Alfred University’s Gaustad interviewed for NPR story on Space Materials Institute

Gabrielle Gaustad '04, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University

Gabrielle Gaustad '04, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University, was interviewed for a story broadcast on Rochester's National Public Radio station, where she discussed the university's recently-unveiled Space Materials Institute.

Gaustad, who also serves as Alfred University's associate provost for research and vice president for Statutory Affairs, was interviewed by Randy Gorbman, news director at WXXI, Rochester's NPR affiliate. The interview aired Monday morning, November 11, and a story, "Alfred University Launches Space Materials Institute," was posted to the WXXI website the next day, with a link to audio from the interview.

The Space Materials Institute (SMI) was launched at an on-campus ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 7. It will facilitate industry and agency projects with Alfred University that engage students in hands-on experiential learning opportunities, while allowing companies to develop and protect intellectual property. In collaboration with Alfred University's Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology (CACT), the SMI will initiate and grow New York State capabilities in the space and aerospace sectors.

Current efforts at Alfred University with agencies and industry include projects with NASA, ARPA-E, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Army Research Laboratories (ARL), SpaceX, Blue Origin, Safran Aerosystems, Lockheed Martin, Washington Mills, Lithoz, and Blue Star Advanced Manufacturing.

Holly Shulman '87, president of Blue Star Advanced Manufacturing and SMI director, working on the NASA Moon to Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technologies (MMPACT), is developing a process using microwave technology to solidify the lunar regolith simulant (artificial moon surface material) developed by Washington Mills for use in constructing landing pads and roads, and for 3D building on the moon.

A joint project between Alfred University and DEVCOM (U.S. Army Capabilities Development Command), Army Research Laboratory-funded by a $13.5 million federal contract over five years-studies forming and characterization of ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC) materials. Research at Alfred University also focuses on discovering next-generation UHTCs while characterization of a wide range of UHTC materials provides a pathway to making improved materials for defense systems and aerospace applications. Scott Misture '90, Ph.D. '95, Inamori Professor, materials science and engineering, serves as principal investigator.