University Receives $1.03 Million CCAT Grant

During Monday’s ISET opening, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson presented the university with a $1.03 million check for 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.

The grant will fund applied research and development of laser applications in manufacturing by faculty and students. The Principal Investigator on the grant is Professor Devdas Shetty, Dean of Research and Vernon D. Roosa Professor of Manufacturing Engineering in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA).

The funding extends CCAT’s partnership with the University of Hartford in advancing precision manufacturing of 21st century technologies in the region.

“Through technology, the world of manufacturing is changing,” said Congressman Larson (D-1st District). “In partnering, CCAT and the University of Hartford are an example of the unity of purpose that will keep Connecticut at the epicenter of research and production. 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.”

The grants will be managed in CETA, and a number of CETA faculty members will participate in grant-funded research, Shetty said. In addition to Shetty, participating CETA faculty will include Thomas Eppes, Lee Townsend, Ladimer Nagurney, Michael Nowak, and adjunct faculty members Richard Kolk and Ronald LaComb. In addition, Assistant Professor of Physics James McDonald will be a Co-Principal Investigator.

According to Shetty, research activity will be focused 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.

The 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 of Hartford to be recognized for its applied research and distinct academic programs and multi-institutional partnerships in laser technology,” Shetty said.