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Funded Research Projects

Projects by Topic
Advanced Manufacturing
Materials
Developing Commercially Viable Industrial Products From Biofuels Byproducts
Developing, processing, evaluating and simulating value-added processing operations for low-value biofuels byproducts.
Researcher: Robert Tatara, Ph.D.
Funded by: US Department of Agriculture
Irregular Titanium Powder Build Analysis
Determining the microstructure and mechanical properties that can be achieved with titanium powder, for use in direct energy deposition.
Funded by: Cristal Metals
Thin Ferritic Sheet Forming Limit Tests Using Micro Grids and Small-Size Dome
Providing testing services related to the forming capabilities of various thin metals.
Researcher: Jenn-Terng Gau, Ph.D.
Funded by: General Motors Co.
Thin Titanium Sheet Formability and Material Properties Evaluation
Providing testing services related to the properties of titanium sheets.
Researcher: Jenn-Terng Gau, Ph.D.
Funded by: General Motors Co.
Processes
Demonstrating Laser Assisted Machining Effectiveness
Demonstrating LAM effectiveness and the basic characteristics of silicon nitride.
Funded by: Namiki Precision Jewel Co. Ltd.
Providing an experimental and numerical solution to meet the challenges described in NIST's "Roadmap Workshop on Measurement Science for Metal-Based Additive Manufacturing," ensuring the adoption of additive manufacturing to manufacturing industries.
Funded by: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Technology Administration, Department of Commerce
Modern Manufacturing: A Collaborative Teaching and Learning Experiment
Researcher: Jenn-Terng Gau, Ph.D.
Funded by: National Science Foundation
OSU-DOE Laser Engineered Net Shaping Project
Fabricating the Case Western thermal fatigue dunk test geometry via the LENS process.
Funded by: Ohio State University
PVD Coating Process Parameters Study
Providing testing services related to PVD process parameters.
Researcher: Jenn-Terng Gau, Ph.D.
Funded by: General Motors Co.
Rapid Process Certification and Verification for High Value-Added and Low-Volume Production
Fabricating validation samples using laser-engineered net shaping processes.
Funded by: Northwestern University
Strategic Support for Laser-Based Manufacturing
Developing a mid- to long-term strategy and long-term R&D funding opportunities.
Funded by: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, National Laser Centre (South Africa)
Research and Development of Micromachining Concepts and Equipment
Developed a low-cost micromilling machine using state-of-the-art hardware and software to create 3D parts with accuracies of 2 to 3 microns. The project also uses dimensional metrology techniques to ensure needed manufacturing accuracy.
Researcher: Cliff Mirman, Ph.D.
Funded by: U.S. Army TACOM (subproject within larger grant)
Biomedical and Health Systems Engineering
Evaluating muscle activity and joint net torque in hand, shoulder and lower back during patient transfer using different engineering controls to determine the most effective patient handling device.
Researcher: Jaejin Hwang, Ph.D.
Funded by: NIOSH, Patient Positioning Systems, NIU
Hearing Impairment Prevention and Monitoring System for Incubator Newborns
Developing technology to generate a quiet environment for newborns inside incubators and decrease the risk of health impairment and disability.
Researcher: Lichuan Liu, Ph.D.
Funded by: Gerber Foundation
Intraocular Ophthalmic Cutting Device
Designing and creating a collapsible intraocular instrument that can cut the lens capsule and corneal endothelium in a controlled and reproducible manner.
Funded by: University of Illinois at Chicago
Master Research Agreement With Simmons Bedding
Agreement governs all future research projects conducted by NIU faculty and funded by Simmons Bedding Co.
Researcher: Lichuan Liu, Ph.D.
Funded by: Simmons Bedding Co.
Nutritional Product Formula Review
Reviewing nutritional product formulas and formula production.
Researcher: William Mills, Ph.D.
Funded by: PetAg
The Use of Microwave Imaging for Bone Densitometry
Investigating the feasibility from a theoretical standpoint of using microwave imaging for bone density scans.
Researcher: Veysel Demir, Ph.D.
Funded by: Polar Technology Development Centre Ind. Trade Inc.
Wireless Communication Integrated Active Noise Reduction System
Significantly reducing the noise level inside infant incubators using an active noise reduction approach.
Researcher: Lichuan Liu, Ph.D.
Funded by: Invictus Medical Inc.
Electronics and Sensors
Design of a Handheld RFID Reader
Designing an RFID reader for handheld devices that can be used for UHF RFID applications.
Researcher: Veysel Demir, Ph.D.
Funded by: Qimtek
Developing Matlab Models for Digital Power Converters
Developing Matlab models of digital power converters with varying magnetic loads, designing digital regulators, evaluating the performance of digital power converters under static and dynamic conditions.
Researcher: Liping Guo, Ph.D.
Funded by: Argonne National Laboratory
DO-160 Pin Injection Simulation
Improving client's ability to perform circuit design for lightning induced transient for pin injection susceptibility.
Researcher: Donald Zinger, Ph.D.
Funded by: UTC Aerospace Systems
Internet-Accessible Remote Laboratories With Collaborative Design
Developing an environment through synergistic blending of emerging Internet technology, software, computer interfacing, cutting-edge user interface, effective pedagogical design, and assessment and evaluation schemes to create a laboratory course within an undergraduate electrical engineering technology program.
Researcher: Abul Azad, Ph.D.
Funded by: National Science Foundation
Microchip for Testing Liquid Cooling of 3D ICs
Designing a microchip with arrays of heaters and temperature sensors.
Researcher: Ibrahim Abdel-Motaleb, Ph.D.
Funded by: Tezzaron Semiconductor Corp.
Universal Environment for Delivering Remote Laboratories Within the STEM Disciplines
Designing and developing a universal Internet-based remote laboratory environment.
Researcher: Abul Azad, Ph.D.
Funded by: National Science Foundation
Energy and the Environment
Energy
Design and Development of Enabling Teaching Tool for Renewable Energy
Expanding the renewable energy component in the existing engineering technology curriculum.
Researcher: Liping Guo, Ph.D.
Funded by: P&G Foundation
Design and Development of Hands-On Learning Experiences in Renewable Energy
Increasing the number of college graduates with renewable energy and power systems knowledge and skills.
Researcher: Liping Guo, Ph.D.
Funded by: Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
Energy Efficiency for Small and Medium Enterprises
Helping small and medium-sized companies identify and implement ways to reduce their energy use, boost their productivity and achieve measurable energy savings.
Researcher: Kevin Martin, Ph.D.
Funded by: Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center
Technical consulting and project development for the launch of a a technology development and investment firm that will improve the model for developing and advancing early-stage technological innovations into marketable products.
Researcher: David Schroeder, Ph.D.
Funded by: Argonne National Laboratory
Integrated Laboratory/Industry Research Program (ILIRP)
Studying the interfacial regions within the lithium metal based electrochemical cell.
Researcher: David Schroeder, Ph.D.
Funded by: Argonne National Laboratory
Municipal Utility Energy Audit
Performing energy audits of businesses, municipal units and other organizations in the Rochelle, Illinois, area.
Researcher: Kevin Martin, Ph.D.
Funded by: City of Rochelle
Renewable Energy Technology Across the Engineering Technology Curriculum
Building a sufficient work force for the future by increasing the number of college graduates with renewable energy and power engineering knowledge and skills.
Researcher: Liping Guo, Ph.D.
Funded by: National Science Foundation
REU Site: Operation ETank: Moving Toward a Sustainable World
Research projects related to energy, environment, ethics and economic issues related to climate change and a sustainable energy future.
Researchers:Cliff Mirman, Ph.D.
Nicholas Pohlman, Ph.D.
David Changnon, Ph.D.
Lisa Freeman, Ph.D.
Jason Hanna, Ph.D.
Narayan Hosmane, Ph.D.
Douglas Klumpp, Ph.D.
Ross Powell, Ph.D.
Lesley Rigg, Ph.D.
Reed Scherer, Ph.D.
Zhili Xiao, Ph.D.
Tao Xu, Ph.D.
Funded by: National Science Foundation
Study of Ceramic Ion Conductors in Tandem With Metal Anodes and/or Various Concentrated Electrolytes
Supporting the nonaqueous flow battery and MV interface program within the Joint Center for Electrochemical Research.
Researcher: David Schroeder, Ph.D.
Funded by: Argonne National Laboratory
Environment and Sustainability
Building Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHSS) in Very Small Businesses
Providing EHSS analyses and instruction to employees at small companies in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Researcher: Theodore Hogan, Ph.D.
Funded by: Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center
Developing Commercially Viable Industrial Products From Biofuels Byproducts
Developing, processing, evaluating and simulating value-added processing operations for low-value biofuels byproducts.
Researcher: Robert Tatara, Ph.D.
Funded by: US Department of Agriculture
Identifying Indoor Air Sensitizers
Investigating the environmental factors at the Moore Glass facility and identifying those that may be sensitizers.
Researcher: Theodore Hogan, Ph.D.
Funded by: Moore Glass Co.
REU Site: Operation ETank: Moving Toward a Sustainable World
Research projects related to energy, environment, ethics and economic issues related to climate change and a sustainable energy future.
Researchers: Cliff Mirman, Ph.D.
Nicholas Pohlman, Ph.D.
David Changnon, Ph.D.
Lisa Freeman, Ph.D.
Jason Hanna, Ph.D.
Narayan Hosmane, Ph.D.
Douglas Klumpp, Ph.D.
Ross Powell, Ph.D.
Lesley Rigg, Ph.D.
Reed Scherer, Ph.D.
Zhili Xiao, Ph.D.
Tao Xu, Ph.D.
Funded by: National Science Foundation
Mechatronics
Causal Relationships Underlying the Collective Dynamic Behavior of Swarms
Quantifying social behavior in animal groups using information-theoritic methods.
Researcher: Sachit Butail, Ph.D.
Funded by: New York University
Internet-Accessible Remote Laboratories With Collaborative Design
Synergistically blending Internet technology, software, computer interface, graphical user interface, pedagogical design, and assessment and evaluation schemes to offer a laboratory course in an undergraduate electrical engineering technology program.
Researcher: Abul Azad, Ph.D.
Funded by: The National Science Foundation
Universal Environment for Delivering Remote Laboratories Within the STEM Disciplines
Designing and developing a universal Internet-based remote laboratory environment.
Researcher: Abul Azad, Ph.D.
Funded by: The National Science Foundation
Particle Accelerator Engineering
Progressing theoretical understanding and experimental development of "ultra-cold" relativistic electron beams at the fundamental limit via field emission from structured nanomaterials and subsequent efficient acceleration.
Researchers: Venumadhav Korampally, Ph.D.
Swapan Chattopadhyay, Ph.D.
Funded by: The National Science Foundation
Device Parameter Extraction and Modeling
Supporting activities in Argonne National Laboratory's Process Technology Research Section.
Researcher: Ibrahim Abdel-Motaleb, Ph.D.
Funded by: Argonne National Laboratory
Engineering Design Support for Muon g-2 Tracker
Building a new experiment to improve the accuracy of measuring the magnetic moment of the muon particle.
Researcher: Nicholas Pohlman, Ph.D.
Funded by: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Developing sensor upgrades and precision placement within an extreme vacuum to improve electron detection and muons decay during precession around a circular magnetic field.
Researcher: Nicholas Pohlman, Ph.D.
Funded by: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
High-Current Electron Sources for Superconducting Radiofrequency Injectors
Devising an integrated high-current electron source that can be mounted in close proximity to a superconducting radiofrequency resonator, possibly leading to the development of a compact MW-class electron accelerator.
Researchers: Venumadhav Korampally, Ph.D.
Iman Salehinia, Ph.D.
Philippe Piot, Ph.D.
Funded by: US Department of Energy
Assisting in development of the Muon Beamstop, SiPM characterization and design of the Upstream Extinction Monitor.
Researchers: Nicholas Pohlman, Ph.D.
Vishnu Zutshi, Ph.D.
Funded by: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Searching for Physics Beyond the Standard Model at the Intensity Frontier
Discovering physics beyond the standard model through the precision measurement of the properties of standard model particles.
Researchers: Nicholas Pohlman, Ph.D.
Michael Eads, Ph.D.
Funded by: US Department of Energy
Process and Systems Engineering
Energy Efficiency for Small and Medium Enterprises
Helping small and medium-sized companies identify and implement ways to reduce energy use, boost productivity and achieve measureable energy savings.
Researcher: Kevin Martin, Ph.D.
Funded by: Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center
Evaluation of OSHA Hazard Classifications
Reviewing the chemicals in up to 10 mixtures provided by client to customers to classify the mixture hazard information on Safety Data Sheets as required by OSHA.
Researcher: Theodore Hogan, Ph.D.
Funded by: Ideal Industries Inc.
Health Care Systems
Improving Efficiencies of a Health Care System
Researchers: Omar Ghrayeb, Ph.D.
Christine Nguyen, Ph.D.
Funded by: Visiting Nurse Association of Fox Valley
Research and develop policies for patient transport at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, including scheduling of elevators and volunteers to assist with transportation.
Researcher: Christine Nguyen, Ph.D.
Funded by: Northwestern University
Lean Process Improvement at CGH Medical Center
Provide a graduate student with hands-on experience studying and improving upon the client's method of lean healthcare.
Researcher: Shi-Jie "Gary" Chen, Ph.D.
Funded by: CGH Medical Center
Lean Processes
Implementing 5S and Lean Manufacturing
Implement a company-wide organization program based on lean manufacturing principles. Organize workstations, departments and assembly lines to reduce wasted time and effort.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Omar Ghrayeb, Ph.D.
Funded by: Elgin Industries
Lean Implementation of Cabinet Assembly
Observe client's cabinet assembly area and implement lean principles to eliminate waste and improve throughput.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: Quality Fabricators Inc.
Improving process efficiency for client's insert assembly process for replacement products used in scanners for the healthcare industry.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: Dunlee, a division of Phillips Health
Lean Six Sigma Certificate Training
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: Six Sigma
Powertrain Assembly Lean Manufacturing Project
Using lean process improvement techniques to identify waste, reduce work in progress and total cycle time and balance the assembly process.
Researcher: Shi-Jie "Gary" Chen, Ph.D.
Funded by: Caterpillar Inc.
Packaging Engineering and New Product Design
Supporting efficiency in operations and packaging within client's product engineering division.
Researcher: Nicholas Pohlman, Ph.D.
Funded by: Suncast Corporation
Optimization
Building a Manufacturing Information System
Creating standard work procedures for machines and processes at the new client facility, ensuring it can safely and effectively begin to operate at full capacity by 2020.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: Woodward Inc.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: CST Storage
Analyze client's paint lines and make recommendations for improvement.
Researchers: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Shanthi Muthuswami, Ph.D.
Funded by: Caterpillar Inc.
Flow Analysis for Medium Wheel Loader Material
Model different areas of client's facility to identify factors affecting total cycle time and work-in-process inventory.
Researcher: Reinaldo Moraga, Ph.D.
Funded by: Caterpillar Inc.
Implementing a Pull System for Post-Paint Operations
Implementing a pull system for client's post-paint operations.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: Justrite Manufacturing Co.
Help client streamline material storage and movement while designing a layout for new production line.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: WestRock
Optimize material handling at client's facility.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: Image Industries Inc.
NIU-DuKane Applied Research Project
Optimizing process flow at client's facility.
Researcher: Shanthi Muthuswamy, Ph.D.
Funded by: DuKane Precast Inc.
NIU-RTM Operational Improvements
Analyzing process flow and making recommendations for improvement.
Researcher: Shanthi Muthuswamy, Ph.D.
Funded by: RTM and Associates
Recommend improvements to optimize the freight process at a company that handles large installations of pipes and hardware involved in water treatment.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: Chalmers Street Consulting
Analyze paint shop flow area and recommend improvements to increase throughput while lowering costs.
Researcher: Shi-Jie "Gary" Chen, Ph.D.
Funded by: Mi-Jack Products Inc.
Powertrain Improvement Through Simulation Modeling
Model different areas related to client's powertrain machining process to identify factors affecting total cycle time, lead times and work-in-process inventory.
Researcher: Reinaldo Moraga, Ph.D.
Funded by: Caterpillar Inc.
Process Improvements for Wheel Loader Assembly Lines
Conduct time studies, balance the line and reduce process inefficiencies for client's K-series wheel loader assembly lines.
Researchers: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Shanthi Muthuswamy, Ph.D.
Funded by: Caterpillar Inc.
Evaluation of French Door Refrigerator Handle
Evaluate the biomechanical stress on the body while using a French door refrigerator to identify how users typically interact with different types of handles and the optimal height and type of handle.
Researcher: Jaejin Hwang, Ph.D.
Funded by: Samsung
Quality Assurance
Development of a Quality System
Develop a quality management system to help client obtain ISO 13485 certification.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: Medikmark Inc.
Enhance inspector reliability for quality inspectors responsible for welding, QCI and PDI departments at client's facility.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: Caterpillar Inc.
Establish a quality management system structured around ISO 13485 requirements for quality management systems related to the design and manufacture of medical devices.
Researcher: Purushothaman Damodaran, Ph.D.
Funded by: Tek-Pak Inc.
STEM Education
Case-Based eLearning for Six Sigma
Creating an innovative, affordable and effective online Six Sigma training system for small and mid-sized Illinois manufacturing firms.
Researchers: Shanthi Muthuswamy, Ph.D.
Shun Takai, Ph.D.
Funded by: Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center
Design and Development of Enabling Teaching Tool for Renewable Energy
Expanding the renewable energy component in the current engineering technology curriculum.
Researcher: Liping Guo, Ph.D.
Funded by: P&G Foundation
Design and Development of Hands-On Learning Experiences in Renewable Energy
Increasing the number of college graduates with knowledge and skills in renewable energy and power systems.
Researcher: Liping Guo, Ph.D.
Funded by: Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
Engineering Uncertainty Repository
Developing a repository of teaching materials regarding uncertainties commonly encountered in engineering.
Researcher: Shun Takai, Ph.D.
Funded by: National Science Foundation (through Missouri University of Science and Technology)
U.S. and Finnish investigators are leveraging their funded work in measurement of game-based learning to take radically different approaches to the measurement of STEM learning.
Researcher: Brianno Coller, Ph.D.
Funded by: TERC
I-Corps L: Tinkering Labs - Invent It Here
Evaluating the feasibility of a national chain of Tinkering Lab retail locations where children can build exciting science and "maker" projects using 21st century fabrication tools.
Researcher: Brianno Coller, Ph.D.
Funded by: The National Science Foundation
Internet-Accessible Remote Laboratories With Collaborative Design
Synergistically blending Internet technology, software, computer interface, graphical user interface, pedagogical design, and assessment and evaluation schemes to offer a laboratory course in an undergraduate electrical engineering technology program.
Researcher: Abul Azad, Ph.D.
Funded by: The National Science Foundation
Learning and Teaching Engineering Dynamics Through Play
Dr. Coller has built a video game learning environment in which he has measured higher levels of student learning and student engagement. This project will test whether other engineering educators can produce similar results with the game and whether the game is a viable and attractive tool for educators.
Researcher: Brianno Coller, Ph.D.
Funded by: The National Science Foundation
Modern Manufacturing: A Collaborative Teaching and Learning Experiment
Researcher: Jenn-Terng Gau, Ph.D.
Funded by: The National Science Foundation
Reforming Power Semiconductor Education
Organizing a conference session to discuss development and delivery of an integrated power electronics curriculum, from components to systems.
Researcher: Ibrahim Abdel-Motaleb, Ph.D.
Funded by: The National Science Foundation
Renewable Energy Technology Across the Engineering Technology Curriculum
Increasing the number of college graduates entering the workforce with knowledge and skills in renewable energy.
Researcher: Liping Guo, Ph.D.
Funded by: The National Science Foundation
Research on Gender and Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering
Researching the role of gender in science and engineering.
Researcher: Suma Rajashankar, Ph.D.
Funded by: The National Science Foundation
Development of Engineering Technology Program for University of Malaysia
Develop a complete model for undergraduate programs in manufacturing engineering, electrical engineering technology and energy and environmental technology programs in Malaysia.
Researchers: Cliff Mirman, Ph.D.
Omar Ghrayeb, Ph.D.
Funded by: University of Malaysia, Pahang
Projects by Faculty
Contact Us
College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
Engineering Building
590 Garden Rd, DeKalb, IL
815-753-1442
ceet@niu.edu