Projectors for The UW Planetarium

Department of Astronomy

Requested:

$75,521

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$75,521

Abstract

The UW Planetarium, a 40 seat digital planetarium hosted in the Astronomy Department, is an indispensable tool that enables students both inside and outside the department to develop and hone their scientific communication skills. The visualization tools provided by our WorldWide Telescope software provides students the unique ability to explore large datasets and images on our thirty foot dome. Our current projection system, however, does not utilize the full capabilities of the WorldWide Telescope software, nor does it take full advantage of the graphics processing capabilities of our newly-purchased computers. Furthermore, our current projectors rely on expensive bulbs which frequently burn out and require replacement. Degradation of the optics over the lifetime of our current projectors results in uneven illumination, low contrast, and poor calibration between projectors. All of these factors noticeably reduce the quality of the full-dome projection. We are requesting funds to replace these projectors with six new laser phosphor projectors which will eliminate the need for costly bulb replacements and result in a higher contrast, more uniform, and higher resolution projection. All current UW students will have access to this system subject to training requirements. The WorldWide Telescope software that powers the planetarium has the ability to render satellite imagery of the Earth and the ability to render user-input data in three dimensions, making the system useful to students of disciplines beyond Astronomy.

Strong Shake-Table for Earthquake Engineering Student Projects

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Requested:

$40,183

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$40,183

Abstract

Catastrophic seismic events are inevitable in Washington State. As the region’s leading producer of earthquake engineering researchers and practitioners, our university is responsible for providing modern facilities and a thorough education for students. The Geo-Institute Graduate Student Society (GIGSS) and the Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Department propose the acquisition of a strong uniaxial shake-table, an instrument capable of creating complex dynamic loadings (e.g. a 9.0 magnitude earthquake on a skyscraper). We expect to immediately service 140+ relevant students who previously had no access to a comparable machine. Planned student research projects include liquefaction mechanics, bioremediated soil testing, paleoseismic studies, and soil-structure interface analysis. When not slated for student projects the table will be used for K-12 outreach and to enhance course curriculums. The CEE Department will host and maintain the instrument, as it has an excellent track record in ensuring fair accessibility of STF equipment. GIGSS will coordinate oversight, training, and outreach for the equipment.

School of Social Work 2020 lab refresh

School of Social Work

Requested:

$81,288

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$81,288

Abstract

Computer systems at the School of Social Work (SSW) student labs were last replaced eight years ago with an investment that was inclusive of STF funds. Four years ago, instead of replacement, the SSW upgraded the existing computers with SSD cards and video boards. This was achieved in part by the SSW 2016 STF request: “UW Student Lab Upgrades at Social Work 2016-96 Sp”. This saved approx. $30,000 along with considerable of e-waste to double the usable lifespan of previous investments. The Room 18 computer lab consists of twenty-three PCs, Research Commons Lab fourteen PCs, and Ph.D. Lab fourteen PCs. There are additionally two, 27” iMac’s in the Media Lab that was refreshed four years ago as part of the SSW’s last request to STF. This equipment should be replaced because it is no longer meeting the needs of students increasing demands on the hardware for large data sets and CPU/GPU intensive software. Additionally, SSW Students are in need of two voice recorders, a microphone, and two wireless microphones to meet the AV needs of our growing student populations field-based academic requirements. Finally, there is also a need to replace an eight year old projector in the Room 18 lab, and to provide a TV in the Ph.D. Lab for group collaboration.

CBE Remote Access Expansion / Design Computing Lab Update

College of Built Environments

Requested:

$63,473

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$63,473

Abstract

This proposal really applies to both Computer Labs and Remote Computing. To address the closure of the Digital Commons computing lab in Gould Hall due to COVID-19 and the consequent need to provide computing resources and discipline specific software to students unable to be physically present in the lab, CBE Computing developed the CBE Remote Access service in late March, 2020. This service, launched during the first week of Spring Quarter, enables students to remotely connect to a lab computer selected from a list of available machines. Thus, they’re able to use the computers and discipline specific software in the lab, despite not being able to go to the lab. The computers in this lab, however, range in age from 3 to 6 years. Many are becoming flaky, and are less able to effectively run current versions of discipline-specific design and analysis software used by students in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and related disciplines. Thus, while we have an effective new service that addresses COVID-19 restrictions by providing remote access to lab computers, the ageing lab computers themselves have become an obstacle to effectively delivering this service. The STF has supported the Digital Commons lab since its opening in 2005 by funding replacements of obsolete hardware. This proposal seeks STF support to replace the oldest computers in the lab. Initially, these would be used with our CBE Remote Access service, augmenting those of the old computers that are still reasonably functional. When we can all return to campus, the new computers would be ready for direct student use, while the old computers would form a pool of machines that would remain available via CBE Remote. By using the old machines to maintain availability of the CBE Remote Access service, we’ll be able to support students working remotely, and be ready at very short notice to reassign the new machines to CBE Remote if a recurrence of COVID-19 requires another lab closure.

Dynamic Control of Robotic Motion

Department of Electrical Engineering

Requested:

$34,175

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$34,175

Abstract

Advanced Robotics at the University of Washington (ARUW) is submitting a grant proposal for Autumn 2019 to remove barriers impeding the success and growth of our members. ARUW is in its fifth season competing in the DJI RoboMaster competition. Held annually in Shenzhen, China, participants build teams of robots to compete in intense, nine on nine matches with other universities. We are advised by Dr. Blake Hannaford, a professor in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, in our lab space in the ECE building. Our team is made up of over 50 members from a wide variety of majors including engineering, business, computer science, and art. Our members envision, design, and manufacture a team of robots while managing a schedule, fundraising, and reaching out to the next generation of engineers. Last year, we worked with the Student Technology Fee Committee to purchase 3D printers, computers for 3D modeling, and electrical measurement tools, giving our members the opportunity to work with cutting edge hardware and software. After our competition season last year, we identified critical issues that are holding us back in terms of what we can create and the hands-on experience we can provide. We carefully selected items centered around five goals to help us grow professionally by exposing us to advanced technologies.

STLP Equipment Renewal - Spring 2020

Student Technology Loan Program

Requested:

$165,910

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$165,910

Abstract

As a result of the current public health emergency, which required the university to shift to an entirely remote learning model, the inventory of laptop and tablet computers maintained by the Student Technology Loan Program (STLP) has experienced a surge in utilization by students. During spring quarter, the inventory of 630 laptop and 169 tablet computers has reached a 94% utilization rate. These devices are currently on loan for the full duration of the academic quarter so students may conduct their studies remotely. While the program is proud to be in a position to lend laptop and tablet computers to so many students during this critical time, the experience has exposed an urgent need to replace the oldest of these devices. These devices have reached the end of their useful life and are either failing or are no longer able to provide students with the experience they expect during this challenging period in their academic career. The program anticipates its inventory of laptop and tablet devices will remain under strain for months to come as remote learning continues to take precedence. Further increasing demand over the summer period, the program has entered into a partnership with First Year Programs (FYP) whereby admitted students may make reservations for laptop computers for a period of 5 business days in order to participate in virtual advising and orientation sessions.

ECE Linux Lab refresh 2020

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Requested:

$74,207

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$74,207

Abstract

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE) is seeking funding to upgrade our Linux lab that has outdated computers that cannot meet the needs of our students. We want to provide our students the tools that are necessary for them to have the best opportunities upon graduation.

Remote Computing for students

College of Engineering

Requested:

$159,499

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$159,499

Abstract

Next generation of remote desktop computing to support students in the College of Engineering.

Tablets for AMATH remote collaboration

Department of Applied Mathematics

Requested:

$3,964

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$3,964

Abstract

The Department of Applied Mathematics is not immune to the impact of the COVID-19 campus closure. Students without the tools to easily transition to participating in meetings remotely are particularly affected. We would like to help ease this transition by growing our pool of loaner Surface Pro tablets. While students are unable to attend classes and research meetings in person, the touchscreen capabilities of the Surface are particularly useful, which is why the department would like four additional ones to satisfy current demand.

Student Organization Management System 2020

The HUB

Requested:

$38,535

Status:

Funded

Awarded:

$38,535

Abstract

The Student Activities Office would like to formally request continued support from the Student Technology Committee for our Student Organization Management System, Campus Labs Engage.

Funding Status: Funded