9354956 Russell Maryland has had a long standing commitment to machine tool research. The Advanced Design and Manufacturing Laboratory, the Computer-aided Design Laboratory, and the Photomechanics Laboratory are among the leading laboratories in the nation. On-going research activities include study of machine tool dynamics, ceramic machining, synthesis and processing of multi-layer ceramic actuators, and development of optical fiber sensor technology. University of Maryland's strong collaboration with industry and government research institutions provides a unique research environment for GRT. A combined training and retention strategy that emphasizes the integration of design throughout the engineering curriculum at the graduate level has been developed for this proposal. Developing a cluster of academic courses relevant to machine tool research allows graduate students to integrate ideas and concepts from the designated courses, and encourages intellectual and social camaraderie to knit the trainees together. The training focuses on engineering practice and quality research. Starting from learning operational skills to large-scale system analysis, they gain leading-edge knowledge. Exciting research projects and strong interactions among students and with teachers will encourage students to stay in the program to pursue their Ph.D. degrees. ***
