Two student teams from West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) showcased their research at Undergraduate Research Day at the Legislature. Senior mechanical engineering students Kevin Goff and Paul Shaw and senior engineering technology majors Amy Young and Hannah Clutter presented their research at the State Capitol on Thursday, February 28.
Goff and Shaw presented their research poster entitled “Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Research,” which investigates the ability to convert solar energy into storable hydrogen energy. Goff is a resident of Charleston, W.Va., and Shaw is a resident of Williamstown, W.Va. Their research was completed under the supervision of Dr. Farshid Zabihian, assistant professor of mechanical engineering.
The Young/Clutter research team showcased their research on the “Environmental Impact Study of the Morris Creek Watershed.” Under the supervision of Dr. Moayyad Al-Nasra, associate professor and chair of engineering technology, the students monitored the PH balance at Morris Creek Watershed and discussed the need to generate power for the devices used to measure the water quality. Young is a resident of St. Albans, W.Va., and Clutter is a resident of Charleston, W.Va.
“I’m so proud of our students and faculty. Their research is advancing our mission to serve the state of West Virginia, while providing our students with hands-on learning opportunities,” explained WVU Tech CEO Carolyn Long.
In conjunction with Undergraduate Research Day, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) recognized faculty from across the state that were awarded scientific research grants during the past year. WVU Tech faculty members Dr. Stephen Goodman, Dr. Mingyu Lu, Dr. Houbing Song, Dr. Baozhong Tian, Dr. Horng-Jyh Yang and Dr. Nan Wang were recognized during a luncheon at the State Culture Center.
Goodman received a $30,000 Innovation Grant for his project, “Field test bed of connected vehicle applications in the mountainous terrain of West Virginia.” Lu received $20,000 for an experimental test bed to study wireless communication in underground coalmines.
The Song/Tian/Yang/Wang research team received $100,000 for the development of the West Virginia Center of Excellence for Cyber-Physical Systems at WVU Tech. This Research Trust Fund Award was distributed as a result of interest earned on the “Bucks for Brains” account.
In applauding this achievement Dr. Z. Torbica, dean of the WVU Tech Leonard C. Nelson College of Engineering & Sciences, added, “This accomplishment indicates the faculty talent that we have been able to attract to WVU Tech. These grants will significantly enhance the learning experience of our students, as they will be able to actively participate in real-life research activities.”