This proposal requests support from NSF for six Graduate Research Traineeships in the area of Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing (ECM). Penn State will provide 20% matching funds. The proposed program is unique in the following aspects: (i) The focal point of the Trainees' experiences will be the modern manufacturing facilities availabe at the ARPA/Industrial consortium-funded Manufacturing Engineering Education Partnership (MEEP) program; (ii) Six specific projects in interdisciplinary areas under the supervision of ten faculty members in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management and Systems Engineering departments have been identified for potential Trainees; and, (iii) academic leadership, organization, and managerial training. Three Trainees will be from the women, underrepresented minorities, and the disabled students group. Facilites and infrastructure at Penn State are available and appropriately suited for the proposed program.
