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YSU gets $462K for transportation research

By Denise Dick

Friday, August 12, 2011

Staff report

Youngstown

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17, announced the federal award of $462,900 for Youngstown State University’s Center for Transportation and Materials Engineering.

The award was made possible through a grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The grant will continue to fund YSU’s applied research and applications in advanced manufacturing of materials to increase the longevity, mobility and sustainability of our nation’s transportation infrastructure.

“Youngstown State University continues to be a major asset for our Valley, and the nation, pioneering the research of high-tech, advanced manufacturing in transportation,” Ryan said. “Right here in Youngstown, we’re leading the way, developing new vehicle components, sensors to monitor the structural integrity of bridges and ideas for our nation’s transportation infrastructure of tomorrow. With Youngstown State University, the Tech Belt Energy Innovation Center and the Youngstown Small Business Incubator, we’re demonstrating the wealth of innovation taking place in our region.”

Through YSU’s Center for Transportation and Materials Engineering, researchers are developing light-weight vehicle braking systems to improve fuel efficiency, performance, longevity and safety.

The center also is funding research into intelligent vehicle transportation systems to minimize susceptibility to electromagnetic signal interference and ensure proper communication between vehicles and intelligent transportation systems.