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Past DER Weekly Newsletters |
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Weekly In Progress Report |
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| Consider the research that helps make football exciting! |
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It’s time! This Saturday, October 29th at 7:30pm, MSU and University of Michigan will continue their storied rivalry for another chapter in this incredible saga. MSU will need to dig deep to secure a victory over Michigan. As you cheer for MSU, be sure to consider the research, both past and future, that has gone into making this cherished tradition possible for fans, whether they are watching the game in person or from a distance.
As you know, MSU is a leader in engineering research; those successes have benefited and continue to benefit the game of football both directly and indirectly. From Sensors research used to detect head impacts in athletes who play high-impact sports like football which is currently being developed by Dr. Nelson Sepúlveda and his team, or research in reusable liquid nanofoam material for football helmets
research by Dr. Weiyi Lu and his team which will aim to develop materials more effective and resilient than foam pads.
MSU research has and always will indirectly benefit the game of football. Consider these initiatives:
- Driving to the game? Research from MSU Civil and Environmental Engineering has helped to develop stronger roads.
- Picking up snacks for tailgating? Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering is working to further research related to food and agriculture benefitting players and spectators.
- Wonder how coaches help athletes develop into stronger and safer players? Electrical and Computer Engineering researchers are implementing scalable wireless systems to track and detect motion in people and have the potential to help players.
- Concerned about the safety of players and fans? Computer Science and Engineering researchers are developing security systems which could make participation in the game safer.
These efforts, and so many more from within the College of Engineering directly and indirectly strengthen the game of football. As MSU research continues, football at MSU and beyond will continue to improve.
Your DER staff takes pride in playing a small part in these stories and look forward to watching how the game of football becomes even more exciting. Remember DER is here to help you build your strongest research proposals and we are here for you. If you have questions regarding any of the information above, or regarding your future proposal, please send an email to proposals@egr.msu.edu.
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Thank You and Good Luck, Dennis...
As today is the last day in DER for Dennis Shubitowski, I’m giving a snapshot into the positive impact he’s had since joining the DER team in late 2019. Over those three years, he has helped lead the way on almost 250 proposals to support the research endeavors for the faculty of the College of Engineering.
Across those nearly 250 proposals, he’s helped over 105 unique lead PIs to the proposal submission finish line. Dennis served as our go-to expert for the National Science Foundation; nearly 75% of the proposals he worked were submissions directly to NSF. His reach extended far beyond that to include three different internal programs, five federal agencies, four state programs (in multiple states), nine foundations, and working with an additional 22 other collaborative institutions leading proposals.
Thank you again to Dennis for the great work you did for the faculty of the College of Engineering, for the DER Office, and all of us who were fortunate enough to call you our colleague/friend. Best of luck in your new Research Administration position with the MSU College of Social Science.
From Alex (DER Director) and your DER Team
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| Spotlight Opportunities & Information |
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Summary: The Water Research Foundation
has issued an RFP for a project to provide guidance to utilities and water sector organizations on how to complete DE&I assessments and integrate DE&I considerations into recruiting, hiring practices, career progression at all levels of the organization, community outreach, and training. (NOTE: This RFP might offer a very good opportunity for cross unit collaboration and/or collaborative work with outside entities.) Applicants can request up to $150,000. The Deadline for application is November 22, 2002 at 3:00 MT. Please forward this RFP to any faculty in your unit the may have interest.
RFP: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion-Best Practices for the Water Sector Workforce: All water sector organizations would benefit from increased efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Utilities and organizations need guidance on how to complete DE&I assessments and integrate DE&I considerations into recruiting, hiring practices, career progression at all levels of the organization, community outreach, and training. Desired outcomes of this research include:
- A clear definition and understanding of what defines DE&I objectives and the aspects that should be considered when establishing DE&I objectives
- An understanding of, and guidance on, best practices for DE&I workforce programs
- Metrics/methods (key performance indicators) for reviewing the quality and success of efforts
- Case studies and tools for DE&I objectives implementation
- A diverse and inclusive water workforce, comprised of staff and leadership with a sense of belonging and investment in advancing DE&I objectives
Desired Qualifications: A successful proposal will demonstrate the proposer’s experience with DE&I activities.
Expected Deliverables: The deliverables for this project are flexible, and creativity and originality from proposers are encouraged. Example deliverables could include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Guidance document
- Templates for DE&I practice implementation (e.g., job postings, employee surveys, job descriptions, etc.)
- Literature review
- Research report
- Peer-reviewed journal article
- Webcast, conference presentation, etc.
- Fact sheet, case study, infographic, video, etc.
- Web tool (consider plan for maintenance)
- Workshop (consider plan to document workshop)
Utility and Organization Participation: WRF encourages participation from water utilities and other organizations in WRF research. Participation can occur in a variety of ways, including direct participation, in-kind contributions, or in-kind services. To facilitate their participation, WRF has provided contact information, on the last page of this RFP, of utilities and other organizations that have indicated an interest in this research.
*Note that one of those with interest is:
NOTE: This notice is only an overview. Those interested in applying should carefully read the full RFP at: https://www.waterrf.org/sites/default/files/file/2022-10/RFP_5186.pdf
GRANT AMOUNT: The maximum funding available from WRF for this project is $125,000. The applicant must contribute additional resources equivalent to at least 33 percent of the project award. For example, if an applicant requests $100,000 from WRF, an additional $33,000 or more must be contributed by the applicant. Acceptable forms of applicant contribution include cost-share, applicant in-kind, or third-party in-kind
that comply with 2 CFR Part 200.306 cost sharing or matching.
APPLICATION PROCESS: The online proposal system allows submission of your documents until the date and time stated in this RFP. To avoid the risk of the system closing before you press the submit button, do not wait until the last minute to complete your submission. Submit your proposal at: https://forms.waterrf.org/222555832480861
.
DEADLINE: Proposals must be received by 3:00 pm Mountain Time on November 22, 2022.
PROJECT CONTACT:
- For questions about RFP requirements: Lyndsey Bloxom phone: (571) 384-2106
- For questions related to proposal submission: Caroline Bruck phone: (303) 347-6118
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| What’s hot in science? Check out NSF research news through October 26, 2022 |
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NSF NEWS
Keep up with today’s research news from the U.S. National Science Foundation. This is a daily look at noteworthy scientific findings from researchers around the country.
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Advancing autonomous vehicles to usher in a safer future
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Michigan State University is home to nearly 50 experts, from a variety of research fields, shaping the future of mobility.
That’s because improving transportation — making it safer, smarter and more accessible no matter how people choose to get around — isn’t a matter of solving one problem. It requires embracing complexity and working to evolve an entire ecosystem.
Autonomous vehicles present a microcosm of that ecosystem. Building the technology that will make these cars and trucks more connected, more trustworthy and more capable of driving themselves requires an array of talents and know-how.
That’s one of the reasons why MSU is a premier place to get an early look at the future of autonomous vehicles.
“There are so many different areas of expertise you need to pursue this technology,” says Hayder Radha, an MSU Foundation Professor of electrical and computer engineering. “We have it all in one place.”
Beyond this breadth of expertise, Michigan State also has a campus that allows researchers to study these vehicles in a variety of settings that bear the brunt of all four seasons. All of this makes MSU a unique proving ground that will help autonomous vehicles best integrate into the mobility ecosystem.
At MSU, researchers produce, gather and analyze incredibly valuable data with different autonomous platforms on campus, including a first-of-its-kind autonomous bus. They ask brand new questions about how these vehicles will interact with people and infrastructure. They also help ensure a vehicle’s many sensors work synergistically to make sure the vehicle operates as safely as possible, no matter how challenging the conditions.
“The immediate impact of what we’re doing is really achieving a high level of safety,” says Radha, who is also the director and faculty coordinator of MSU’s Connected and Autonomous Networked Vehicles for Active Safety, or CANVAS.
“First and foremost, autonomous vehicles will be saving lives,” he says.
A new level of synergy
Underlying this assertion is the fact that roughly 90% of fatal roadway collisions are the result of human error, Radha says.
The promise of autonomous vehicles is that they will prevent those errors by taking human decision-making out of the equation. The rub is that removing that component would also mean cutting out things that humans do really well to sense and react to their environments.
Yet technology can make up for that, as evidenced by the role autonomy has in our lives today. … Learn more Here.
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Broad Agency Announcements (BAA), Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) N00014-23-S-B001
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BAA for the next round of Navy and Marine Corps Sci & Tech has been published; N00014-23-S-B001
Broad Agency Announcements (BAA), Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA) and BAA Calls
Most of ONR’s solicitations are for research and development and are
accomplished through BAAs announcing research interests. BAAs are a
streamlined method used to advertise and solicit performers for ONR
research areas. A BAA or FOA is used to fill requirements for scientific
study and experimentation directed toward advancing the
state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding rather than
focusing on a specific system or hardware solution. FOAs only result in
the award of an assistance instrument and BAAs may result in the award
of both acquisition and assistance instruments. BAA Calls are often
released to focus attention on a specific topic and funding
availability.
ONR announcements are posted at https://sam.gov/content/opportunities
or www.grants.gov. For convenience, these funding opportunities are also listed on the announcements section of the ONR website.
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Although less frequently used than announcements, the RFP is another
solicitation method. RFPs are used in negotiated acquisitions to
communicate Government requirements for supplies and services where
there is a common statement of work. ONR RFPs are posted at https://sam.gov/content/opportunities
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FCC Seeks Electronic Engineers for Honors Program
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
announced this week that it is opening a new window for applications
under its Honors Engineer Program. The one-year developmental program
may lead to a term or permanent appointment. The Commission is accepting
applications from recent graduates with an engineering degree and
current students graduating in December 2022.
Among the duties included in the job description is training to perform
“propagation analysis of terrestrial, satellite and/or airborne systems
or evaluating the emission characteristics of various transmitters to
validate the co-existence with neighboring systems. Projects may also
involve various computer software engineering and scientific
applications."
An FCC news release describes that honors engineers will work alongside senior staff on projects, including:
- Developing technical rules and policy approaches to enable the
U.S. to introduce new communications technologies and services such as
5G, 6G, advanced Wi-Fi, the Internet of Things, next-generation TV
broadcasting, and new broadband satellite systems;
- Facilitating wireless and wireline broadband service deployment throughout the nation, including to rural and underserved areas;
- Identifying technologies to improve access to communications services for all Americans, especially those with disabilities;
- Enabling public safety and homeland security agencies as well as
various enterprises within various market sectors such as health care,
energy, education, and transportation to introduce new communications
technologies; and
- Developing policies that encourage innovation and investment in
and transitions to new communications technologies, devices, and
services that will support job creation and economic growth.
“Engineers are deployed throughout the FCC, and from space
innovation to new broadcast standards to 6G and beyond, the FCC’s policy
portfolio is filled with interesting and challenging engineering work,”
said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Our Honors Engineer program
is a unique opportunity for the newest engineers to work closely with
experienced professionals in this field to ensure that the FCC is best
prepared to face the challenges of next-generation communications
networks.”
The announcement will close once 175 applications have been received or on December 2, 2022; whichever occurs first. Visit USAJOBS for the complete position summary and to apply, at www.usajobs.gov/job/685101100.
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Fall Series for Faculty Practitioners: Special Topics in Community-Engaged Learning
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Attention: Faculty, Academic Staff, and Instructors, New or Experienced with Community-Engaged Learning
Community-engaged learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community partnerships with instruction and critical reflection to enrich the student learning experience, teach civic and social responsibility, and strengthen communities. Implementation strategies range from direct service to advocacy to research to philanthropy, and more! Through presentation and discussion, attendees will learn how to get started or enhance what they are already doing and connect to a network of peers and resource supports. If you are interested and not able to attend or would like one-on-one consulting, please email the Center for Community Engaged Learning's academic programs team to discuss ideas, plans, and or partnership support at Michelle Snitgen, msnitgen@msu.edu or Stephanie Brewer, sbrewer@msu.edu.
Participants can register for one workshop or all sessions.
Community Conversations: The Elements of Community Partnerships
November 18, 2022 | 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Location: Zoom
This session will discuss elements of strong partnerships to effectively co-create community-engaged learning opportunities for students. Hear examples of successful faculty/community partnerships, discuss considerations for initiating and sustaining partnerships, and explore resources to assist you in partnership development or enhancement.
The Community-Engaged Learning Student Experience
December 7, 2022 | 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Location: Zoom
This session will help practitioners think through the community-engaged learning experience from the student perspective. What are the benefits and challenges for our students, and what is our responsibility as practitioners to ensure students are prepared? How can we really work toward a transformative learning experience?
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BE A PRESENTER SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL NOW (MSU Science Festival)
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1-WEEK LEFT | PROPOSALS DUE: NOVEMBER 4, 2022
Share what inspires you about your field with public and school audiences.
The MSU Science Festival, now in its 11th year, is an amazing multi-day series of events for people of all ages to experience science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) through live presentations.
Every April, MSU Science Festival programs highlight ground-breaking scholarship and research through various types of engaging presentations. For the upcoming 2023 Festival, we're excited to bring programs and events back live and in-person, including the very popular Expo Days, that feature hands-on activities and presentations!
For assistance planning your program or event, please reach out to our team at any time at scifest@msu.edu.
Presentation formats include:
- Talks with experts
- Hands-on activities
- Demonstrations and performances
- Behind the scenes tours
- Outdoor exploration activities
Why present at the festival?
- Meet National Science Foundation (NSF) requirements for broader impacts
- Inspire future generations about STEAM fields and opportunities
Who can present?
- MSU faculty and academic staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students
- Community partners across Michigan
How to submit a proposal?
Questions? Contact us at scifest@msu.edu
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The chart above shows DER's Proposal Volume from 2019 to 2022 as of (10/28/2022).
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Description: DER has a catalog of research and funding seminars available on demand. Seminar topics range from critical instruction for new faculty through advanced training for senior research faculty. These presentations include instruction from experts regarding themes that include best practices in research, MSU policy, sponsor compliance, industry specific seminars, and more. Check them out today and utilize this incredible resource to help streamline your proposal development and promote success in your research. Watch now on demand!!!
Recent seminar presentations include:
- DER is Here to Help (proposal & proposal development resources geared to promote success)
- Tips for Writing a Persuasive Grant Proposal (grant writing to ‘sell’ a project to funders)
- Finding Funding (tips for finding funding to support your research)
- Roles and Responsibilities (tips for understanding roles and responsibilities at each stage of the project)
- CAREER Award Workshop - Session 1 (best practices and strategies for producing successful NSF Career proposals)
- And many more…
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| Internal Funding Notifications & News |
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Does effort reporting for your grants and contracts seem more cumbersome than it should be? CGA has compiled a very
helpful list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Topics range from reporting deadlines, to resolving errors, and everything in between!
As you peruse this list, you might notice that there is a dedicated email address for any questions or issues you may have when submitting effort reporting. Please use effortreporting@cga.msu.edu to expedite service.
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| External Sponsor Notifications & News |
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| Ongoing Updates and Posts |
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| NSF News Releases |
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| Ongoing Updates and Posts |
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| NAMC Opportunities |
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| Ongoing Updates and Posts |
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| Press Releases and Funding Opportunities |
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U.S. Department of Defense |
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
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National Institutes of Health |
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National Science Foundation |
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Office of Naval Research |
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Research in Germany - Land of Ideas |
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U.S. Department of Energy |
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United States Department of Agriculture |
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