisciplinary needs of the industry.

Engineering - Materials Science (57)

This project is focused on increasing student involvement in active undergraduate research activities across engineering disciplines, primarily in the freshmen and sophomore years. This is being done by developing a two stage program. The first aspect is an intensive summer camp to provide basic information about research skills and techniques that are broadly applicable to science and engineering. After successfully completing the week-long summer program, students enter the second stage of the program; a mentoring and seminar program during the school year to pair students with faculty on campus. Faculty members from four engineering disciplines are participating in both the camp and school year programs. Up to 20 students per year are participating in the program. The program is creating new teaching strategies while providing a core group of faculty from several engineering programs an opportunity to develop expertise in a unique format of education not commonly carried out at universities. The program is being evaluated via a control group to assess measurable outcomes that include increased student participation in research and retention in engineering.

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5)

This engineering education research award to Washington State University will develop an integrated design experience focused on sustainability engineering. The goal of the project is to establish a replicable model for faculty development and student engagement in sustainability engineering. This will be achieved through a year long integrated design experience that brings together skilled practitioners with faculty and students. The goal is to better prepare students for the practice of engineering through apprenticeship type activities with skilled practitioners and faculty and focused on environmental sustainability. These techniques are expected to increase student's interest in engineering and will enhance the number who complete engineering degrees and are ready to fill engineering jobs.