Funding Status: Accepted

Abstract

The main objective of this proposal is to enhance UW student educational/research experiences through the addition of state-of-the-art compression and flexure (bend) testing and visualization equipment in the UW Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Construction Materials Laboratory (CML). This laboratory is used by all CEE undergraduate students, the Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge Team RSOs, many CEE graduate students, Mary Gates Scholars, and independent study students (e.g., CEE498) from other disciplines including Material Science and Engineering and Construction Management. Current testing equipment in the CML supports two laboratory courses (CEE337 100-150 students/year, CM323 50-75 students/year) but is not suitable for independent use by students because it requires significant training and practice to operate safely. As a result, the current equipment is generally only available to those affiliated with the lab, and few students ever gain access to it. Nor is the equipment particularly suitable for research or student activities since no data is collected or recorded beyond the peak load reached during the test. The equipment, therefore, is predominantly an antiquated teaching tool that has occasional use by other authorized users. The requested compression and flexure testing equipment would provide a new “BreakerSpace” on campus to complement the existing makerspace and testing facilities already available for UW student research and other student-led activities. The ability to build prototypes or design materials and then test these components/ materials to failure is a crucial part of the engineering design cycle and one that is limited on campus presently.

Access

After the training, students will need to sign up on a shared calendar to schedule the equipment use. Normal hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays to Friday. However, the equipment will be also be available after hours with special arrangements.

Abstract

Access to neuroscience research is limited by field-specific jargon, a lack of diverse perspectives, and socioeconomic barriers, reducing communication between scientists and the public, especially for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This perpetuates systemic inequalities and hinders the impact of scientific advancements in the field. Grey Matters Journal is the University of Washington’s undergraduate neuroscience journal, founded on the belief that quality neuroscience education should be accessible to everyone. We accomplish this mission by publishing a quarterly neuroscience journal and hosting educational events, open to all who are interested. However, over the past two years, we have noticed difficulties in fulfilling our mission of accessibility. Physical and digital journal articles are often not the most effective way to educate the public about neuroscience, and physical events are limited to the individual’s travel constraints. In today’s digital and multimedia age, new educational approaches are necessary to keep up with technological advancement. Captioned audio-visual materials will make education more accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Demonstrations of revolutionary neurotechnology tools, which let users record brain waves and watch technology interface with the brain, will create lasting impressions and more effectively teach users how the brain works via hands-on lessons. Podcasts and YouTube videos will provide educational content in ways that target different learning modalities, learning styles, and timing preferences (live or recorded). Live streaming and recording our events will help us further our mission of accessibility by targeting communities outside of the Puget Sound region.

Access

Abstract

We want to get more, newer equipment into students' hands. Since returning to campus, students are eager to develop community. Our photo equipment is over-subscribed just by the sports photographers, leaving little equipment for those who want to photograph other aspects of campus life. Some of the requested photo gear would be earmarked for our photo development students who don't have their own. We need the STF Committee's support to resolve this equity and access issue. In addition, Canon is offering a 20% bonus that we can use for other Canon lenses or accessories. That's $200 for every $1000 spent on Canon gear, and would help us leverage precious resources to get into newer mirrorless cameras. Canon will stop making DSLR cameras this year. Using Canon's 20% bonus will help us fill in the lenses, batteries and other accessories we'll need. Years of life remain in our existing cameras, and an equipment infusion will extend their useful lives. Also, it's time to upgrade a few computers. Several of our Apple computers are 2011 vintage. We'll upgrade three of the top-end computers with new Mac minis, cascading the replaced computers to lower tiers. Cascading them is a cost-effective way to extend their useful lives by putting them into less-demanding situations. And finally, heavy use over the years has left us needing replacement pieces and parts for podcasts and video departments.

Access

Abstract

Optical microscopy is an integral tool for many in the Earth and space sciences, as it enables detailed investigation of thin slices of rocks, minerals, fossils, soils, meteorites, and other materials. Specialized polarized light microscopes are used, for example, to study the mineral composition and microscopic textures of rock samples, which geoscientists use to make interpretations of the formation and evolution of rocks. However, only one decent microscope with a camera is currently available for Earth and Space Science students, and this microscope is outdated with mediocre optics and deteriorating hardware. We propose the purchase of two new microscope systems that will improve access to quality optical micro-analysis equipment for students in Earth and Space Sciences and related departments. One microscope will provide a wide field-of-view that is particularly useful for analyzing patterns of micro-textures within a whole sample, while the other will be a standard petrographic microscope for the routine analysis of samples by polarized light microscopy. A desiccator cabinet will allow safe storage of special samples to be analyzed. Camera attachments on the microscopes will enable photography of samples for both student research and instructors and TAs to take photos of teaching samples for classes. Both setups will help to satisfy a need for quality optical microscopes that will only grow in the near future as three new Earth and Space Science faculty in disciplines that rely on such tools arrive during 2023 and engage more students in research investigating Earth materials with optical microscopy.

Access

Users will be able to schedule appointments on a google calendar that will be shared with users once they have received the training for the microscopes.

Abstract

Visual observations are a fundamental aspect to the scientific process, and modern scientists in many fields rely on high-resolution two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) digital imaging for research. This is especially true for scientists studying micrometer- to millimeter-scale objects (e.g., insects, microfossils, thin sections). However, at such minute scales, conventional microscope systems have resolution and depth-of-field limitations making clear observations difficult to attain. More advanced imaging systems, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (μCT), can accommodate those limitations, but require many hours of specialized training to operate and are difficult and expensive to maintain. For example, various μCT scanners on UW campus have at various times been inoperable for long periods of time, which has created significant backlogs and research delays. We are requesting funding to purchase the Macropod Pro 3D, Micro Kit, and Petrographic, which is a more economical and reliable alternative to SEM and μCT systems. This photomacrography and photogrammetry system was designed to automatically capture and create high-resolution, focus stacked, color 2D images and 3D models of micrometer- to millimeter-scale objects, slides, and thin sections. It is easy to set up and requires minimal maintenance and training to operate. The Macropod is compact and portable, which will allow users to capture quality images at other institutions that may lack sufficient imaging setups. Users in the natural sciences at UW will benefit from using this system by saving valuable time, effort, and money while concurrently producing abundant quality images and models for research.

Access

Users can email the Wilson Mantilla lab to schedule an appointment. Scheduling will be done using a shared calendar such as in Microsoft 365.

Abstract

Online learning tools have been around for many years so, when the University of Washington was forced to pivot to all online instruction in 2020 early in the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many resources to draw on. However, as we started coming back into classrooms, and as instruction continues in the post-pandemic world, we have seen an increasing need for teaching tools that allow instructors to work with in-person and remote student audiences simultaneously, also known as "HyFlex" instruction. HyFlex instruction is much more complex than basic online learning, and resources on how to do it well are harder to come by. HyFlex instruction has two main components: fundamental shifts in pedagogy to enable the delivery of content to in-person and online audiences in a simultaneous, synchronous, equivalent manner, and the technology needed to support those shifts. We plan to upgrade a Law School classroom with the necessary technology -- which is beyond that in a standard UW classroom -- so that instructors can work with students to experiment and learn effective HyFlex pedagogical techniques using that technology. This will help us address multiple goals: Keep instructors and students safe by supporting the ability to stay home when potentially sick without losing out on the classroom experience Make legal instruction more equitable and inclusive Explore ways to deliver basic legal research skills to under-served, non-Law student populations Meet changing American Bar Association rules around what counts as "in-person" attendance for the purposes of meeting ABA instructional requirements

Access

Most use will be established as part of standard course scheduling. Ad hoc use can be requested through the Law School room reservation system or by contacting the Law School Registrar's Office.

Abstract

There is currently not a DMA on the UW campus that is accessible to all student users. This includes UW user facilities, namely the Clean Energy Testbed Facility, Molecular Analysis Facility, and departmental instrumentation facilities (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering). If a DMA could be acquired through this funding opportunity, students could use this DMA to analyze and understand the mechanical properties for newly developed materials. DMAs are advantageous over instrumentation currently available for measuring mechanical properties because a DMA measures a wider range of properties and requires a smaller quantity of sample. DMA is commonplace in both industry and academia; Access to such an instrument is critical to real-world training for students preparing for employment in academia, industry, and national laboratories.

Access

The instrument will have a reservation calendar, similar to NMR and mass spec facilities.

Abstract

Students and faculty within and outside of the School of Art + Art History + Design conducting research on printed text and type have access to a scavenged flatbed letterpress. This printing press allows trained users to hand-set moveable wood type via pressure, letter forms, ink, and paper. Throughout the Fall/Winter quarters 2022/23, students and faculty from Art, Design, Political Science, and other programs have accessed this press to create posters, publications, and artwork on paper that explores text using old technology driven by current ideas. Use and interest of the flatbed press has been 100% student driven and is overseen by the Instructional Technician in Printmaking. The current library of letters, numbers, and other printing forms which exist in this collection are three (incomplete) sets of wood type. Although usable, the lack of quantity and variety of type limits what is possible with this medium. In addition, access to newer and more lightweight flatbed presses would allow for more printing stations as well as the ability to travel with the press(es) for greater collaboration. Here we apply for funding to purchase five 9”x 18” Provisional Presses as well as eight full sets of wood type and printing peripherals to be able to support students and faculty in the School of Art + Art History and Design programs as well as other programs in the University community who use text in their research.

Access

Trained users are required to sign up for a time slot to work for up to one week on one of the presses. Sign up is done via the Access Agreement Form and is scheduled by the Instructional Technician on a paper calendar that hangs near the equipment.

Abstract

As part of the major renovation of the 1st floor of the Art Building, a new introductory ceramic studio is in the final stages of completion. The studio will be the new home for Art 253/Intro Ceramics which has long been a high demand class and gateway to the nationally recognized UW Ceramics Program. Resituated to occupy a prominent 1st floor corner of the Art Building, with windows on two sides, hundreds of students a day will be able to view what is happening in the classroom as they walk to their other classes. The studio will open this coming Spring quarter, hosting three classes, each with 20 students enrolled. The space itself was designed by the renowned Mithun architectural firm in consultation with students, staff, and faculty with a goal of making the best learning environment possible for future generations of students. In addition to abundant natural light, tall ceilings, increased square footage per student, and a highly flexible floor plan, there is also a significant emphasis on health and safety in addition to creating the most inclusive working environment possible. Despite the challenges of building such a project in the current economic climate, the $8.5m budget was realized through contributions by the Office of the Provost, the College of Arts and Sciences, private donations and paring back items that could be installed post-construction. To complement the new infrastructure we are seeking to upgrade some of our most critical equipment for our students to use, our electric kilns.

Access

Just by checking in with faculty or technician in person or via email.

Abstract

We are requesting funds for six new stand-alone data analysis computers for the Molecular Analysis Facility (MAF). The MAF is an instrumentation facility that provides access and training on analytical instrumentation for materials characterization. We house and maintain equipment that would be otherwise prohibitively expensive for individual research labs to purchase independently. The MAF primarily serves UW academic users as well as users from outside academic institutions, non-profit institutions, and private industry. The UW user base spans a wide range of departments from several colleges across UW including the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Engineering, College of the Environment, and the School of Medicine. After users collect data on the instrumentation in the MAF, they need to analyze it. In many cases, data analysis requires specialized software packages that require expensive licenses that would not be feasible for individual users to purchase. The MAF has already purchased these software licenses and makes them freely available to our users on stand-alone data analysis computers. These computers were previously funded by the STF (proposal 2016(89)) and have been well-utilized by 450+ unique users since their installation in the MAF in 2016. Unfortunately, these computers are beginning to show their age. They are running on older operating systems that will soon not receive critical security updates. Since the original proposal, we have added analysis capabilities in the MAF that are more resource intensive. We need new computers to accommodate these additional software packages and our larger user base.

Access

Appointments will not be mandatory, but as a courtesy to other users, we will encourage users to reserve time slots for these computers using the dedicated analysis computer calendars in our CORAL system. Users who make a reservation will receive priority use of the computer during their reserved time.