In FY 2003, NSF provided 573 awards totaling approximately $336 million to 77 institutions in the state of Virginia as well as $919,000 in fellowships.
Institutions in Virginia that received NSF support in FY 2002 included the University of Virginia, the College of William & Mary, Virginia Museum of Natural History, Norfolk State University, Randolph Macon College, Southwest Virginia Community College, and Airak, Inc.
The
Center for Power Electronics Systems
is an NSF supported Engineering Research Center
at Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University
in collaboration with four other research institutions.
The Center's research focuses on power electronics
technology to improve industrial productivity
and competitiveness, to eliminate a roadblock
to further advancements in computer and telecommunications
technologies, and to enable hybrid electric vehicle
technology. The Center's strategy is to research
integrated power electronics modules at a systemic
level and to focus on the lower power range of
power electronics, for example packaged drivers
for air conditioning and refrigeration for domestic
and industrial applications, hybrid electric vehicles,
high performance, adjustable speed drives for
industrial automation, distributed power supply
systems for ultra-low voltage and high speed very
large scale integrated circuits.
Small Business Innovation Research — An NSF SBIR award to Materials Modification, Inc. supports the development of nanocrystaline soft ferromagnetic materials for various end use applications, such as electromagnetic interference suppression, magnetic bearings, and indicators. Prior research established the feasibility of producing these materials via a patented microwave plasma technique. These materials are also consolidated to near theoretical densities using a patented plasma pressure compaction technique and the compacts exhibit high magnetic strength and coercivity. There are numerous applications for nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials with superior magnetic and mechanical properties and low core loss, including generators, transformers, data communication interface components, and magnetic bearings.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program — This Danville Community College project is developing two new AAS degree programs in manufacturing engineering technology and plastics and polymers manufacturing based on the development of new course material and adaptation of curricula and courses from Sinclair Community College and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. The programs serve current manufacturing employees, employees who are newly entering the workforce or seeking a career change, and graduating high school students aspiring to develop essential technical career skills. Articulation partnerships are established with Old Dominion University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Undergraduate Institute in Physics — This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (RUE) site at Hampton University is an eight-week residential summer research program for undergraduate students. It offers research opportunities to eight physics, science, or engineering students in the areas of nuclear, particle, medical, and optical physics and provides research opportunities for students from groups underrepresented in physics. Students conduct research under the guidance of a mentor; they are in daily contact with the mentor, researchers, and graduate students. At the conclusion of the program, students give a thirty-minute oral presentation and submit a research report
