| Research
Objectives |
| The
primary research objectives are to conduct theoretically-based, problem-solving
investigations in anticipation of, rather than in response to, issues
and concerns in the areas of: |
|
Biomedical
engineering
Bioprocess engineering for adding value
Environmental engineering
Site-specific crop management
Water resources and ecosystems engineering |
| The
specific objectives for biomedical engineering: |
|
Apply
engineering skills to problems in medicine and biology resulting in
reduced morbidity, lower healthcare costs, and enhanced quality of
life. |
|
Develop
tools and technologies to (1) aid in diagnosis of disease, and (2)
monitor physiology and health, with minimum effect to healthy tissues. |
|
Develop
bioimagery and biosignal systems to quantify cardiovascular function. |
| The
specific objectives for bioprocess engineering for adding value are: |
|
Continue
to develop and disseminate food and biopolymer processing technologies
using starches, proteins and lipids. |
|
Synthesis
of biochemicals and biomaterials. |
|
Process
operation models for safety and efficiency. |
|
Process
development to support new or improved products. |
| The
specific objectives for environmental
engineering are: |
|
Enhance
sustainability of rural communities through improved environmental
infrastructure systems for drinking water supplies, wastewater treatment,
and solid waste management. |
|
Development
of new tools and techniques that utilize site specific, imprecise
and subjective information in measurement, design, analysis, and management
of environmental systems. |
|
Development
of new odor measurement systems that are able to respond to odors
in a manner similar to human response. |
|
Conduct
research and deliver educational programs that respond to the needs
of rural community leaders, industrial decision makers, public and
private agencies and service providers, and public policy makers. |
| The
specific objectives for site-specific crop management are: |
|
Develop
methods to use non-intrusive sensors and control systems. |
|
Define
agronomic processes, engineering design,and management criteria |
|
Develop
accurate, precise and responsive equipment systems. |
|
Develop
decision support tools which utilize real-time information on soil,
plant, machinery management databases, and weather and economic forecasting
to enhance profitability, carbon sequestration, and environmental
protection. |
|
Continue
to build partnerships with industry to develop site-specific tools
and implement their use through educational programs and industrial
partnerships. |
|
Foster
a multi-disciplinary programs that develop engineered and agronomic
solutions. |
| The
specific objectives for water resources and ecosystems engineering are: |
|
Protection
of ground and surface water resources from fertilizer, pesticides,
sediment, and organic residues to assure high quality water for society's
needs. |
|
Enhancement
of the efficiency of water use by matching cultural operations and
irrigation water applications to field conditions and variability,
water supply constraints, and economic situations. |
|
Reuse
and recovery of solid, hazardous, and organic residues to sustain
and protect environmental resources. |
