The Fayette Tribune, Oak Hill, W.Va.

Local News

March 6, 2013

Tech students earn state-funded research grants

MONTGOMERY — 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, Feb. 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, and Shaw is a resident of Williamstown. 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, and Clutter is a resident of Charleston.

“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,” said 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 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.”

Text Only
Local News
  • coda uke Deadline June 1 for Coda Kidz

    The sound of music and children’s laughter are in the air as budding young musicians, ages 5 to 12,  discover their musical talent in the fun and innovative summer program, Coda Kidz.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Fayette working to improve disaster response

    Improving the county’s communications during a disaster is a top priority of the Fayette County Office of Emergency Services, says the agency’s new director.

    May 23, 2013

  • School projects are prioritized in Mount Hope

    Mount Hope wants a new elementary school. That much is clear. But how and whether that’s going to happen is by no means apparent at this stage in Fayette County’s effort to address its numerous aging school buildings.

    May 23, 2013

  • izzys treehouse Smilin’ and playin’ at Izzy’s Treehouse

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Two Memorial Day events planned at Huse Memorial

    For those looking to spend their Memorial Day weekend taking part in a traditional graveside ceremony, Fayetteville offers two: A candlelight vigil and a groundbreaking for a new veterans’ memorial.

    May 23, 2013

  • carrie hill Memorial Day celebration

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Manchin rep to visit Oak Hill today

    U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced his office launched its fifth “Commonsense Connections” Week Monday. Representatives from Senator Manchin’s office will make more than 95 stops across West Virginia – traveling to all 55 counties – to meet with constituents, hear their commonsense priorities and concerns, and gather their feedback.

    May 23, 2013

  • cms hannah kaley kayden CMS Social Studies Fair winners

    May 23, 2013 4 Photos

  • jennifer williamsd Williams earns degree

    Jennifer Leigh Williams of Oak Hill received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree (cum laude) from the West Virginia University Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources on Saturday, May 18 at West Virginia University Coliseum.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Honor rolls

    May 23, 2013