Grants

NSF Award Advances �� Battery Research Toward Real-World Application

lmadaus — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 19:35:15 +0000

NSF Award Advances �� Battery Research Toward Real-World Application

lmadaus Wed, 08/26/2026 - 15:35

�� has received a $50,000 National Science Foundation award to advance research that could provide a new way to detect battery degradation and emerging problems before they lead to serious failures.

The NSF I-Corps award supports research led by Dr. Foroogh Rouhollahi, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, for the project, “I-Corps: Translation Potential of a Battery Monitoring and Degradation Detection Tool Using Non-Contact Methods.”

The project explores the use of laser-based non-contact measurements to monitor battery health without relying solely on conventional electrical measurements. Researchers are investigating whether changes in a battery’s physical and mechanical response, including resonance behavior and higher-frequency ultrasonic or guided-wave characteristics, can provide additional insight into its state of health, degradation, and potentially developing defects.

“The long-term goal is to identify problems earlier, before they progress into serious or catastrophic battery failures,” Dr. Rouhollahi said. “Earlier detection could improve safety and reliability while potentially saving OEMs and suppliers millions of dollars by reducing costly failures, warranty claims, recalls, downtime, and unnecessary battery replacement.”

The award builds on ��’s growing capabilities in advanced optical measurement and battery research.

Connecting Research With Industry Needs

A central component of the NSF I-Corps program is moving promising university technologies beyond the laboratory by helping researchers understand potential customers, industry challenges, and pathways to commercialization.

For Dr. Rouhollahi’s team, that process has already included more than 100 customer discovery interviews with professionals across the battery, automotive, energy storage, testing, and related industries.

Those conversations are helping the researchers identify challenges involving battery diagnostics, safety, manufacturing, testing, and health monitoring while determining where the technology could provide the greatest value.

“One of the most exciting parts of the I-Corps program is the direct engagement with industry,” Dr. Rouhollahi said. “These conversations have helped us better understand current challenges in battery diagnostics, safety, manufacturing, testing, and health monitoring, and they are directly influencing how we refine the technology and identify its most valuable applications.”

That industry engagement also creates opportunities to deepen ��’s relationships with companies working in electric vehicles, batteries, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing, opening potential pathways for future research collaborations, sponsored projects, and commercialization.

“The team also thanks Doug Bourassa for his support as industry mentor and Varun Rangaraj, who served as the project’s Entrepreneurial Lead and contributed significantly to the customer discovery effort,” Dr. Rouhollahi said.

Expanding the Research Experience for Students

The project also gives �� students opportunities to work at the intersection of emerging technology, applied research, and industry.

Students involved in the research can gain experience with battery technology, vibration testing, laser-based measurement, and data analysis while also learning about entrepreneurship, customer discovery, and technology commercialization.

They can also engage with engineers, researchers, managers, and other industry decision-makers, providing perspective on how technical challenges are identified, evaluated, and addressed outside the laboratory.

“I am excited about the opportunity it creates to expand our battery research, strengthen our industry partnerships, and involve �� students in an area that is becoming increasingly important to the automotive and energy-storage industries,” Dr. Rouhollahi said.

The NSF award officially began Aug. 1, although work on the project began in late June.

For Dr. Rouhollahi, the I-Corps project represents an important step toward moving the technology closer to practical implementation while creating opportunities that could extend well beyond the current award.

“My goal is to use this opportunity not only to advance the technology, but also to create new collaborations and research opportunities that can continue well beyond the I-Corps project,” she said.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

�� Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure

lmadaus — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 19:28:01 +0000

�� Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure

Engineering

Grants

lmadaus Fri, 07/24/2026 - 15:28

�� has announced the promotion and tenure of four faculty members in recognition of their contributions to teaching, research, scholarship, service, and academic leadership.

Dr. Javad Baqersad has been promoted to the rank of Professor.
Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan '97 has been promoted to the rank of Professor.
Dr. Jamal Alhiyafi has been promoted to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure.
Dr. Lisa Gandy has been granted tenure.

Dr. Javad Baqersad

Baqersad, Interim Department Head of Mechanical Engineering, has established a distinguished record of research in structural dynamics, vibration and acoustics, experimental mechanics, and optical measurement techniques.

His research explores areas including experimental structural dynamics, modal analysis, photogrammetry, digital image correlation, structural health monitoring, and noise and vibration, with applications relevant to the automotive industry and emerging electric vehicle technologies.

Baqersad's contributions to experimental structural dynamics have earned national recognition. In 2025, he became the inaugural recipient of the D.L. Brown Award from the Society for Experimental Mechanics, recognizing outstanding research in experimental structural dynamics. He also received the SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award in 2023.

His work at �� extends beyond research to industry collaboration and student education. Through his leadership and scholarship, Baqersad has helped advance research that connects fundamental engineering principles with complex, real-world challenges in mobility, vehicle systems, and emerging technologies.

Baqersad earned a bachelor's degree from Yazd University in Iran, a master's degree from Iran University of Science and Technology, and a master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts.

Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan '97

Bastiaan's career reflects the connection between professional practice, technical innovation, and experiential education that has long defined ��.

A graduate of GMI Engineering & Management Institute, now ��, Bastiaan began her career as a Co-op student at Roush Industries, where she spent two decades contributing to engineering programs ranging from iconic American sports cars and military vehicles to finite-element stress and strain analysis of amusement park rides.

She later returned to her alma mater as a Mechanical Engineering faculty member, bringing extensive industry experience to her teaching, research, and mentorship. Her research spans tire mechanics, non-contact vibration measurement, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and artificial intelligence, with her work disseminated through 85 journal articles, technical papers, conference presentations, and invited talks. Her research includes National Science Foundation-supported work advancing non-contact methods for studying rotating tires and studies conducted with the Specialty Equipment Market Association examining ADAS functionality in modified vehicles. The latter found that typical aftermarket suspension modifications did not significantly alter original equipment ADAS functionality in the vehicles studied, providing information not previously available in the public domain. She presented the work as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Technical Lecture Series in 2026.

As faculty advisor to ��'s Formula SAE Internal Combustion and Electric teams, Bastiaan mentors students in technical engineering, vehicle dynamics, project management, and teamwork. Under her mentorship, the teams have earned two top-10 Formula SAE finishes in the past five years, with graduating team members achieving a 100% placement rate with leading industry employers.

A longtime contributor to SAE International, Bastiaan has organized conferences and technical sessions, chaired committees, contributed to standards development, and served the profession in numerous capacities. She has received seven SAE honors for her service, scholarship, and teaching, including the Forest R. McFarland Award, Arch T. Colwell Merit Award, and Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award.

Bastiaan earned her bachelor's degree from GMI Engineering & Management Institute and her Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Jamal Alhiyafi

Alhiyafi, a faculty member in ��'s Department of Computer Science, has developed a research portfolio spanning machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence, and health informatics.

His scholarship includes research exploring the use of machine learning and computational intelligence in medical applications.

Through his teaching and scholarship, Alhiyafi contributes to ��'s growing work in artificial intelligence and computer science, fields that are increasingly shaping industries ranging from mobility and manufacturing to health care and other technology-driven sectors.

His promotion to Associate Professor and the granting of tenure recognize his contributions to scholarship, teaching, and service to the University.

Alhiyafi earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a Ph.D. from Wayne State University.

Dr. Lisa Gandy

Gandy, Associate Professor and Interim Department Head of Computer Science, has built an interdisciplinary research portfolio spanning artificial intelligence, natural language processing, text mining, and data-driven analysis.

Her work demonstrates the potential of computer science to address challenges across disciplines by applying computational methods to social media, public health, and medical research.

In 2024, Gandy contributed to research published in the journal "Cancer Cell" examining the migration of women medical researchers from academic careers. Her broader research interests include natural language processing and text mining, and she has explored the use of large language models in medical technology.

In addition to her research and teaching, Gandy serves as Interim Department Head of Computer Science, providing academic leadership at a time of continued growth and rapid advancement in artificial intelligence and computing.

Before joining ��, Gandy served as a faculty member at Central Michigan University, where she was an Assistant Professor and later an Associate Professor and served as department chair.

Gandy earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master's degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

The promotions and tenure recognize the faculty members' sustained contributions to their respective fields and their commitment to advancing ��'s academic mission through innovative research, experiential education, and student engagement.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Computer Science

Engineering (BSE)

�� Professor Advances Communication-Integrated Engineering with $25K EiF Grant

lmadaus — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:14:00 +0000

�� Professor Advances Communication-Integrated Engineering with $25K EiF Grant

Faculty & Staff

Grants

Research

lmadaus Mon, 03/23/2026 - 09:14

In Dr. Ping Ren’s engineering courses, a design isn’t complete until it can be explained, documented, and defended, because that’s how professional problem-solving really works.

Ren’s approach addresses a persistent challenge in engineering education: graduates may leave with strong technical skills but limited experience translating project requirements into engineering decisions. As Ren explained, “Engineers are expected not only to solve technical problems, but also to communicate clearly with teammates, clients, and non-technical stakeholders.”

“Communication skills are embedded directly into real-world, customer-driven engineering projects,” Ren said, “including problem definition, design documentation, and project presentation.” Students are asked not only to communicate clearly, but to use customer input to shape design choices, trade-offs, and technical decisions throughout a project’s lifecycle.

In Ren’s courses, engineering students are expected to:

Translate customer needs into engineering decisions
Document and justify their work
Present and review designs

With new support from the Engineering Information Foundation (EiF), including a $25,000 award, Ren is leading a curriculum initiative that weaves communication and professional skills into core manufacturing and design engineering courses.

“This funding allows us to redesign and better align learning activities across interdisciplinary design and manufacturing, manufacturing processes, and additive manufacturing,” Ren said. “It also supports hands-on project implementation by enabling the purchase of materials, tools, and equipment needed for students to build, test, and iterate on their designs.”

The result is an engineering learning environment where communication is part of technical work from the outset, reflecting how professional engineering is practiced and preparing students for the realities of collaborative, industry-driven design.

The Engineering Information Foundation (EiF) makes grants to support initiatives that enhance communication skills and increase the number of women in engineering.

For more information, please contact Emily Sanders, Executive Director, at ejsanders2@outlook.com.

�� Receives $155,000 DENSO Foundation Grant to Expand Industrial Robotic Cell

lmadaus — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:15:47 +0000

�� Receives $155,000 DENSO Foundation Grant to Expand Industrial Robotic Cell

Grants

lmadaus Thu, 02/05/2026 - 12:15

�� has received a $155,000 education grant from the DENSO North America Foundation to expand its industrial robotic cell, strengthening hands-on learning in automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

The funding supports the expansion of a robotic cell already in use by �� engineering students. The system was originally developed through an industry collaboration with Patti Engineering and Mitsubishi Electric and is designed to mirror real-world manufacturing environments used in automotive and industrial automation settings.

Dr. Scott Grasman, who oversees engineering programs at ��, said expanding the robotic cell reflects how quickly industrial systems are evolving and the expectations graduates will face as they enter the workforce.

“We are equipping our students with experiences that reflect what they’ll face in the workforce,” Dr. Grasman said. “This expansion strengthens our ability to teach practical skills that directly translate into careers in advanced manufacturing and robotics.”

With the expansion of the existing robotic cell, students move beyond working with isolated equipment and gain experience with coordinated robotic systems. Dr. Grasman noted that working with multiple robots operating together exposes students to the complexity of modern automation and supports applied, hands-on problem-solving.

The expanded robotic cell allows students to explore automation workflows, system integration, and industrial programming commonly used on modern factory floors. As part of that work, students examine how data-driven automation, system reliability, cybersecurity awareness, and human oversight contribute to manufacturing systems that are efficient, transparent, and dependable.

“While students are encouraged to modify and test code, safety systems remain locked in place, reinforcing the safeguards and constraints that govern real production environments,” Dr. Grasman said. “Working within interconnected robotic systems helps students understand how intelligent manufacturing technologies are designed, validated, and operated in ways that build trust between humans, machines, and the organizations that deploy them.”

The robotic cell is integrated directly into engineering coursework, reinforcing ��’s applied, industry-embedded approach to education. Students engage with the same types of tools and systems used by employers in manufacturing, robotics, and mobility-related industries.

�� was one of five institutions selected to receive funding through the DENSO North America Foundation’s 2026 education grant program, which awarded nearly $1 million to universities across North America in support of STEM education and workforce development. At ��, the grant builds on prior industry investment in the robotic cell and extends its long-term instructional value for future cohorts of students.

About DENSO
Globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, DENSO is a $47.9 billion leading mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today. With manufacturing at its core, DENSO invests in around 180 facilities worldwide to provide opportunities for rewarding careers and to produce cutting-edge electrification, powertrain, thermal, and mobility electronics products, among others, that change how the world moves. In developing such solutions, the company’s 158,000 global employees are paving the way to a mobility future that improves lives, eliminates traffic accidents, and preserves the environment. DENSO spent around 8.6 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. For more information about DENSO’s operations worldwide, visit https://www.denso.com/global/en/.

�� Announces Fall 2025 Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

lmadaus — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:18:38 +0000

�� Announces Fall 2025 Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

lmadaus Fri, 01/09/2026 - 12:18

�� and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 19 �� students to represent the University's latest class of Michigander Scholars. The innovative Michigander Scholars program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer, or as a software developer (or a similar job title) with a participating company.

Employers such as Ford, GM, BorgWarner, Bosch, Hemlock Semiconductor, Magna, Mahle, Nissan, Our Next Energy Inc., and ZF are investing in this growing talent pipeline to ensure a steady flow of skilled professionals ready to contribute to next-generation mobility, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

The Michigander Scholars program strengthens Michigan's innovation ecosystem by connecting high-achieving students in tech and engineering with the state's leading employers. Through career mentorship, industry engagement, and paid experiential learning, including ��'s signature Co-op program, the initiative fosters early and ongoing relationships between students and companies that shape Michigan's future economy.

The first of its kind in the United States, this program represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan's leading advanced manufacturing employers and universities. This MEDC initiative is a vital talent retention strategy that fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, which are essential to Michigan's economic growth.

This class of Michigander Scholars includes:

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Leonardo Durasevic, Chesterfield, Dakota High School, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
Yusef El-Sheikh, Canton, Plymouth High School, Class of 2028, Electrical Engineering
Sumukh Kallur, Novi, Novi High School, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
Briana Lapuz, Farmington Hills, Mercy High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
Josiah Thompson, Macomb Township, Parkway Christian School, Class of 2028, Computer Science
Brandon White, Livonia, Churchill High School, Class of 2029, Electrical Engineering

GENERAL MOTORS

Jordan Ceperov, Saline, Saline High School, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
Paul Ibegbu, Canton, Divine Child High School, Class of 2028, Computer Engineering
Alyssa Shelton, Fenton, Hartland High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering*
Ashmit Swarnkar, Novi, Detroit Catholic Central High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
Evan Thompson, Highland, Milford High School, Class of 2028, Computer Science
Aaliyah Washington, Lansing, Waverly High School, Class of 2027, Industrial Engineering
Alexander Yolles, Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Fair Lawn High School, Class of 2024, Electrical Engineering*

HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR

Elijah Rowland, Owosso, Flushing High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering

MAGNA

Maddison Bourbeau, Grand Blanc, Grand Blanc High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
Kianna Lucas, Spring, Texas, Class of 2026, Engineering
Giuseppe Waller, Ypsilanti, Plymouth Christian Academy, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering

MAHLE

Andrew Johnson, Columbiaville, Lapeer High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering

MOBIS

Aidan Petras, Sterling Heights, Stevenson High School, Class of 2026, Computer Engineering

* Student was awarded a $10,000 full-time scholarship and will complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer, or as a software developer (or a similar job title) with a participating company.

�� Robotics Center Awarded $20,000 GM Community Impact Grant

lmadaus — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:51:37 +0000

�� Robotics Center Awarded $20,000 GM Community Impact Grant

Grants

Robotics

FIRST

Robotics Community Center

VEX

Robotics

lmadaus Thu, 01/08/2026 - 10:51

�� has been awarded a $20,000 Community Impact Grant from General Motors to support robotics center programming that expands hands-on STEAM education opportunities for students in Flint and Genesee County.

The funding will support hands-on training for students and mentors involved in the university’s eight robotics teams, as well as participants in the 2026 Intro to Computer-Aided Fabrication course. Programming will include experiential learning with robotics and aerial drone technologies, providing students with direct opportunities to design, operate, and test advanced systems used in modern industries.

The grant also supports drone-focused activities that reflect growing real-world applications, including industrial inspection, logistics, and remote data collection, fields where automation and risk reduction are increasingly critical.

“��’s robotics and drone programs are built around applied learning. Our students don’t just study technology, they use it,” said Kim Shumaker, Director of ��’s Robotics Outreach & Robotics Center. “Grants like these help ensure more students can access meaningful, hands-on STEAM experiences that connect directly to future careers.”

The award is part of a broader $300,000 Community Impact Grant investment distributed to nine Genesee County nonprofit organizations. Through the program, General Motors is supporting youth education and community-focused groups, including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint, Factory Two, and the Flint Children’s Museum, to advance STEAM education and road safety initiatives across the region.

“Local nonprofits can do their best work when they have support from local businesses, and we’re thrilled to contribute to their amazing and tireless efforts,” said Theo Lavergne, General Motors Flint Assembly plant executive director, in a statement issued by the company.

GM’s Community Impact Grants are selected in collaboration with local General Motors and United Auto Workers leaders and are designed to strengthen educational access, workforce development, and community well-being across the Flint area.

Beyond the grant funding, General Motors reports that its Flint-area employees contributed nearly $225,000 in personal donations and more than 10,500 volunteer hours to local causes in 2025 through GM Cares.

“I love this program because it helps bring our communities together,” Lavergne said, “It supports growth and learning, and allows our team members to see the direct impact that their hands, minds, and hearts have in the areas where we live and work.”

�� Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

rnorris — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:43:30 +0000

�� Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

Campus

Grants

Research

rnorris Thu, 06/26/2025 - 09:43

��’s Archives, housed at GM’s historic Durant-Dort Factory One, recently hosted Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an automotive historian whose research challenges traditional narratives surrounding transportation in the Americas.

Dr. Eaglin, Associate Professor of History at The Ohio State University and the inaugural recipient of the Society of Automotive Historians Travel-to-Collections Grant, completed her research visit this spring. Her project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, explores the powerful role cars, buses, and trucks have played in shaping communities, economies, and identities across North, South, and Central America.

“Sometimes the best discoveries come when you’re not looking for them,” Dr. Eaglin said during her presentation after concluding her research. “I came to Flint with a plan, but what I found at ��’s Archives expanded my project in ways I couldn’t have imagined. This is research that matters — and the team here made it possible.”

Dr. Eaglin’s research leveraged key collections, including GM World, Auto International, and materials from automotive emissions experts, to examine how transportation infrastructure and environmental factors converge in ways that still shape lives today.

“��’s Archives are more than a collection of documents,” said Dawn Winans, Interim Director of the Library Special Collections. “They’re proof of engaged research and innovative ideas, just like our students and faculty. By opening our archives to scholars like Dr. Eaglin, we’re reinforcing our role as a catalyst for groundbreaking research that drives the field forward.”

Located in Factory One, a National Historic Landmark recognized as the birthplace of General Motors, ��’s Archives house extensive resources on automotive innovation, industry history, and the evolution of transportation. These collections give researchers firsthand access to materials that haven’t been digitized, providing a critical bridge between history and innovation.

“Auto history is more than cars,” Dr. Eaglin noted. “It’s about how people live, how they move, and how they build communities. ��’s Archives make that story come alive.”

As �� continues to champion hands-on research and real-world impact, opening its Archives to scholars from around the world is yet another way the University supports connections that drive innovation into the future.

Learn more about ��’s Archives and research opportunities at https://libguides.kettering.edu/library.

��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

rnorris — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:00:26 +0000

��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

rnorris Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:00

$40,000 award expands testing and research capabilities for next-gen mobility engineers

�� has expanded the capabilities of its Intelligent Transportation Lab (ITL) thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation. The funding supported upgrades to the lab’s equipment and space, ensuring students and faculty have access to advanced tools for real-world vehicle testing, research, and innovation.

The ITL, connected to ��’s Mechanical Engineering program, gives students hands-on experience with the technologies used in today’s evolving mobility industry. It supports work in vehicle dynamics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), ride quality analysis, and subsystem validation.

Recent ITL enhancements include professional-grade equipment such as a multi-channel data acquisition system, advanced sensors, and Controller Area Network (CAN) interface hardware. The improvements will support collaborative research and student projects, including developing ��’s Formula SAE Electric race car and vibration testing for industry partners like Yokohama Tire.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Margaret Dunning Foundation for supporting the ITL,” said Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at ��. “This gift has enabled us to transform an already high-impact lab into a next-level learning and research environment, training students in the skills that industry demands and innovation requires.”

The ITL is key to ��’s commitment to giving students early, hands-on opportunities to solve complex problems using today’s industry-standard technology. By integrating real data, real vehicles, and real testing scenarios into coursework and Co-op experiences, the lab equips students to lead in Michigan’s mobility sector and beyond.

About the Margaret Dunning Foundation

The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Ms. Dunning in 1997. She was born in 1910 in Redford Township, Michigan, and moved with her mother to Plymouth in the 1920s. During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and classic car enthusiast, often participating in the Woodward Dream Cruise in her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster. Ms. Dunning passed away in 2015 at the age of 104. Her estate provided additional funding for the Foundation, which continues to support her charitable interests and preserve her legacy. Learn more at www.margaretdunningfdn.org.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

�� Announces New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

rnorris — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:43:42 +0000

�� Announces New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

rnorris Thu, 04/03/2025 - 09:43

27 students will receive the state’s coveted scholarship incentives of $5,000 for Co-ops and up to $10,000 for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation.

��, founded to support workforce and talent development in 1919, is proud to be a partner in MEDC's mission to recruit talent and fill jobs in Michigan’s mobility, electric vehicle, and semiconductor industries.

----------------------------------------------------

�� and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 27 �� students to represent the University’s fifth class of Michigander Scholars. The innovative Michigander Scholars program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer or as a software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company. More than 175 scholarships have been awarded to date, and more than 125 �� students and recent graduates have been recognized as part of this groundbreaking program.

The Michigander Scholars program offers exclusive opportunities for top tech and engineering students in Michigan, including career guidance, paid internships, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Participating universities gain valuable insights into the skills employers seek, and key employers across the state benefit from early access to a pipeline of highly skilled talent. Many of ��'s Co-op employer partners are qualified employers as part of this program, including Ford, GM, BorgWarner, Bosch, Hemlock Semiconductor, Magna, Mahle, Nissan, Our Next Energy Inc., and ZF.

The first of its kind in the United States, the Michigander Scholars program represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s leading advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC mission is to increase the retention of college graduates in critical areas of Michigan’s growing technology and knowledge economy. This MEDC initiative is a vital talent retention strategy that promotes key careers, recruits talent, and fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, which are essential to Michigan’s economic growth.

��'s unique 50-50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment is ideally positioned to support this initiative. U.S. News & World Report recently recognized �� as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships, and the Wall Street Journal named it one of the top 10 colleges in the country for career preparation. The University also ranks No. 1 in Michigan in return on investment (ROI) for undergraduate studies, according to PayScale.com. Smart Asset has also ranked �� No. 1 for graduates' starting salaries in Michigan.

The fifth class of �� Michigander Scholars includes:

GENERAL MOTORS FULL-TIME AWARD
- Madison Connell, Commerce Township, Walled Lake Northern High School, Class of 2024, Computer Science
GENERAL MOTORS CO-OP AWARD
- Ryan Hociota, Novi, International Academy West, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
- Troy Korns, Chesterfield, Lutheran High School North, Class of 2029, Computer Engineering
- Roan Patrick, Milford, International Academy, Class of 2026, Industrial Engineering
- Anthony Ply, Lake Orion, Lake Orion High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
- Michael Rosczewski, Ortonville, Detroit Country Day High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Abhiram Sanikommu, Troy, Troy High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
- Aaliyah Washington, Lansing, Waverly High School, Class of 2029, Industrial Engineering
HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR FULL-TIME AWARD
- Luigi Mancini, Chesterfield, International Academy East, Class of 2024, Chemical Engineering
FORD CO-OP AWARD
- Malachi Holbrook, Flint, Carman Ainsworth High School, Class of 2027, Computer Engineering
- Briana Lapuz, Farmington Hills, Mercy High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
- Justin Miller, Fenton, Hartland High School, Class of 2027, Industrial Engineering
- Josiah Thompson, Macomb, Parkway Christian High School, Class of 2028, Computer Science
BORGWARNER CO-OP AWARD
- Cleshaun Moorer, Grand Blanc, Grand Blanc High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
- Ilaria Todaj, Legnano, Italy, Lutheran High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
BOSCH CO-OP AWARD
- Isabella Coleman, Lincoln Park, Wayne County Community College, Class of 2026, Computer Science
- Augusta Hayek, Flushing, Flushing High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
- Peyton Jones, Evans City, PA, North Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
- Colt Melton, Smiths Creek, Marysville High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
- David Strzelewicz, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS CO-OP AWARD
- Alexander Denha, Macomb, New Haven High School, Class of 2027, Computer Engineering
- Christian Kursinsky, Sandusky, Sandusky High School, Class of 2028, Electrical Engineering
- Steven Paquette, Shelby Township, Utica High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
- Drew Zolenski, Whitmore Lake, Whitmore Lake High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
MAGNA CO-OP AWARD
- Sean Miller, Linden, Fenton High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
MAHLE CO-OP AWARD
- Parker Rath, Fenton, Genesee Christian High School, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
ZF CO-OP AWARD
- Mario Moustafa, Warren, Bishop Foley High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering

�� and Society of Automotive Historians Award First Travel-to-Collections Grant

rnorris — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:58:05 +0000

�� and Society of Automotive Historians Award First Travel-to-Collections Grant

rnorris Thu, 03/20/2025 - 09:58

��’s Archives, in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), has awarded its first-ever Travel-to-Collections Grant to Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an Associate Professor at the Ohio State University. This competitive grant, funded by SAH, supports scholars conducting in-depth research using ��’s extensive archives on automotive history.

Dr. Eaglin’s project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, received top marks from the selection committee. Her research explores how automotive dependence — particularly through cars, buses, and trucks — has shaped a uniquely American identity across North, South, and Central America from the 1950s to the present. The �� Archives, home to significant collections on automotive innovation and industry history, will provide valuable primary sources for her work.

“We are thrilled to support Dr. Eaglin’s research and to see ��’s archives contribute to groundbreaking scholarship in automotive history,” said Dina Mein, Ph.D., University Librarian at ��. “By offering this grant, we are not only aiding researchers but also strengthening ��’s role as a hub for innovation and historical study.”

The �� Archives are housed at GM’s Durant-Dort Factory One, a National Historic Landmark widely recognized as the birthplace of General Motors. The factory, originally home to the Durant-Dort Carriage Company, played a pivotal role in the early automotive industry. Today, it stands as a center for historical preservation and research, making it an ideal location for scholars studying the evolution of transportation and industry.

��’s Archives contain three major collections focusing on the history of ��, the City of Flint, and American automotive history, including rare documents from General Motors and other key industry players. The grant is designed to assist researchers who may not have the resources to travel to Flint to explore these unique materials in person.

The Travel-to-Collections Grant is made possible through ��’s partnership with SAH, an international organization of automotive historians that includes university faculty, museum curators, and dedicated enthusiasts. This collaboration underscores ��’s commitment to advancing automotive research and fostering connections with scholars worldwide.

As part of the grant, Dr. Eaglin will visit the archive in Factory One in June 2025 to conduct her research. She will present her findings in a special lecture open to students, faculty, and the broader automotive history community.

“The work of researchers like Dr. Eaglin brings our historical materials to life,” Mein added. “When scholars write books and articles based on our collections, it highlights the importance of preserving and studying automotive history.”

For more information about ��’s Archives and research opportunities, visit www.kettering.edu/library.

Grants

NSF Award Advances �������� Battery Research Toward Real-World Application

�������� Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure

Dr. Javad Baqersad

Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan '97

Dr. Jamal Alhiyafi

Dr. Lisa Gandy

�������� Professor Advances Communication-Integrated Engineering with $25K EiF Grant

�������� Receives $155,000 DENSO Foundation Grant to Expand Industrial Robotic Cell

�������� Announces Fall 2025 Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

�������� Robotics Center Awarded $20,000 GM Community Impact Grant

�������� Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

��������'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

�������� Announces New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

�������� and Society of Automotive Historians Award First Travel-to-Collections Grant

NSF Award Advances �� Battery Research Toward Real-World Application

�� Announces Faculty Promotions and Tenure

�� Professor Advances Communication-Integrated Engineering with $25K EiF Grant

�� Receives $155,000 DENSO Foundation Grant to Expand Industrial Robotic Cell

�� Announces Fall 2025 Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

�� Robotics Center Awarded $20,000 GM Community Impact Grant

�� Archives Fuel Automotive History Research

��'s Intelligent Transportation Lab Enhanced by Margaret Dunning Foundation Grant

�� Announces New Class of MEDC Michigander Scholars

�� and Society of Automotive Historians Award First Travel-to-Collections Grant