IPRT in the News
Highlights of IPRT-related news in the media and on the Web.
2009 | 2008 | Archive
2009
IPRT's Lopez Receives Industry Award
Rick Lopez, metallurgist with the Materials Group in IPRT Company Assistance, recently received the Nondestructive Testing “Better Way” award from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Air Transport Association (ATA) for the second time in five years. Lopez, along with an international team of government and airline industry professionals, was recognized for accomplishments in working with a novel inspection method that utilizes self-adhesive polymeric sensors containing vacuum channels.See IPRT news release. - Nov. 19, 2009
VRAC Startup in the News
![[PHOTO]Eliot Winer and Jim Oliver, VRAC](../assets/images/vrac_bodyvizweb.jpg)
Eliot Winer (left), associate director of IPRT's Virtual Reality Applications Center, and Jim Oliver, VRAC director, are founders of Bodyviz.com, an Ames, Iowa, startup company that makes software for visualizing patient data from CT and MRI scans. The technology was first developed at VRAC. The effort is the focus of a recent Iowa State news release.
R&D Innovator of the Year has IPRT Link
Iowa State University's Hans van Leeuwen, who has led research teams awarded back-to-back R&D 100 awards for biofuels developments, has also been named R&D Magazine's 2009 Innovator of the Year. One project that helped Leeuwen earn the honor was done with assistance from IPRT's Technology Commercialization Group. The project focused on purifying ethyl alcohol with ozone and activated carbon and involved Mello3z, LLC, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Leeuwen is an Iowa State professor in civil, construction and environmental engineering. See Iowa State news release or R&D magazine article.
-- Nov. 6, 2009
CNDE Unveils New "T-ray" Facility
The new Terahertz Ray (or "T-ray") Research Facility at IPRT's Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE) gives researchers a state-of-the-art tool to measure and characterize materials. Electromagnetic rays in the terehertz range can penetrate many common gases, non-metal solids and some liquids. Researchers say the instrument should produce useful data for automotive, aviation, food, energy, materials, pharmaceuticals, medical, forensics, defense and homeland security fields. See Iowa State news release. -- Oct. 26, 2009
Art & Science Lecture
has IPRT Connection
"A Biorenewable Evolution of Soywax in Encaustic Painting," a lecture by Iowa State University researchers, relates to an IPRT Company Assistance project on development of new kinds of soy wax. The lecturers are Barb Walton, ISU art and design; Toni Wang, ISU food science and human nutrition; Hui Wang, ISU postdoc; and Larry Johnson, ISU Center for Crops Utilization Research. The lecture is Oct. 22, 2009, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Brunnier Art Museum, 295 Scheman, Ames. -- Oct. 21, 2009
New Materials Tests Available to Iowa Companies
[Iowa companies now have ready access to two sophisticated materials testing methods, thanks to new equipment acquired by the Materials Group in IPRT Company Assistance. A new cyclic corrosion testing chamber exposes products to harsh conditions for accelerated comparisons of coatings or alloys. Also new is an optical emission spectrometer, which makes quantitative measurements of material chemistry for alloys based on iron, copper and aluminum. See full article for more information. -- Oct. 19, 2009
IPRT Reach Throughout Iowa... and World
In fiscal year 2009, IPRT worked on over 150 projects with 125 Iowa companies and organizations in 50 cities and towns. Most of this work was performed by IPRT Company Assistance, but many IPRT research centers also did projects with Iowa companies. In keeping with their world-class status, IPRT's research centers also collaborated with organizations in 37 states and the District of Columbia as well as in 22 countries around the world. See IPRT Interactions 2009 interactive map and IPRT National and International interactions map. -- Oct. 19, 2009
Solar Decathlon Team Nabs 12th Place
The final results are in: Iowa State's Solar Decathlon team finished in 12th place in the 2009 DOE Solar Decathlon. In contests announced Oct. 16, 2009, the team took
6th place in net metering and 5th in engineering. Overall, Germany's team finished first, followed by Illinois and Team California.
IPRT is one of the Iowa State team sponsors. -- Oct. 16, 2009
VRAC Startup Wins Business
Plan Competition
Visual Medical Solutions, LLC, won first place and $25,000 in the 2009 John Pappjohn Iowa Business Plan Competition. The company develops BodyViz, software for visualizing 3D medical data such as MRI and CT scans. The software was first developed at IPRT's Virtual Reality Applications Center. See article in the Business Record. -- Oct. 13, 2009
IPRT Company Assistance Impact Averages $12.8 Million
A summary of project evaluation data shows that Iowa companies with technical problems and research and development needs continue to find technical help through the services of IPRT Company Assistance. Companies report positive impacts affecting their sales, investments, and operating costs. Of the 55% of IPRT clients responding to the survey, the estimated annual average impact over a five-year period is approximately $12.8 million per year, while the impact in FY2009 was approximately $14.5 million. --Oct. 7, 2009
Solar House Goes Up on
National Mall in D.C.
The Interlock House is being assembled on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It's Iowa State's entry into the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Solar Decathlon. The competition starts Oct.8. IPRT is a sponsor of the team. Follow the event on the team's blog. -- Oct. 2, 2009
Technology Commercialization Group to Exhibit at Venture Capital Conference
IPRT Company Assistance's Technology Commercialization Group will be exhibiting at the 2009 Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneur Conference on Oct. 6, 2009. IPRT will be showing examples of how it assists start-up companies. The event offers companies, entrepreneurs, and investors a broad range of networking opportunities, informational workshops, and presentations. -- Oct. 6, 2009
Solar House Featured in Des Moines Register
The Interlock House, Iowa State's entry into the U.S. Department of Energy's 2009 Solar Decathlon competition, has been featured in the Des Moines Register. The article provided an overview of the house and included several interior and exterior photos. IPRT is a sponsor of the ISU team. See Des Moines Register article -- Aug. 29, 2009
IPRT Director Gets Grant to Study Parkinson's Treatment
George Kraus, IPRT director and professor of chemistry at Iowa State, is part of a team that has received a grant to develop an effective neuroprotective drug for treatment of Parkinson's disease. He is working with Anumantha Kanthasamy, a Clarence Hartley Covault Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Sciences and PK Biosciences Corp. at the Iowa State Research Park. The State Board of Regents approved the competitive grant from the state's Grow Iowa Values Fund. The goal to support development of technologies with commercial potential and growth of companies using those technologies. For more on Iowa State's other Grow Iowa Values Fund projects, see Iowa State release. -- Aug. 6, 2009
Iowa Governor Tours MRC
Solar Energy Project
Iowa Governor Chet Culver visited IPRT's Microelectronics Research Center on Aug. 5. He learned about a low-cost photovoltaic energy conversion project led by Vikram Dalal, MRC director and funded initially by the Iowa Power Fund, a state program to advance energy innovation and independence. MRC's research is aimed at increasing the efficiency of thin-film solar cells while keeping manufacturing costs low. The technology will eventually be commercialized to produce low-cost solar power. The project is also helping to train students to work in this high-tech industry. The tour was covered by the media. -- Aug. 5, 2009
See Solar House Before it Moves to Washington, D.C.
The public is invited to tour the Interlock House, Iowa State's entry into the U.S. Department of Energy's 2009 Solar Decathlon competition, on Aug. 29. The solar-powered home will soon be shipped to Washington D.C. for the competition in October. The open house is Aug. 29, 2009, from 2 to 5 p.m. and is located north of the Ames, Iowa, airport. IPRT is a sponsor of the team. See open house flyer for details (PDF) -- July 30, 2009
VRAC Researchers Win R&D 100 Award
Two researchers affiliated with IPRT's Virtual Reality Applications Center have won an R&D 100 award for development of Virtual Engineering Process Simulation Interface (VE-PSI), software that helps engineers design highly efficient and low-emission power plants. The award winners are Mark Bryden, a VRAC faculty affliate, and Doug McCorkle, a VRAC associate scientist. See Iowa State news release -- July 20, 2009
Two Minutes with Solar Decathlon Engineer Tim Lentz
Tim Lentz, a member of Iowa State's Solar Decathlon team and a mechancial engineering student, is featured in the "Two Minutes" series on ISU's Web site. IPRT is a sponsor of the team. See Engineering Iowa State's solar decathlon house -- July 16, 2009
VRAC Spinoff Featured in Des Moines Register
Visual Medical Solutions, LLC, maker of the BodyViz software that helps surgeons visualize MRI and CT scans in 3D, has been featured in the business section of the Des Moines Register. The technology was first developed at IPRT's Virtual Reality Applications Center. Company founders include Jim Oliver, VRAC director, and Eliot Winer, VRAC associate director. See Des Moines Register article -- July 6, 2009
Iowa Company Markets New Kind of Hand Sanitizer
with
Help from IPRT Company Assistance
Prefense LLC of Muscatine, Iowa, is marketing a new kind of hand sanitizer said to last longer than traditional alcohol-based products. Called “PrefenzBotanicals Hand Sanitizer,” the product got a key boost from assistance by Iowa State University and IPRT’s Company Assistance group. See news release -- June 15, 2009
Join IPRT on LinkedIn
IPRT Company Assistance has started a group on LinkedIn, the popular social media Web service for professionals. We encourage Iowa companies and entrepreneurs as well as IPRT supporters, and friends to join our group.
LinkedIn provides yet another channel for potential clients to discover more about IPRT Company Assistance. Go to LinkedIn to join the IPRT group (you have to become a member of LinkedIn first). We'll also post news items and event previews to the group. -- June 22, 2009
Two Minutes with IPRT's Brown
Iowa State University is featuring Robert C. Brown, director of IPRT's Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies, in its "Two Minutes" series. See Two Minutes with Robert C. Brown -- May 11, 2009
New Offices, Same Mission
IPRT's administrative offices have moved into Gilman Hall on the north side of the Iowa State campus. IPRT's main address is now 2156 Gilman Hall. Note that all IPRT phone and fax numbers as well as email addresses remain the same. See the staff directory for all current addresses. -- May 8, 2009
Davenport Manufacturer & IPRT Host Event for Eastern Iowa Industry
Davenport area manufacturers and entrepreneurs are invited to attend “IPRT Industry After Hours,” an event to introduce technical and other services offered by Iowa State University’s Institute for Physical Research and Technology. The information session and reception is being held 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at the Radisson Quad City Plaza, 111 East 2nd Street, in Davenport. See news release -- Apr. 25, 2009
![[IMAGE]Interlock House cabinetry](../assets/images/solarhouse_kitchen.jpg)
Solar Team Partners
with Community College
Iowa State University’s Solar Decathlon team is working with the Architectural Millwork Program at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa, to build cabinetry for the Interlock House -- ISU’s entry into the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2009 Solar Decathlon competition. IPRT is a sponsor of the team. See Iowa State release -- Apr. 24, 2009
See Progress of Solar House
The public is invited to an open house to follow the continuing construction of the Interlock House, Iowa State's entry into the U.S. Department of Energy's 2009 Solar Decathlon competition. The house will produce nearly twice as much energy as it consumes. IPRT is a sponsor of the project. The open house is Apr. 25, 2009, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is located north of the Ames, Iowa, airport. -- Apr. 8, 2009
ETC | 09 Shows Latest in Human Computer Interaction
The Emerging Technologies Conference 09 will feature speakers, demonstrations, technical presentations, networking and some IT fun and games. Sponsored by IPRT's Virtual Reality Applications Center, the event will be April 2-3, at Iowa State's Howe Hall. See Iowa State release -- Mar. 26, 2009
Take a VR Tour
IPRT's Virtual Reality Applications Center sponsors a free tours to explain virtual reality and 3D technologies. See article in Inside Iowa State -- Mar. 13, 2009
IPRT Researchers Develop Clean Energy Technologies
IPRT researchers are part of an Iowa State University team working to produce clean, renewable energy by developing a low-emissions burner and a new catalyst for ethanol production. The team includes scientists from the Center for Catalysis and the Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies as well as industrial partners. The project is supported by a grant from the Iowa Power Fund. See Iowa State release -- Mar. 6, 2009
Iowa Power Fund Advances
MRC's Solar Cell Quest
Vikram Dalal, director of IPRT's Microelectronics Research Center is hoping his latest multidisciplinary research project could boost efficiency of solar cells to about 10 percent. The three-year research project is supported by a $1.69 million grant from the Iowa Power Fund, a state program to support energy innovation and independence. See Iowa State release -- Feb. 17, 2009
Solar House Under Way
Students have begun building Iowa State's solar house for U.S. Department of Energy's 2009 Solar Decathlon competition. The house will produce nearly twice as much energy as it consumes. IPRT is a sponsor of the team. See Iowa State news release. -- Jan. 31, 2009
Central Academy
Wins
Science Bowl
Des Moines Central Academy defeated Home Schools of Eastern Iowa to win the championship of 19th annual Ames Laboratory/Iowa State University Regional High School Science Bowl. IPRT is a sponsor of the event. See Ames Laboratory news release -- Jan. 31, 2009
Get in on the Ground Floor
The ISU Solar Decathlon Team is inviting the public to a ribbon cutting and open house on Jan. 31, 2009 in celebration of the first day of construction of the Interlock House, ISU's answer to the Department of Energy 2009 Solar Decathlon competition. IPRT is a sponsor of the team. -- Jan. 31, 2009
IPRT Backs Upcoming
Science Bowl
The annual Ames Laboratory/Iowa State University High School Science Bowl is slated for Jan. 31, 2009 on the ISU campus. IPRT is a sponsor of the event. --Jan. 31, 2009
2008
Ames Lab/IPRT Raise $3,650 for Food Pantry
Employees and friends of IPRT and the Ames Laboratory donated over $3,650 in cash and 600 food items to benefit the Bethesda Community Food Panty in Ames. In addition, over 130 items of clothing were given to the same organization's clothing operation. The alms resulted from an auction held during the two organization's annual holiday party. See auction page for details.-- Dec. 29, 2008
IPRT Director Named AAAS Fellow
George Kraus, IPRT director, was among four Iowa State University researchers named AAAS Fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The honor is bestowed on association members by their scientific peers for "their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications." See Iowa State news release -- Dec. 19, 2008
IPRT Researchers in College of Engineering Magazine
Several IPRT researchers are featured in the Iowa State University's College of Engineering Innovate Fall 2008 issue. Vik Dalal, director of IPRT's Microelectronics Research Center, and Rana Biswas, IPRT affliate, are covered in an article on solar energy. Ulrike Passe, director of IPRT's Center for Building Energy Research, talks about the Iowa State's Solar Decathlon team. See PDFs of Innovate magazine. -- Nov. 21, 2008
IPRT Assists in Biofriendly Candle Wax Project
IPRT's Technology Commercialization Group helped develop and fund an Iowa State University research project aimed at producing a new kind of candle wax made from soybeans. Unlike existing soy wax, the new formulation can replace both traditional petroleum paraffin and beeswax-based candles. See Iowa State news release -- Nov. 17, 2008
IPRT's Scientists to Work with Muscatine, Iowa Company
Two IPRT scientists are among those receiving project funding from the Grow Iowa Values Fund, a state economic development program. Victor Lin, director of IPRT's Center for Catalysis and George Kraus, IPRT director, will work with a Muscatine, Iowa, company, Grain Processing Corp. The project aim is to develop a catalytic process that efficiently converts renewable feedstocks into a chemical precursor to a common industrial polymer. The process could reduce industry's reliance on fossil fuels and some hazardous chemicals. Iowa State news release -- Oct. 30, 2008
Solar Decathlon Team Featured on Radio Show
Iowa State University's 2009 Solar Decathlon team was recently featured on "Clean Up Your Act," a radio show on KCCK-FM. The team is being lead by IPRT's Center for Building Energy Research. IPRT is also a sponsor of the team. KCCK-FM is located at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Listen to podcasts. -- Oct. 29,. 2008
IPRT's Brown to Present Presidential University Lecture
Robert C. Brown, director of IPRT's Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies, will deliver this fall's Presidential University Lecture at 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, in the Sun Room of Iowa State's Memorial Union. He'll discuss, "Why are We Producing Biofuels?" The lecture is free and open to the public. See Iowa State news release. -- Oct. 14, 2008
North High SCIENCE BOUND Students Win GPA, Participation Award
Members of SCIENCE BOUND at Des Moines North High School won the award for highest average GPA and group participation among the five schools in the Des Moines district. See the article from the Des Moines Register. -- Sept. 19, 2008
IPRT's Brown, Lin Recognized by Iowa State
Two directors of IPRT centers will be recognized at Iowa State University's 2008 University Convocation & Awards Ceremony. Robert Brown, director of IPRT's Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies, has been named Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in Engineering. A Distinguished Professorship is awarded for exemplary performance in research and/or creative activities as reflected by a national or international reputation in the awardee's discipline. Brown is also the Bergles Professor in Thermal Sciences, professor of mechanical engineering, professor of chemical and biological engineering, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, and Bioeconomy Institute director. Victor Lin, director of IPRT's Center for Catalysis, received the Iowa State University Award for Mid-Career Achievement in Research. This award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary research performance or scholarship accomplishments as documented by peers and experts in the field. Lin is a professor of chemistry and a professor of biomedical sciences. See Inside Iowa State. -- Sept. 17, 2008
IPRT Scientists Work to Turn Waste into Ethanol
By combining gasification with high-tech nanoscale porous catalysts, researchers from IPRT and the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory hope to create ethanol from a wide range of biomass, including distiller’s grain left over from ethanol production, corn stover from the field, grass, wood pulp, animal waste, and garbage. See Ames Lab news release. --Aug. 12, 2008
IPRT Among ISU’s “150 Contributions”
IPRT centers and scientists were noted in several entries in the “150 Contributations: How Iowa State has Changed the World” list in the Summer 2008 issue of Visions, Iowa State’s alumni magazine. In honor of Iowa State’s sesquicentennial, the article summarized some of the contributions made to the state of Iowa, the country and the world. Among the IPRT-related entries: 9. Virtual Reality; 81. Rare Earth Materials; 86. Nondestructive Evaluation; 101. Coal Combustion Monitor; 110. Ramanprobe System; and 111 Spacecraft Leaks. --July 10, 2008
Des Moines High School Students Qualify For Science Scholarships To Iowa State University
Seventeen high school students from Des Moines Public Schools have completed the Science Bound program, qualifying them for a full-tuition scholarship to Iowa State University. The students have successfully completed the four-year program aimed at preparing them to obtain a technical degree. The Science Bound program is administered by IPRT. See news release. -- June 2, 2008
CNDE Featured in
Inspection Magazine
IPRT’s Center for Nondestructive Evaluation was featured in a four-page article in the April 2008 issue of Inspection Trends magazine. With a circulation of 18,000, the magazine is published by the American Welding Society for certified welding inspectors. The article, written by the magazine's editor Mary Ruth Johnsen, covered CNDE’s mission, history and laboratory facilities as well as its educational and outreach efforts. It also described several CNDE research projects. -- May 20, 2008
Spacecraft Leak Detection System Uses Surface-borne Ultrasonic Sensor Arrays
A Phase 2 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposal from Invocon, Inc. of Conroe, TX for a Spacecraft Leak Detection System was recently selected by NASA for contract negotiation. IPRT's Center for Nondestructive Evaluation is the company's partner in the project. This technology development intends to provide a viable system to sense and locate air leaks from pressurized space station or lunar habitat modules caused by micrometeoroid and space debris impact events. The ability to detect, quickly locate, and mitigate a pressure vessel breach is critical to the safety of any long duration spacecraft. See Invocon news release (PDF). -- Apr. 21, 2008
Students Demo Solar Mini Car
A solar-powered mini car developed by Denison eighth graders goes for a spin at the annual SCIENCE BOUND banquet. See media advisory on Science Bound Web site. -- Apr. 25, 2008
Middle School Science Bowl 2008
The Ames Laboratory/Iowa State University Middle School Science Bowl took place April 18-19 on the Iowa State campus. The event was comprised of both academic and fuel cell car building competitions. IPRT is a sponsor of the Science Bowl, and many IPRT scientists and staff volunteered at the event. Science Bowl Web Site -- Apr.18, 2008
Grad Students Show Off Tech at Conference
Iowa State graduate students displayed their research at the Emerging Technology Conference, sponsored by IPRT's Virtual Reality Applications Center, it's Human Computer Interaction program and the CyberInnovations Institute. The event was featured in the Iowa State Daily. See article. -- Apr. 4, 2008
VRAC's Galvin Profiled
Glen Galvin keeps the C6 in IPRT's Virtual Realilty Applications Center up and running. The system support specialist is profiled in Inside Iowa State. See article --Mar. 14, 2008
Teaching How to Look without Touching
IPRT's Center for Nondestructive Evaluation and its students are featured in the Iowa State Daily. See article. -- Mar. 3, 2008
Teachers Attend Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Workshop
Seventeen middle school team representatives from 11 schools around Iowa converged on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory on Feb. 22 to learn about hydrogen fuel-cell technology and to build hydrogen fuel-cell model cars. The workshop is a precursor to the upcoming Ames Laboratory/Iowa State University Middle School Science Bowl competition, of which IPRT is a sponsor. See Ames Laboratory news release. -- Feb. 22, 2008
IPRT Director on Iowa State Energy Committee
President Gregory Geoffroy envisions Iowa State University as a model of energy efficiency. He has created an advisory committee, including IPRT Director George Kraus, to help him pursue that vision. See Iowa State news release. -- Jan. 25, 2008
IPRT Backs Solar
Decathlon Team
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Iowa State as one of 20 teams to compete in the Solar Decathlon in 2009 in Washington, D.C. Teams design, build and operate attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered homes. See Iowa State news release. -- Jan. 24 ,2008
