School of Mines researchers and professors received more than $2 million in research and development funding during June 2007. This puts the current 2007 Fiscal Year total at more than $17 million, a more than $3 million increase over FY06. The awards are funding research in departments across campus. Some research is basic, and is designed to create new knowledge or to add to the literature on a given topic. Other research is applied, and is meant to produce real-world products. The School of Mines has placed an emphasis on applied research to benefit the state, region and nation.
The School of Mines, an engineering and science university in Rapid City, is home to several research institutions and centers, and plans are underway to expand the number of graduate degrees and to enhance the technology-transfer process.
The School of Mines boasts a solid research program. During the 2007 fiscal year, researchers and professors received 72 awards from federal and state agencies, from corporations and from direct Congressional appropriations. Since 2001, the School of Mines has received nearly $80 million in Congressional appropriations for research and development.
The June award highlights:
Dr. Mark Hjelmfelt, chair and professor, atmospheric sciences, received $137,484 in additional funding from the National Science Foundation for the project, "Collaborative Research: Effects of Non-uniform Surface Conditions on Lake-Effect Systems."
Dr. Scott Kenner, chair and professor, civil and environmental engineering, received $314,800 from the West River Water Development District for the project, "Lower Cheyenne River, TMDL Assessment Project."
Dr. James Martin, professor and Paleontology Program Coordinator, geology and geological engineering, received $45,946 from the United States Department of Interior - National Park Service for the project, "Provide Quality Paleontological Education Experience at Pig Dig for the 2007 Field Season and 2007/2008 Academic Year." Dr. Martin also received $1,500 from the United States Department of Interior for the project, "National Park Service / Bureau of Land Management 2007: Fossil Lake Field Paleontology School."
Dr. Daniel Dolan, professor, mechanical engineering, and Dr. John Weiss, professor, mathematics and computer science, received $690,000 from the United States Department of Defense - Army Research Laboratory for the project, "UAV - Deployed Penetrating Radar for Through-the-Wall Sensing Project."
Dr. Sherry Farwell, research scientist IV, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, received $354,593 in additional funding from the United States Department of Defense - Dugway Proving Grounds for the project, "United States Army Dugway - CBART One Year Option for Contract W911S-06-C-0010."
Dr. William Capehart, associate professor, atmospheric sciences, received $46,000 in additional funding from South Dakota State University for the project, "Evaluating the Effects of Institutional Change on Regional Hydrometeorology: Assessing the Vulnerability of the Eurasian Semi-arid Grain Belt."
Mr. William Arbegast, director, advanced materials processing and joining laboratory (AMP) and instructor, materials and metallurgical engineering, and Dr. Anil Patnaik, assistant professor, civil and environmental engineering, received $70,000 in additional funding from the National Science Foundation for the project "Friction Stir Processing Industry/University Cooperative Research Center."
Dr. Edward Duke, manager of analytical services, Engineering and Mining Experiment Station, received $40,000 in additional funding from NASA for the project, "Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Higher Education Program."
Dr. Gautam Pillay, vice president, research, and professor, chemical and biological engineering, and Dr. Michael Langerman, chair and professor, mechanical engineering, received $240,000 in additional funding from the United States Department of Defense - Army Research Laboratory for the project, "Advanced Materials and Processes for Future Combat Systems."
Mr. Dale Skillman, associate professor, mechanical engineering and director, office of technology transfer, received $168,300 from Rapid City Area Economic Development for the project, "Office of Technology Transfer at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Administered by the Rapid City Area Economic Development Partnership Funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development."