At the opening of the university's new ISET complex on Aug. 29, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson presented the university with a $1.03 million check that will fund research into laser-guided manufacturing.

The grant was awarded by the nonprofit, federally funded Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), a national center for next-generation manufacturing based at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn.

"Through technology, the world of manufacturing is changing," said Congressman Larson (D-1st District). "By bringing together industry and tomorrow's workforce, we are creating a chain of development that will again put Connecticut at the forefront of innovation and manufacturing technologies."

Principal investigator on the grant is Professor Devdas Shetty, dean of research and the Vernon D. Roosa Professor of Manufacturing Engineering in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA). According to Shetty, research activity will focus on laser-based processes, such as laser drilling, laser marking, laser-based joining processes, laser diagnostics with applications in sensing and control, and virtual product simulation for the factory of the future.

A number of CETA faculty members and students will participate in grant-funded research, Shetty said. Participating faculty members include Thomas Eppes, Lee Townsend, Ladimer Nagurney, Michael Nowak, and adjunct faculty membersRichard Kolk and Ronald LaComb. Assistant Professor of Physics James McDonald is the co-principal investigator on the grant. Research will be carried out in conjunction with Connecticut companies and the National Aerospace Leadership Center operated by CCAT.

"This grant will help the university gain recognition for its applied research, its distinct academic programs, and its multi-institutional partnerships in laser technology," Shetty said.