The Michigan Engineer News Center

University of Michigan’s $10M funding program aims to encourage big, daring ideas

August 2, 2018
The Blue Sky Initiative is part of the University of Michigan College of Engineering’s new internal research funding approach that’s based on a startup investment model.
the ISS overlooks aurora borealis

More than $5M to improve solar storm forecasts

U-Michigan researchers play lead roles in national effort funded by NSF, NASA. | Medium Read

Mirror-like photovoltaics get more electricity out of heat

By reflecting nearly all the light they can’t turn into electricity, they help pave the way for storing renewable energy as heat. | Medium Read
Myofibroblasts can be seen accumulating in the 3d lung connective tissue model even in soft conditions mimicking a healthy lung. Image is stained for cytoskeleton (blue), cell nuclei (yellow), and a marker for myofibroblast activation (alpha-smooth muscle actin, red). Credit: Baker Lab.

New treatments for deadly lung disease could be revealed by 3D modeling

Traditional 2D research may rule out better treatment options. | Medium Read

Simulating aerosolized particles to improve bus safety during COVID-19

Improving construction worker safety with wearable sensors

Flexible, adaptable micro-robots inspired by origami

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Research News
an example of the erasing message

Burn after reading

A self-erasing chip for security and anti-counterfeit tech. | Medium Read

Coordination and collaboration are critical to U.S. leadership in plasma science: a Q&A with the Plasma 2020 Decadal Study co-chair | Medium Read

$1.8M DARPA project aims to protect cars, trucks and spacecraft from hackers | Medium Read

A new look at an inevitable problem: muscle loss in aging | Medium Read
Campus & Community
Lissa MacVean, a lecturer in civil and environmental engineering, teaches her graduate course outside. Photo by Joseph Xu

Caution and connection in in-person classes during COVID-19

Faculty members and students share their perspectives. | Medium Read

How a COVID-19 app built at U-Michigan is helping businesses stay open | Medium Read

New associate deans of academic affairs and research named | Short Read

Emergency fund fills in gaps for students during pandemic | Medium Read
Faculty Perspectives

School bus safety during the COVID-19 pandemic: 8 recommendations

In The Conversation, Capecelatro offers suggestions like keeping windows open, shorter trips and below half-capacity seating on public buses. | Short Read

The pandemic has revealed the cracks in US manufacturing: Here’s how to fix them | Short Read

Advanced mobility is about more than technology. Our workforce should reflect that. | Short Read

Before we put $100 billion in AI | Short Read
In the News
The New York Times August 31, 2020
Humans take a step closer to ‘flying cars’
Professor of Aerospace Engineering Ella Atkins tells New York Times that eVTOL machines will have mixed applications, being more efficient than helicopters but less efficient than cars.
National Public Radio September 23, 2020
Politics and climate change science clash as west coast wildfires rage
Professor of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering Ricky Rood is interviewed WEMU.
The New York Times August 31, 2020
Looking to reopen, colleges become labs for coronavirus tests and tracking apps
Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Krista Wigginton tells New York Times that universities are working to find new tools to help them track and curb the spread of COVID-19 on campuses.
Detroit News August 14, 2020
Detroit-to-Ann Arbor self-driving vehicle corridor aims for national leadership
University of Michigan, the state and industry partners' connected corridor initiative is highlighted in Detroit News.
history

Five year plan: The North Campus story

Ed Lesher: Aircraft Hall of Famer

LASIK: The Bladeless Scalpel

Q&A with Samuel Ting