GER-9553405 Smith A proposed Graduate Research Traineeship project is described which will focus on research in Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing. The project would be managed by a Principal Investigator and five Co-Principal Investigators who will work with five PhD trainees as an interdisciplinary team within the framework of the Manufacturing Excellence Center (MEC) at Colorado State University. The MEC has operated for several years and provides a unique setting within which PhD trainees would have the opportunity to interact with small-and-medium sized manufacturing firms as the PhD education and research programs are being undertaken. The research will focus on specific advances in environmentally conscious parts cleaning technologies, chemical vapor deposition reactors which minimize waste production, environmentally conscious design in concurrent engineering, and low pollution painting processes. These areas are selected because they are known to be relevant to the competitive position of manufacturers. This is known based upon the ongoing, day-to-day interaction with manufacturers through the MEC. In the context of the long-standing commitment of Colorado State University of diversity, a significant effort would be made in this project to enhance recruitment and retention of women, minorities and persons with disabilities in the proposed traineeship program. In addition, a significant contribution to the national infrastructure which promotes and sustains student diversity is expected.
