Has been leading the College of Engineering AIES* / AETAP** effort from 1996. As Director AIES / AETAP, Dr. Raju has been working with faculty and students of College of Engineering in providing technical assistance and technology transfer to industries in Alabama. The AIES/AETAP operations are supported through funding from NASA, NIST, NSF, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service and College of Engineering. Also, over the last five years, a total funding of $1.2 million was generated for this program through company specific projects and funds from sponsoring agencies.

* AIES (Auburn Industrial Extension Service) is a partnership venture between College of Engineering, College of Business, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service and Economic Development Institute with a mission to provide technical assistance to small and medium manufacturers.

** AETAP (Auburn Engineering Technical Assistance Program). In January 2000, the Engineering unit of AIES was renamed and continues with the mission to provide technical assistance to small and medium manufacturers.

Some of the highlights are:

  • Received the 1999 National Award for Technology Transfer, NAMTAC jointly with AU faculty and students. This is the highest national award given to technology transfer projects.
  • Obtained $1.2 million [FY 96-03] in funding from NIST, NASA, ATN, ACES and Auburn University to support AIES Activities.
  • Obtained $1.3 million in funding from the NSF partnering with ACES and several industries to support the AETAP activities.
  • Developed proposals and obtained funding from industry for company specific projects totaling $876,296 [FY 97-03]
  • Developed proposals for funding from different industry & state agencies for Company Specific projects totaling $2.2 million [FY 98-03].
  • During the period 1997-2003, provided technical assistance to 719 manufacturing units, with 32 faculty and over 4000 students participating in AIES and AETAP projects. This activity helps engineering students get experience in solving real-world problems.
  • Organized 8 seminars of interest to manufacturers in Alabama (1997-2003).
  • Organized 8 workshops to help develop engineering know-how for ACES county agents as they coordinate AIES/AETAP activities in Alabama counties (1997-2003).
 

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