University addresses nation's corrosion and aging infrastructure at forum
Public and private leaders addressed issues and solutions pertaining to the nation's aging and deteriorating infrastructure during a corrosion-engineering forum hosted in late October by The University of Akron.
Representatives of local businesses, governments and regional planning organizations gained critical insights into the issues facing our nation's infrastructure during presentations from a distinguished panel of experts who represent the National Association of Corrosion Engineers International, the World Corrosion Organization, U.S. Department of Defense, CC Technologies, Siva Corrosion Services Inc. and Corrpro Companies Inc.
As event host, UA President Luis M. Proenza emphasized that the solution to America's aging infrastructure will require a blended commitment to engineering education, research advancements by academic leaders and collaborative strategies from corporate and governmental entities.
UA in lead role
UA has already laid the foundation for the nation's first bachelor of science degree program in corrosion engineering. This program, along with UA's innovative research in corrosion-related fields, will help address the high cost of corrosion in America, which represents 3.2 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, or $279 billion.
"It is a well-documented fact that our nation is facing a major crisis in managing our aging infrastructure and its linkage to corrosion is clear. We are pleased to partner with our elected leaders, the Department of Defense, NACE International and many of our colleagues from industry to provide a critical component of the nonmaterials-solution to corrosion prevention and control," Proenza says.
During the forum, U.S. Congresswoman Betty Sutton, who serves Ohio's 13th district, announced that $800,000 in federal funds will be allocated to UA's forthcoming corrosion-engineering program. Sutton helped secure the funding in the Defense Appropriations Bill with support from Congressmen Ralph Regula and Tim Ryan.
"This corrosion-engineering program will train and prepare experts in this field, creating high-earning engineering jobs that address one of the most critical issues we currently face. By utilizing these experts, we will be reducing future maintenance costs and increasing public safety at the same time, Sutton says. "I was glad to help bring back federal funding to assist this important program that will play a critical role in our community for years to come."
Congresswoman Sutton also stressed the need to create a new nickname for Akron and for the entire Midwest that accurately reflects its role as a center for innovation and renewed economic prosperity.
Collaborative approach
Dr. George Haritos, dean of the UA College of Engineering, notes that the development of this new program has been a unique example of partnership between faculty and industry representatives.
"By integrating both stakeholder and academic perspectives into the development process, our goal is to blend applied learning outcomes and sound academic fundamentals into a high-quality degree that will ultimately translate into jobs for our graduates. This is in keeping with the long-recognized tradition of excellence in the College of Engineering," Haritos says.
UA's College of Engineering has an outstanding record with its accrediting body that goes back more than 40 years. All 75 of its faculty members hold doctorates and the college has awarded more than 12,000 undergraduate and graduate degrees to date. In 2006 alone, UA's engineering students received more than $2 million in scholarships and upon their graduation, most receive multiple job offers and competitive starting salaries.