Brochure lists research offerings

A goal is to develop a core research facility for campus and community use.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- In an effort to let area businesses -- and prospective graduate students -- know the research opportunities Youngstown State University has to offer, its School of Graduate Studies and Research has completed a brochure guide to the various equipment and facilities tucked away on campus.
"These students have no idea what's here on campus in math, science and engineering. ... It will be useful as a recruiting piece," said Dr. Peter J. Kasvinsky, dean of the graduate school. "And we really want businesses to know what's available at YSU."
Kasvinsky said there are YSU-business partnerships through which a portion of research is done on campus and a portion at a company location, but he's hoping to see more.
Lacking equipment
Further, many local companies don't have the equipment necessary to do certain types of analytical research in areas such as chemistry, especially research that requires pieces that cost $100,000 or $200,000.
"That's where a university can be very helpful," Kasvinsky said.
A long-term goal of Kasvinsky, with Robert Bolla, dean of Arts & amp; Sciences, is to develop a core research facility that is open to the entire campus as well as businesses and the community, Kasvinsky said.
He said the brochure project was born from a recommendation of John Gilchrist, former group vice president of operations for Parker Hannifin-Youngstown Operations. Gilchrist said a problem for businesses that want to get involved with the university is that they don't know what is available on campus.
In the brochure
The 15-page booklet, titled "Science and Engineering Instrumentation and Facilities: Making Research Connections at YSU" lists equipment and laboratories available in biological sciences, chemistry, geological and environmental sciences and physics and astronomy. It also shows what's available in the chemical, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, mechanical, and industrial and systems engineering departments.
It features photographs of faculty and staff working various pieces of equipment and was created by a graduate student in the professional writing and editing program. Call (330) 941-3091 or (330) 941-2377 for a copy.