������Ƶ announced today it has received over $1.6 million in funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through the Higher Education Strategic Initiatives. Kettering underscores its leading role in educating Michigan’s next generation of engineers and innovators by developing cutting-edge curricula in semiconductors, hydrogen fuel, and software engineering through these grants.

The MEDC grant funding is just the latest in a broad effort to advance Michigan’s semiconductor, electric vehicle (EV), and mobility sectors, making certain the state remains a leader in advanced manufacturing.

“������Ƶ’s experiential educational model has always been focused on developing leaders that will shape the future,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ������Ƶ. “This funding accelerates our ability to prepare Michigan’s workforce while enhancing our capacity to equip it with the critical skills and hands-on experiences necessary to thrive in industries that will define the economy of the state for decades.”

MEDC awarded Kettering four distinct grants as part of its Higher Education Strategic Initiatives:

1. Semiconductor Curriculum Development ($320,882): Supporting the expansion of courses and resources designed to meet Michigan’s growing need for semiconductor expertise.
2. Hydrogen Fuel Curriculum ($354,202): Creating innovative programs focused on the future of hydrogen fuel technologies, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge for cutting-edge industries.
3. Software Engineering Curriculum ($287,432): Enabling the development of new courses and acquiring specialized equipment to prepare students for careers in software development and advanced systems.
4. PK-12 Engagement ($53,324): Launching summer hackathon camps to engage young students in engineering and advanced manufacturing through hands-on learning experiences.  These programs are designed to inspire the next generation of talent and provide pathways to real-world careers in high-demand fields.

In addition to curriculum grants, ������Ƶ has also secured additional funding from the MEDC Talent Solutions division for The Michigander Scholars Program, providing $5,000 and scholarships to students completing Co-ops in Michigan with select employers (many of whom are already Co-op employer partners for Kettering.) The program also helps retain top engineering talent in the state by offering $10,000 incentives for students who commit to a full-time position, staying in Michigan for at least one year after graduation.

“We’re excited about the continued partnership with ������Ƶ to nurture and develop the next generation of mobility professionals who can pursue opportunities in Michigan that offer higher-paying jobs and career advancement while at the same time building a strong pipeline of future Michigan mobility leaders,” said MEDC Executive Vice President, Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh. “The MEDC Talent Solutions division is committed to creating stronger pathways to 21st-century careers that will help cultivate, attract, and retain young talent while showcasing Michigan as a hub for a future-ready workforce essential to building a stronger economy.”

The MEDC’s Talent Solutions division consortium of EV/mobility and semiconductors partners includes more than 20 major employers and national industry groups, 17 higher education partners, and workforce and PK-12 leaders across Michigan. 

The MEDC grants to ������Ƶ are part of a combined total of nearly $30 million the MEDC has invested with Michigan’s higher education institutions that are working with advanced manufacturing employers to design and deliver a curriculum that prepares students for in-demand mobility-related careers. 

During an April press conference announcing the inaugural Michigander Scholars class, employers had the opportunity to share how ������Ƶ’s 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid professional Co-op experience fits their needs. “To say we're excited about seeing the scholars is an understatement,” said Mike Houston, Engineering and Service Manager at Hemlock Semiconductor. “We're extremely proud of our Co-op… That's the story we want to tell across the entire state… The program that Kettering has is exactly what we need. We need to be able to take the academics and shape it into a real-world experience. Tweak it. Calibrate it… to form a full-time employee.”

“������Ƶ continues to stand as the leading partner for Michigan’s employers in advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, and semiconductor technology,” said Dr. McMahan. “Our educational model, pairing academics with our deep industry partnerships, ensures that our students not only master the essential skills needed to excel but also begin making an immediate impact on the industries they serve, driving innovation and economic growth.”

These grants provide ������Ƶ with resources to further enhance its renowned educational Co-op model through June 30, 2026. The $1.6 million in funding, including the Michigander Scholars Program, enables the University to expand Michigan’s talent pipeline and drive long-term economic growth in key industries.

At ������Ƶ, innovation drives achievement. Dr. Javad Baqersad, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, exemplifies this ethos through two recent accomplishments: securing a $50,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to explore the commercialization of cutting-edge vibration measurement technology and receiving a top honor from the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) for his contributions to the field.

Dr. Baqersad’s NSF I-Corps grant — Translation Potential of an Optical Vibration Measurement Technology for System Monitoring and Digital Twin Development — focuses on bridging academic innovation with industry needs. This one-year project will evaluate market demand for advanced vibration measurement tools with applications such as detecting misalignment or wear in industrial machinery, monitoring the structural health of bridges and aircraft, and optimizing the performance of wind turbines.  These innovations address challenges in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, such as improving vehicle noise and vibration performance, ensuring the reliability of jet engines, and predicting equipment failures to reduce downtime.

This NSF new grant builds upon a previous NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant of more than $577,000, which Dr. Baqersad secured in 2023 to acquire a 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (3DSLDV). The instrument uses coherent light to measure the velocity of vibrating objects, enabling high-fidelity analysis of vibrations in high-temperature, lightweight, and rotating structures.

“Our goal is to connect academic research with real-world challenges,” Dr. Baqersad said. “This grant allows us to engage directly with industry experts, identify their needs, and tailor our technology to address those challenges.”

Through the NSF program, Dr. Baqersad and his team interviewed more than 70 thought leaders at companies like Ford, GM, and Consumers Energy to assess market demand. Insights from these conversations will shape future initiatives, such as NSF Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) applications, and may pave the way for establishing an Industry-University Research Center at Kettering.

Dr. Baqersad’s research does more than push boundaries; it prepares the next generation of innovators. Graduate student Arjun Gupta is integral to the project, connecting with industry professionals and bringing their needs into focus. “This experience is invaluable for students,” Dr. Baqersad said. “It prepares them to tackle industry challenges with confidence and expertise.”

Recognition from SEM further solidifies Dr. Baqersad’s place among the leaders in structural dynamics research. At the 2025 SEM International Modal Analysis Conference, he will be honored for his “outstanding research accomplishments in experimental structural dynamics.” It is one of only three awards SEM presents each year. 

“It’s an honor to see my work recognized by such a respected organization,” Dr. Baqersad said.

Dr. Baqersad's work has a tangible impact, from noise reduction in vehicles and seismic protection in buildings to potentially detecting skin cancer. With more than 100 publications, a patent, and a dedication to mentorship, his contributions embody ������Ƶ’s mission to produce accomplished leaders who influence global industries.

Looking ahead, Dr. Baqersad envisions creating new research centers at Kettering, strengthening partnerships, and giving students unmatched opportunities to lead and innovate. “We aim to create opportunities for students and industry partners to collaborate on projects that address practical challenges, deliver tangible results, and directly contribute to advancements in industries,” he said.

At ������Ƶ, where excellence is built into every project, Dr. Baqersad’s achievements showcase the power of relentless innovation and real-world application.

������Ƶ is now one of only a very small number of the nation’s top engineering-focused universities to offer the industry-leading semiconductor software and electronic design automation (EDA) suite to faculty and undergraduate students.

FLINT, Mich. - ������Ƶ is pleased to announce it has received a substantial software gift from Synopsys, a global leader in comprehensive semiconductor software and electronic design automation (EDA) tools. With this gift, Kettering faculty and students, even as undergraduates, will have direct and unlimited access to the same comprehensive engineering design and development software suite and tools used by the world’s leading industries to design, simulate, and verify integrated semiconductor systems.  Kettering students will now be able to graduate with deep skills and firsthand experience with the very same technology used and trusted by top innovators like NVIDIA, Google, Samsung, and Intel to create next-generation semiconductor systems and devices.

������Ƶ is aggressively investing in the expansion and development of its semiconductor engineering education and training capabilities in response to the growing market demand in Michigan and across the United States. Combined with curricular innovations currently awaiting final approval, this gift, which includes 50 seat licenses to the entire software suite, provides an important foundation for the creation of a center of excellence in semiconductor engineering and technologies at the University. ������Ƶ is one of only a very small number of the nation's top engineering-focused universities to have this type of access to Synopsys’ comprehensive software suite. This industry-leading software will also be integrated into the University’s Industry 4.0 Lab — a hub for advanced research and technology on the campus. 

“������Ƶ's partnership with Synopsys makes it possible for our students to become proficient in these industry-standard systems,” said ������Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “Direct access to Synopsys’ advanced electronic design automation tools enables our students to design, simulate, and validate complex semiconductor systems — skills that are indispensable for excelling in the rapidly evolving semiconductor, mechatronics, and battery manufacturing sectors. This positions them to be significant contributors and leaders in developing the next generation of semiconductors and related technologies immediately upon graduation, if not before.”

Kettering and Synopsys also share a longstanding industry connection with Bob Kagle ’78. Kagle, widely regarded as one of the most successful venture capitalists in the history of Silicon Valley and founder of Benchmark Capital, was among the earliest investors in Synopsys. “Kettering is taking a remarkable step forward by putting Synopsys in the classroom, giving students hands-on access to tools that define the future of technology,” said Kagle. “I am proud to see Kettering leading in a field so critical to global progress and am thrilled to support this transformational partnership.”

Semiconductor technologies are the backbone of the world’s fastest-growing industries, including autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and artificial intelligence, all areas in which Kettering has strong education, cooperative, and research programs. With the Synopsys partnership, ������Ƶ is poised to lead the way in these sectors, driving technological breakthroughs and ensuring our graduates are equipped to lead.

������Ƶ has, for over 100 years, played an integral role in educating highly talented engineers and industry leaders for a wide range of industries and technologies. It is among the reasons Kettering was selected as the only private institution to be part of MEDC’s Michigander Scholars Program, for which the semiconductor industry plays a significant role. 

“Kettering doesn’t just anticipate the future — we actively shape it,” said Dr. McMahan. “Our unwavering commitment to experiential education through strategic industry partnerships ensures that our students are prepared to lead from the front, solving tomorrow’s challenges with the expertise and innovative mindset demanded by today’s most advanced industries.” 

Not everyone can say they’ve left a legacy that aligns directly with the institution’s future, but Dr. Kingsley Joel Berry ’79 ME has. For almost 50 years — first as a driven student, then as the youngest Mechanical Engineering professor and eventual department head — Dr. Berry set the standard for innovation, education, and community impact at ������Ƶ. His recent $200,000 endowment to launch the Kingsberry Sustainability Lab exemplifies Dr. Berry’s deep commitment to the generations who will follow.

From Student to Professor

Dr. Berry’s journey began in the 1970s when he enrolled at General Motors Institute (GMI), where his curiosity and tenacity quickly set him apart. As one of the first African American students at GMI, he knew this opportunity could define his life’s path. “Coming to GMI was the best decision I made,” he says. After earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Automotive Engineering, Dr. Berry pursued a master’s in Engineering Mechanics at Michigan State University and later a Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University. By 1986, he was back at Kettering, stepping into a faculty career that would influence generations of future engineers.

A Trailblazing Educator

Dr. Berry became the youngest faculty member in Mechanical Engineering and embraced the challenges of being a trailblazer as the only person of color in the department. “I had never taught a full class before,” he admits, but he quickly developed his teaching methods and significantly impacted his students. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to the department head. In his nearly two decades in that role, he helped build new labs, restructured the curriculum, and secured over $5.7 million in funding to ensure Kettering students gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Berry published more than 50 articles related to his research and stamped his name on four patents. Fuel cells and related work became central to his research. The Flint Journal dubbed Dr. Berry “Flint’s Fuel Cell Father” for his dedicated efforts to ensure that the Vehicle City would play a key role in shaping the future of automotive transportation. In 1993, he earned the Charles L. Tutt Award for Innovative Teaching, an honor named for former GMI Dean of Engineering Dr. Charles L. Tutt. A year later, Dr. Berry was named GMI Outstanding Professor of the Year. In 2021, he was honored with Kettering's prestigious Rodes Professorship award, which recognizes faculty for outstanding scholarly achievement, and a $5,000 grant to support continued research. Then, in 2024, Dr. Berry made the decision to retire from the classroom — but not before ensuring his legacy with a significant gift to the University.  

A Vision for the Future: The Kingsberry Sustainability Lab

In an impressive gesture, Dr. Berry and his wife Linette recently announced a generous $200,000 endowment to establish the Kingsberry Sustainability Lab at ������Ƶ. This gift is not just a one-time donation; it’s an investment in the future. He envisions a space where students can explore fuel cells, alternative energy, and technologies that will shape a sustainable world. Dr. Berry’s decision to fund this laboratory is rooted in a belief he must “pay it forward” to honor the opportunities he received. “I want this laboratory to allow future students to benefit from innovative technology,” he explains, pointing to the importance of fuel cell technology and alternative energy in addressing climate change.

With his endowment, Dr. Berry aims to inspire others to invest in the future of education, setting a challenge for fellow faculty members and alumni to contribute as well. “I want this to be an example for other faculty ... even if it’s just like $20,000, $10,000 ... to inspire,” he says, highlighting community support's critical role in sustaining educational excellence.

“This endowment will be here for centuries after I’m gone,” he states firmly, underscoring that his contributions are not solely about personal accolades but about enriching the lives of future generations.

Although Dr. Berry is no longer teaching at the University, he is educating a new audience: federal lawmakers. Dr. Berry’s latest role is in Washington, D.C., as an ASME Congressional Fellow, working in the office of Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, focusing on technology policy development, particularly in artificial intelligence and energy initiatives. Reflecting on this new chapter, he expresses excitement about the opportunity to influence policy at the national level. “It’s great ... this is the perfect transition for me ... the staff is so positive, so encouraging,” he says. His experience at Kettering has equipped him with the skills to address pressing issues like STEM education, Artificial Intelligence and energy, and workforce development — critical concerns as new facilities emerge as a result of significant investments in semiconductor manufacturing.

 A Lasting Legacy

As Dr. Berry steps into the next phase of his life, he does so with the intention of motivating others — faculty members, students, and the broader community — to engage, contribute, and make a difference. “Excellence is achieved by people, passion, and purpose, not policy,” Dr. Berry says, encapsulating his belief in the transformative power of education and community.

Dr. Berry's close-knit family shares his commitment to education and environmental sustainability. He and his wife Linette share four adult children, all of them involved in scientific fields. His daughters, Ashley ’08, M’13, and Sydney ’12, M’12, are ������Ƶ alumni, and his youngest daughter, Kimberly, holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh. His son Jonathon is earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and expects to graduate in May 2025.  

Dr. Berry’s faith plays a central role in his journey, shaping his belief that everything he has achieved is part of a divine plan. “I fundamentally believe this has been God’s plan for me,” he says. “ ... It’s my way of paying it forward and backward, and it's my way of thanking God for all my blessings in my life.” 

General Motors (GM) has named ������Ƶ as one of eight Genesee County nonprofits to share $270,000 in Community Impact Grants. GM’s Community Impact Grants help address local issues in the communities where the company operates. The grants support GM’s corporate giving social impact pillars of STEM Education and Transportation.

“I am inspired by the impact of the work these eight local nonprofits are doing in our community,” said Jim Gaeschke, plant director at GM’s Flint Metal Center. “STEM education and transportation are important focus areas for GM’s corporate giving program. These organizations help make the Flint-Genesee Region a great place to live and work.”

������Ƶ will use its $20,000 grant to launch three impactful initiatives for the 2024-2025 academic year aimed at empowering students and educators in the field of robotics:

• FIRST Robotics coaches workshop and FIRST Robotics rookie workshop: These hands-on two-day workshops in Kettering’s FIRST Robotics Community Center will guide participants through building a working drivetrain and catapult over two days. During the workshops, educators and coaches will learn to overcome the common challenge of starting new robotics teams by boosting their confidence in building and teaching robotics projects.
• Scholarship and Financial Aid Workshop: ������Ƶ will host this workshop to provide underserved high school students and their families with vital information on funding STEM degrees. This initiative aims to bridge the financial gap by connecting families with resources they may not know are available.
• Installation of a laser cutter and engraver: The new equipment will support the eight FIRST robotics teams from local high schools that build their robots in Kettering’s FIRST Robotic Community Center and Kettering’s VEXU robotics team in prototyping and testing designs faster and more efficiently. The laser cutter will also be available to students attending Kettering’s robotics summer camps.

“It is an honor to receive the GM Community Impact Grant. The generosity of GM enables Kettering to expose students and teachers in underserved schools to the excitement of STEM activities like FIRST, VEX, and Aerial Drone Competitions,” said Kim Schumaker, Director of ������Ƶ’s Robotics Center. “Hands-on workshops will build confidence and equip participants with skills that assist them in starting robotics teams and building competitive robots. Creating teams in the schools allows more students to participate each year and inspires more students to pursue STEM degrees and careers.”

GM’s support of the Flint-Genesee region has totaled more than $7 million since 2019, with Kettering benefiting from this ongoing commitment to local innovation and growth.

������Ƶ is proud to announce it received a $465,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site. This substantial grant will fund a groundbreaking program dedicated to advancing research in control and sensing for autonomous vehicles.

Led by Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Diane Peters, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, and Co-PI Dr. Rui Zhu, assistant professor of Computer Science, the REU program will offer undergraduate students from across the country the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on Kettering’s campus over the next three years.

The REU site will welcome 10 undergraduate students each summer for a 10-week immersive experience. This program is designed to expose participants to the exciting field of autonomous vehicles. This discipline leverages both mechanical engineering and computer science to drive innovation. Students will work on various research projects related to control systems and sensing technologies, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The ������Ƶ/GM Mobility Research Center (MRC) will play a crucial role in the program, providing students access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

“Receiving this NSF grant is a tremendous opportunity for us to support and mentor undergraduates from institutions where research opportunities may be limited,” said Dr. Peters. “Our aim is not only to provide these students with a solid research foundation but also to foster their growth as future STEM professionals.”

Applications for the REU program will be open to undergraduates nationwide. The program strongly emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, targeting students from institutions without extensive research facilities, including community colleges. In addition to their research work, participants will engage in professional development activities, including industry tours and presentations. The program will also offer financial support, covering housing, travel, and a weekly stipend, ensuring students can fully focus on their research without financial stress.

“This grant allows us to make a significant impact by bringing together a diverse group of students and providing them with a comprehensive research experience,” Dr. Peters said. “We are committed to creating an environment where students can thrive academically and personally while also engaging with our broader academic community.”

Students selected for the program will be matched with research projects and faculty mentors that align with their interests and career goals. The program will culminate in a poster session, allowing students to showcase their work and gain experience presenting their research. Ultimately, participants could see their work published in academic journals or presented at conferences.

Applications for the program are expected to open in December 2024 via the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP). For more information, visit . 

About the National Science Foundation (NSF) 

The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 “to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense.”​ With an annual budget of over $8 billion, NSF is the funding source for approximately 20% of all federally supported basic research conducted by America’s colleges and universities.

The inaugural Industry Research Summit — the first occasion to bring collaborators together at ������Ƶ under the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) program's Enabling Meaningful External Research Growth in Emergent Technologies (EMERGE) grant — was held on May 17, 2024. 

The EMERGE Cohort includes ������Ƶ, University of the Incarnate Word, University of Northern Colorado, and Western Carolina University. Cohort members share a common vision to EMERGE as recognized partners in research and development, translating research into practice, and in talent development in emerging technology. The U.S. NSF awards EPIIC grants of three years in length to up to 50 institutions each year. Each award is worth up to $400,000 per recipient institution. 

In line with the EMERGE goals, the Industry Research Summit featured distinguished speakers and engaging discussions to enhance partnerships between ������Ƶ and industry stakeholders. Representing General Motors, Dr. Jeff Abell ’85 delivered the keynote address, emphasizing successful collaboration models. 

“The phrase, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention,’ is really the starting point for industry. We will not work on projects or research or partnerships that do not fulfill one of our needs,” said Dr. Abell, a former member of the Kettering faculty. “And from my own university experience, it's very difficult to know what these needs are unless you are very close to an industry partner.”

During the daylong Summit, attendees engaged in interactive discussions and breakout sessions to enhance ������Ƶ's industry collaborations through classroom-based and cutting-edge research. The event culminated in a poster exhibit where faculty showcased their research goals, identifying opportunities for future partnerships.

Dr. Diane Peters, ������Ƶ Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is the principal investigator of the EMERGE project. “The Industry Research Summit is a key part of our activities since it serves as a springboard for all the other things we want to achieve,” Dr. Peters said. “It's enabled us to get input from multiple voices on how to accomplish our goals and given us some great new ideas to add to the activities we set forth in the original plans.” 

Dr. Scott Grasman, Dean of Kettering’s College of Engineering, and Dr. Javad Baqersad, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, are co-principal investigators. 

The insights and recommendations from all Summit participants will be compiled into a report that will be a blueprint for ������Ƶ's Year 2 plans for the NSF EPIIC grant. Proposed initiatives include establishing a graduate internship program and developing opportunities for faculty to engage in industry-focused research during non-teaching periods.

One example of what is possible through the NSF EPIIC program is ������Ƶ’s OpenRoad partnership. Inside ������Ƶ’s AMPED Lab, OpenRoad, a manufacturer of portable range boosters for electric vehicles, collaborates with Kettering students and professors to break new ground in EVs. To learn more about the OpenRoad partnership, visit .

A generous $9,000 grant from the Child Welfare Society (CWS) of Flint will help young women from across Genesee County attend the LITES pre-college program, which runs from July 15 to July 26 on the campus of ������Ƶ.

“We are grateful for the generosity of the Child Welfare Society of Flint,” said Suzanne Petrusch, Interim Vice President of Enrollment and Co-operative Services. “Their gift supports students from the area with an immersive learning experience designed to encourage the pursuit of a STEM degree. Providing hands-on experiences and exposure to role models can set life-changing educational and career trajectories for LITES participants from Genesee County.”

LITES (Lives Improve Through Engineering & Science) is a two-week residential program that introduces young women to what engineers and scientists do and how they improve people's lives through math, science, and technology. Students attend classes and labs on the Kettering campus and learn under University faculty.

Some of the program’s lessons include seeing how engineers help prevent injuries by designing airbags and child car seats and testing them with crash test dummies; learning how engineers repair joints, limbs, and organs by making replacements that are functional and durable; exploring environmental challenges using science and engineering; and solving crimes by combining science and technology. 

Students can also make new friends who love math and science and socialize with LITES mentors. 

“Having current Kettering students volunteer as mentors for the LITES program really helped me feel at home. They answered all our questions and were perfect examples of females who loved the engineering field,” said Peyton Spodney, a LITES alumna and current Kettering Mechanical Engineering student. “Coming to LITES definitely made up my mind about coming to Kettering. I already knew some professors and made a great group of friends. It's so rewarding to start your college freshman year and already know people who you did LITES with or upperclassmen girls who were your LITES mentors.” 

To qualify for LITES, students must complete 11th grade by July 1, 2024. The program fee of $1,500 covers on-campus housing in Thompson Hall and all meals, lab materials, and excursion costs. Scholarships to attend the program may be available.

About the Child Welfare Society of Flint

Since 1915, the Child Welfare Society of Flint has been quietly helping Genesee County youth. The CWS is a private foundation that offers grants to organizations that assist families and children with educational, health, and social needs. As a private foundation, CWS provides grants for programs and services that benefit youth in Genesee County.

������Ƶ has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation to enhance its Intelligent Transportation Laboratory (ITL). This funding will support the transformation of existing lab, research and classroom space into a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advanced transportation research and education. 

The ITL is designed to be a hub for hands-on learning and experimentation, particularly focused on vehicle dynamics and performance testing. The lab will provide invaluable physical testing capabilities for validating mathematical models and reinforcing theoretical knowledge through practical application.

Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan, Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Kettering, played a key role in developing the proposal for the ITL. Her expertise in vehicle dynamics, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) is critical to the lab's focus. Dr. Bastiaan, alongside Dr. Gregory Davis and Dr. Arnaldo Mazzei, who specialize in vehicle propulsion systems and chassis design, respectively, crafted a vision for a lab that integrates cutting-edge technology and learning.

"The generous gift of the Margaret Dunning Foundation will support the development of the Intelligent Transportation Laboratory, a collaborative facility dedicated to research and teaching in advanced mobility," said Dr. Bastiaan. "Once fully commissioned, the ITL will be used by about 150 undergraduate and graduate students annually. These students will benefit from acquiring knowledge in modern transportation technology and state-of-the-art measurement systems during their academic programs and future industry careers."

The Margaret Dunning Foundation, through its support, aims to foster the next generation of automotive and transportation professionals. "������Ƶ is a great partner for this endeavor as so many of its students follow a career path into the industry," remarked Renee Sovis, Program Officer at the Margaret Dunning Foundation. "The Dunning Foundation was happy to support renovations in the Intelligent Transportation Lab, which will be used by engineering students for research and testing."

This new facility enhances the educational landscape at ������Ƶ and strengthens its commitment to advancing automotive and transportation knowledge and innovation.

������Ƶ has announced a generous $75,000 grant from the Ben F. Bryer Foundation to upgrade its renowned Crash Safety Center (CSC). The grant will fund advanced data acquisition software, enhancing the center's capability to research vehicle safety.

Dr. Theresa Atkinson, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Kettering, emphasized the importance of the grant. "Thanks to the investment by the Ben F. Bryer Foundation, Kettering's Crash Safety Center can continue to provide students with hands-on crash testing experiences,” Atkinson explained. “Our students learn how to set up crash dummies and access injury risk metrics, producing innovative graduates who bring a deeper understanding of safety to the world of mobility."

The CSC is the only U.S. facility that allows undergraduate students to conduct crash tests as part of their coursework. The updates will include miniDAU by Kistler, a sophisticated onboard data acquisition system that ensures robust data capture that is critical for advancing safety research.

Jack Gaddis (‘24, Mechanical Engineering), a senior mechanical engineering student working with Lear Corporation, has firsthand experience with the CSC. "In automotive seating, safety is always the number one priority,” Gaddis explained. “Having a complete understanding of all the measures that can be taken to ensure occupant safety is an invaluable experience to have for product design. The theory I learn in this class, even as an undergraduate, I directly apply to my work in automotive safety."

The need for such updates has become increasingly urgent as automotive transportation evolves. Introducing novel seating configurations in autonomous vehicles, such as "Living Room Style," poses new safety challenges, particularly concerning child car seat usage. According to the CDC, road traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death in the United States for people ages 1–54, underlining the ongoing necessity for improved automotive safety measures.

Robert Hurand, Co-Trustee of the Ben F. Bryer Foundation, highlighted the personal connection that motivated the grant. "Dr. Bryer was initially drawn to engineering but switched to medicine after a personal tragedy involving his mother’s early death due to a misdiagnosis," Hurand explained. "The Crash Safety Center's integration of engineering and health directly reflects his interdisciplinary approach to saving lives. We are honored to support this initiative, which closely aligns with his vision."

This grant honors Dr. Bryer’s legacy and ensures that ������Ƶ continues to provide a practical education that aligns closely with industry needs and societal benefits.