1997

November 24, 1997

NSF to Support Atomic Resolution Electron Microscope Facility at NC State

The National Science Foundation has awarded $600,000 to North Carolina State University to support the purchase of equipment for the Atomic Resolution Electron Microscope Facility in the College of Engineering.

NC State will use the funds to purchase a Field Emission Atomic Resolution Electron Microscope, making the university the only institution in the Southeast to own this type of instrument. Valued at $1.2 million, the unique microscope combines ultrahigh resolution imaging and subnanometer-probe microanalytical capabilities to obtain atomic-level information on structure, chemistry and properties of materials. Matching funds and company discounts will complete the funding for the purchase. The microscope will be used for training, teaching and research.

Based on field-emission guns, the transmission electron microscope offers significant advantages over conventional electron microscopes. With a magnification power of approximately 20 million, the microscope provides a greater magnitude of brightness and higher currents in subnanometer probes, providing atomic resolution at one-tenth of a nanometer--a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. The higher resolution allows researchers greater ability to design novel materials at the molecular level.

The facility will be directed by Dr. Jagdish Narayan, Distinguished Research Professor of Materials Science and Engineering.

November 6, 1997

NC State Engineers and CORPEX Technologies to Work on NSF Project

North Carolina State University researchers, Dr. Christine S. Grant, associate professor of chemical engineering, and Dr. Ruben G. Carbonell, professor and head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, have received $180,000 to support a two-year, joint research project to be conducted with researchers from CORPEX Technologies Inc.

The grant is primarily funded by the National Science Foundation under the NSF's Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) program, designed to bring industry and academic leaders together to solve complex problems facing society. The research project will focus on developing new, recyclable cleaning agents. Some matching funds have been provided by NC State University and CORPEX Technologies.

The thrust of the research is to find a way to help the high volume industrial cleaning market move to advanced chemical systems that are both high performance and non-toxic to humans and the environment.

Grant and Carbonell have conducted ground-breaking research into the mechanisms of surfactant action on contaminated surfaces, and CORPEX Technologies has patented low-hazard advanced cleaning systems designed to remove, emulsify and minimize waste. The university and industry researchers will work together on the NSF-funded project to generate new technologies that will create a cleaner, safer environment.

September 30, 1997

Seven Engineering Faculty Members Receive Outreach Grants

Seven College of Engineering faculty members received Faculty Outreach and Professional Development grants from the University Outreach and Extension Committee.

The committee received 34 grant proposals from across the campus and awarded $50,000 to support 13 proposed projects.

College of Engineering recipients are:

• Dr. Leonard Bernold, civil engineering, and Dr. Eric Klang, mechanical and aerospace engineering, $5,000 for their project, "Toward a National Museum of Construction Technology in RTP, N.C."
• Dr. Clay Gloster Jr., electrical and computer engineering, and Dr. Orlando Hankins, nuclear engineering, $4,270 for their project "Engineering Exposure for Under-represented Minority Students" 
• Dr. Herbert Eckerlin and Dr. Richard Johnson, mechanical and aerospace engineering, and Larry Shirley, N.C. Solar Center, $5,000 for their project, "Global Renewable Energy Clearinghouse"

September 30, 1997

NC State Engineer Receives $1.4 Million Grant

A computer engineering research team in the North Carolina State University College of Engineering has received a $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant, from the Directorate for Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering, is to support research infrastructure for the computer engineering graduate program. The effort to win the grant was led by Dr. Paul Franzon of Holly Springs, associate professor of computer engineering.

The research team includes Dr. William Allen, lecturer and coordinator of advising for electrical and computer engineering; Dr. Winser Alexander, professor of electrical and computer engineering and director of graduate programs; Dr. James Brickley, visiting associate professor and associate department head for electrical and computer engineering; Dr. Thomas Conte, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering; Dr. Clay Gloster, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering; Franzon; and Dr. Wentai Liu, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering.

The NSF designated Franzon's proposal for funding as one of only four highly recommended proposals out of an original 28 proposals nationwide. A core faculty research team at NC State will use the grant to purchase equipment and provide technical support for several computer engineering research projects in experimental systems prototyping, including silicon chip design, micromachine design, computer architecture research and digital signal processing. The NSF support will enable the group to build and test complex digital systems with application in computing, signal processing and communications.

The grant also will support a graduate design center, providing an opportunity for greater student and faculty interaction. In addition, graduate students in the center will work closely with undergraduate students to design digital systems.

"This grant is a great show of support for our computer engineering faculty," says Franzon. "And the new graduate design center will allow us to build more complex systems than would be possible with just our research assistants."

August 5, 1997

General Motors to Support Industrial Engineering Programs

General Motors Corporation has pledged $400,000 to support programs in the Department of Industrial Engineering at North Carolina State University.

Gerald T. Meier, director of manufacturing systems for General Motors Delphi Chassis Systems, presented a ceremonial check to Dr. Stephen Roberts, professor and head of the Department of Industrial Engineering, Dean of Engineering Nino Masnari and NC State Chancellor Larry Monteith at a luncheon held May 29. The funds will support new educational programs and renovations to laboratories in the department.

Meier, a 1963 NC State industrial engineering alumnus, and Marlane Bengry, personnel director for General Motors Delphi Chassis Systems, Kettering Operations, toured the laboratory renovations and participated in a roundtable discussion with industrial engineering students and faculty. Dr. Denis Cormier and Dr. James Taylor, assistant professors of industrial engineering at NC State, gave a presentation explaining the new curriculum designed for industrial engineering students entering in the fall 1997. The program offers students early hands-on experience in industrial engineering concepts simulating real-world situations.

The funds also will be used to support the renovation of industrial engineering laboratories in Park Shops. The General Motors Manufacturing Systems Laboratory should be operational by spring 1998. The laboratory is an integral part of the new undergraduate curriculum.

General Motors Foundation has selected NC State University College of Engineering as a recipient of the funding as part of its program to support excellence in engineering education. General Motors has selected 55 colleges and universities across the nation to participate in the program.

July 21, 1997

John T. McCarter Jr. Endows Merit Scholarship at NC State University

John T. McCarter Jr., president and CEO of GE Latin America, of San Paulo, Brasil, has pledged at total of $25,000 to endow the Mr. and Mrs. John T. McCarter Sr. Scholarship for studies in the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University.

An alumnus of NC State, McCarter earned his bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering in 1973. He has worked for General Electric for 24 years.

The scholarship, valued at $1,250 per year, will be awarded to students on the basis of merit. Recipients must be enrolled in an engineering curriculum.

Chancellor Larry K. Monteith said of McCarter's gift, "This commitment by McCarter is an investment in tomorrow's leaders. This scholarship will allow some of the brightest and most energetic young people to attend NC State and will strengthen the university's commitment to increasing scholarships that will attract top scholars to NC State."

The scholarship will be administered by the North Carolina Engineering Foundation.

July 21, 1997

Thomases Endow Merit Scholarship at NC State University

Henry C. and Nancy A. Thomas of Camden, S.C., have pledged $82,000 to endow the Henry C. and Nancy A. Thomas Scholarship for studies in the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University.

An alumnus of NC State, Henry Thomas earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1940. He worked for I.E. DuPont de Nemours Co. until his retirement in 1980. While at DuPont, he was involved in the development of Orlon acrylic fiber and the operation of the first Orlon plant. He also served as a major in the Air Force in World War II.

The scholarship, valued at $ 4,100 per year, will be awarded to students on the basis of merit. Recipients must be residents of North Carolina, with preference given to students from Richmond County, and pursuing a degree in chemical engineering.

Chancellor Larry K. Monteith said of the Thomases' gift, "This commitment by the Thomases is an investment in tomorrow's leaders. This scholarship will allow some of the brightest and most energetic young people to attend NC State and will strengthen the university's commitment to increasing scholarships that will attract top scholars to NC State."

The Thomases have three children and eight grandchildren and are active in church and community affairs in Camden.

The scholarship funds will be administered by the North Carolina Engineering Foundation Inc. For more information, contact the Foundation at 515-7458.

July 21, 1997

Microsoft Corp. Donates Software to College of Engineering Laboratory

Microsoft Corporation has donated software valued at $29,858 to the Department of Computer Science at North Carolina State University.

A division of the College of Engineering, the Department of Computer Science is one of only five departments in the nation chosen by Microsoft Corp. to receive the donation, marking a new relationship between the department and the corporation. The software will be used to outfit the new Windows/NT PC Laboratory in the department.

The laboratory will provide undergraduate students access to leading edge software that is only available on the Windows-Intel (WinTel) class of computers.

Located in Daniels Hall, the laboratory will be used in conjunction with courses in computer organization, object-oriented programming, software engineering and multimedia technology.

"We are honored that Microsoft has selected us to receive this gift," said Dr. Alan Tharp, professor and head of the Department of Computer Science. "The software is an integral part of the new laboratory and will give our undergraduate students the tools to explore exciting new technologies."

The software gift includes Windows/NT operating system, Visual C++, Office Pro and other Microsoft software.

July 17, 1997

Angelo Scholarship Awarded To April Lynn Morris

April Lynn Morris of Germanton, N.C., has been selected to receive the Ernest James and Ethel Hudgins Angelo Memorial Scholarship at North Carolina State University.

Dr. E. James Angelo Jr. and his brother, William E. Angelo, established the scholarship in memory of their late parents. Recipients must be from Forsyth County, N.C., and demonstrate an interest in the environment and pursue an engineering degree that will give them the opportunity to work to protect the environment.

Morris is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph V. Morris of Germanton, N.C., and a graduate of Carver High School in Winston-Salem. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. While in high school, she served as editor-in-chief of the Courier and was the recipient of the Winston-Salem Journal Scholastic Journalist Award.

The Angelo scholarship is valued at $7,500 and provides full tuition, fees, room and board for one-year and is renewable. It is the single largest merit scholarship awarded within the College of Engineering. The Angelos will be funding a second full scholarship. It will be available for the fall semester 1999.

April 15, 1997

Glenn E. Futrell Endows Merit Scholarship at NC State University

Glenn E. Futrell, president of Coastal Contractors of Outer Banks, of Manteo, N.C., has pledged a total of $200,000 to endow the Glenn Elliott Futrell Scholarship for studies in the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University.

An alumnus of NC State, Futrell earned his bachelor's degree in 1963 and his master's degree in 1965, both in civil engineering. He is the developer and managing partner of the Pirate's Cove Project in Manteo.

The scholarship, valued at $10,000 per year, will be awarded to students on the basis of merit. Recipients must be residents of North Carolina and pursuing a degree in civil engineering.

Chancellor Larry K. Monteith said of Futrell's gift, "This commitment by Futrell is an investment in tomorrow's leaders. This scholarship will allow some of the brightest and most energetic young people to attend NC State and will strengthen the university's commitment to increasing scholarships that will attract top scholars to NC State."

A dedicated engineering alumnus, he is currently serving as the president of the North Carolina Engineering Foundation at NC State. He is a registered professional engineer and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Consulting Engineers Council.

April 11, 1997

Norman G. Samet Endows Merit Scholarship at NC State University

Norman Gilbert Samet, chairman and CEO of Samet Corp. of Greensboro, has pledged a total of $25,000 to endow the Norman Gilbert Samet Scholarship for studies in civil engineering at North Carolina State University.

A native of High Point, Samet earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering with a construction option from NC State in 1959. An active alumnus, he recently completed his second term as president of the North Carolina Engineering Foundation at NC State.

The scholarship, valued at $1,250 per year, will be awarded to students on the basis of merit. Recipients must be pursuing a degree in the construction engineering and management program in civil engineering.

Chancellor Larry K. Monteith said of Samet's gift, "This commitment by Norman Samet is an investment in tomorrow's leaders. This scholarship will allow some of the brightest and most energetic young people to attend NC State and will strengthen the university's commitment to increasing scholarships that will attract top scholars to NC State."

Samet founded Samet Corp., a construction and development company, in 1961. He is active in his community. He is a member of the Guilford County Economic Development Council, High Point Economic Development Corp. and the N.C. Economic Development Board. Currently, he serves as chair for the Economic Development Task Force for Piedmont Triad Partnership Long Range Strategic Planning.

April 10, 1997

Duke Power Foundation Supports Nuclear Engineering Programs

The Duke Power Foundation has committed $16,000 for each of the next four years to support student programs in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at North Carolina State University.

One-half of the funds will be used to support five scholarships in the department. Four $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to incoming freshman students, and a $2,000 scholarship will be awarded each year to a junior or senior who demonstrates leadership qualities.

The remaining $8,000 each year will help support the Nuclear Engineering Young Scholars Program. A two-week residential program, the Young Scholars Program is open to rising high school seniors. Students are introduced to nuclear science and technology and tour the department's facilities during the first week. During the second week, students work with faculty members and graduate students on research projects.

"Support from Duke Power is essential to our department," says Dr. Donald Dudziak, head of the Department of Nuclear Engineering. "Scholarships help us compete for the top students and the Young Scholars Program introduces students to nuclear engineering. Many of our Young Scholars participants come to the College of Engineering after graduating from high school."

April 4, 1997

William F. Aldridge Sr. Scholarship Endowment Established

H.B. "Sonny" Aldridge of High Point has established the William F. Aldridge Sr. Endowment in memory of his father in the College of Engineering at NC State University.

The endowment will support a scholarship in the College with preference given to students enrolled in mechanical engineering.

A 1948 graduate of mechanical engineering at NC State, William Aldridge developed the High Point Sprinkler Company into one of the largest fire suppression companies in North Carolina. Sonny Aldridge also attended NC State from 1968 to 1971.

March 10, 1997

Davis Endows Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program

James M. Davis Jr. of Cary has established the J. Minor Davis scholarship endowment in the College of Engineering at NC State University.

The $50,000 pledge will support students in the Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program, a double-degree program pairing engineering with the humanities to prepare students for leadership positions.

Davis, a 1958 mechanical engineering graduate of NC State, is the senior vice president of power operations at Carolina Power & Light Company. Davis also serves on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Engineering Foundation Inc.

A registered professional engineer, Davis is active in the Professional Engineers of North Carolina and the North Carolina Society of Engineers. He is a native of Rocky Mount and a graduate of the Harvard University Advanced Management Program.

March 10, 1997

Clark Scholarship Established

Worley H. Clark Jr. of Chicago has established the Worley H. and Callie Anne Clark Scholarship Endowment in Sales Engineering in the NC Engineering Foundation Inc.

The innovative scholarship will encourage engineering students to pursue courses offered in the College of Management. Clark believes that training in technical sales will help engineers understand the fundamentals of marketing and enable them to present their product or service in a more compelling and effective manner.

A 1956 graduate of industrial engineering, Clark is the president of W.H. Clark Associates Ltd. of Chicago. He is the retired chairman and chief executive officer of Nalco Chemical Company.

Clark is a Caldwell Scholar supporter and a 1993 Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award recipient.

March 6, 1997

Electrical Engineer Receives $1.395 Million Grant

A North Carolina State University College of Engineering researcher has received a $1.395 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA). Dr. Michael Steer, professor of electrical and computer engineering, received the grant in support of his research in the design of next generation electronic and computer systems.

"I will be developing the methodology for how to design the systems of the future," says Steer. "The research is very futuristic and very high risk. The research results are 5 to 15 years in the future."

In addition to Department of Defense applications, the research could have far-reaching commercial applications in the areas of communication satellites and cellular radio base stations.

"The Department of Defense application is only one way to use the technology we will be developing. These high power systems could reduce the cost of overseas cellular phone calls, increase the life of communications satellites and provide life-saving collision avoidance radar for automobiles," says Steer.

Steer will subcontract some of the research work to other universities, including the University of California at Santa Barbara and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

DARPA was established by the U.S. government to find and support developing technologies research that would benefit national defense.

February 26, 1997

Nortel Supports Scholarships

Nortel recently renewed its annual support of scholarships for the third year. The $50,000 gift supports 25 scholarships of $2,000 each for students enrolled in the Computer Science Department and Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. The merit-based scholarships are renewable and can supplement other awards to top scholars. The scholarships aid in recruiting top students to the College of Engineering.

February 6, 1997

Bowman Supports Benjamin Franklin Scholars

Larry Allen Bowman of Newton, North Carolina, has made a donation supporting the Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program. Bowman received his bachelor of science from NC State in industrial engineering in 1973. He is president of Prodelin Corporation, a privately owned manufacturer of satellite communications equipment that is marketed worldwide. The Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program is a double-degree program pairing engineering with the humanities to prepare students for leadership positions.

January 29, 1997

Computer Engineer Receives $1.1 Million Grant

A North Carolina State University College of Engineering researcher has received a $1.1 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA). Dr. Paul Franzon, associate professor of computer engineering, received the grant in support of his research in the design of next-generation computer systems.

"My research is in high-speed electronic switches," says Franzon. "I have been working on a contactless switch that will permit high data rates and high reliability. The goal is to build a 192x192 bit switch for high-speed applications."

In addition to Department of Defense applications, the research could have far-reaching commercial applications in the areas of telecommunications, high-speed computing and low-cost laser radar.

"The technology will aid in the development of antimissile missiles for the Department of Defense, but it also will have non-defense applications," says Franzon. "What we are developing is a switch that will work 20 times faster than the standard CMOS switch and use a quarter of the power. This would mean that in computer and telecommunication technologies routers would be faster, increasing the speed of information transfer. Basically we would change the way that computers communicate."

MCNC also is involved in the project. The advanced micromachine that Franzon uses in his research was built by the Research Triangle center.

DARPA was established by the U.S. government to find and support developing technologies research that would benefit national defense.