������Ƶ has expanded the capabilities of its Intelligent Transportation Lab (ITL) thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation. The funding supported upgrades to the lab’s equipment and space, ensuring students and faculty have access to advanced tools for real-world vehicle testing, research, and innovation.

The ITL, connected to Kettering’s Mechanical Engineering program, gives students hands-on experience with the technologies used in today’s evolving mobility industry. It supports work in vehicle dynamics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), ride quality analysis, and subsystem validation.

Recent ITL enhancements include professional-grade equipment such as a multi-channel data acquisition system, advanced sensors, and Controller Area Network (CAN) interface hardware. The improvements will support collaborative research and student projects, including developing Kettering’s Formula SAE Electric race car and vibration testing for industry partners like Yokohama Tire.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Margaret Dunning Foundation for supporting the ITL,” said Dr. Jennifer Bastiaan, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at ������Ƶ. “This gift has enabled us to transform an already high-impact lab into a next-level learning and research environment, training students in the skills that industry demands and innovation requires.”

The ITL is key to Kettering’s commitment to giving students early, hands-on opportunities to solve complex problems using today’s industry-standard technology. By integrating real data, real vehicles, and real testing scenarios into coursework and Co-op experiences, the lab equips students to lead in Michigan’s mobility sector and beyond.

About the Margaret Dunning Foundation

The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Ms. Dunning in 1997. She was born in 1910 in Redford Township, Michigan, and moved with her mother to Plymouth in the 1920s. During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and classic car enthusiast, often participating in the Woodward Dream Cruise in her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster. Ms. Dunning passed away in 2015 at the age of 104. Her estate provided additional funding for the Foundation, which continues to support her charitable interests and preserve her legacy. Learn more at.

27 students will receive the state’s coveted scholarship incentives of $5,000 for Co-ops and up to $10,000 for accepting full-time positions and agreeing to live and work in the Great Lakes State for one year after graduation.

������Ƶ, founded to support workforce and talent development in 1919, is proud to be a partner in MEDC's mission to recruit talent and fill jobs in Michigan’s mobility, electric vehicle, and semiconductor industries.

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������Ƶ and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) have named 27 Kettering students to represent the University’s fifth class of Michigander Scholars. The innovative Michigander Scholars program offers scholarships of $5,000 and up to $10,000 to qualifying scholars who complete a Co-op (or internship) and/or accept a full-time position as a computer, electrical, or process engineer or as a software developer (or synonymous job titles) with a participating company. More than 175 scholarships have been awarded to date, and more than 125 Kettering students and recent graduates have been recognized as part of this groundbreaking program.

The Michigander Scholars program offers exclusive opportunities for top tech and engineering students in Michigan, including career guidance, paid internships, and networking opportunities with industry employers. Participating universities gain valuable insights into the skills employers seek, and key employers across the state benefit from early access to a pipeline of highly skilled talent. Many of Kettering's Co-op employer partners are qualified employers as part of this program, including Ford, GM, BorgWarner, Bosch, Hemlock Semiconductor, Magna, Mahle, Nissan, Our Next Energy Inc., and ZF.

The first of its kind in the United States, the Michigander Scholars program represents an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s leading advanced manufacturing employers and universities. The MEDC mission is to increase the retention of college graduates in critical areas of Michigan’s growing technology and knowledge economy. This MEDC initiative is a vital talent retention strategy that promotes key careers, recruits talent, and fills in-demand jobs in the semiconductor and electric vehicle industries, which are  essential to Michigan’s economic growth.

������Ƶ's unique 50-50 blend of rigorous academics and paid Co-op employment is ideally positioned to support this initiative. U.S. News & World Report recently recognized Kettering as one of the nation’s best universities for Co-ops and internships, and the Wall Street Journal named it one of the top 10 colleges in the country for career preparation. The University also ranks No. 1 in Michigan in return on investment (ROI) for undergraduate studies, according to PayScale.com.  Smart Asset has also ranked ������Ƶ No. 1 for graduates' starting salaries in Michigan.

The fifth class of ������Ƶ Michigander Scholars includes:

• GENERAL MOTORS FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Madison Connell, Commerce Township, Walled Lake Northern High School, Class of 2024, Computer Science
• GENERAL MOTORS CO-OP AWARD
  • Ryan Hociota, Novi, International Academy West, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
  • Troy Korns, Chesterfield, Lutheran High School North, Class of 2029, Computer Engineering
  • Roan Patrick, Milford, International Academy, Class of 2026, Industrial Engineering
  • Anthony Ply, Lake Orion, Lake Orion High School, Class of 2026, Mechanical Engineering
  • Michael Rosczewski, Ortonville, Detroit Country Day High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Abhiram Sanikommu, Troy, Troy High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • Aaliyah Washington, Lansing, Waverly High School, Class of 2029, Industrial Engineering
• HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR FULL-TIME AWARD
  • Luigi Mancini, Chesterfield, International Academy East, Class of 2024, Chemical Engineering
• FORD CO-OP AWARD
  • Malachi Holbrook, Flint, Carman Ainsworth High School, Class of 2027, Computer Engineering
  • Briana Lapuz, Farmington Hills, Mercy High School, Class of 2027, Electrical Engineering
  • Justin Miller, Fenton, Hartland High School, Class of 2027, Industrial Engineering
  • Josiah Thompson, Macomb, Parkway Christian High School, Class of 2028, Computer Science
• BORGWARNER CO-OP AWARD
  • Cleshaun Moorer, Grand Blanc, Grand Blanc High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • Ilaria Todaj, Legnano, Italy, Lutheran High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
• BOSCH CO-OP AWARD
  • Isabella Coleman, Lincoln Park, Wayne County Community College, Class of 2026, Computer Science
  • Augusta Hayek, Flushing, Flushing High School, Class of 2026, Electrical Engineering
  • Peyton Jones, Evans City, PA, North Catholic High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering
  • Colt Melton, Smiths Creek, Marysville High School, Class of 2027, Computer Science
  • David Strzelewicz, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Class of 2025, Electrical Engineering
• GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS CO-OP AWARD
  • Alexander Denha, Macomb, New Haven High School, Class of 2027, Computer Engineering
  • Christian Kursinsky, Sandusky, Sandusky High School, Class of 2028, Electrical Engineering
  • Steven Paquette, Shelby Township, Utica High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
  • Drew Zolenski, Whitmore Lake, Whitmore Lake High School, Class of 2025, Computer Engineering
• MAGNA CO-OP AWARD
  • Sean Miller, Linden, Fenton High School, Class of 2027, Mechanical Engineering
• MAHLE CO-OP AWARD
  • Parker Rath, Fenton, Genesee Christian High School, Class of 2028, Mechanical Engineering
• ZF CO-OP AWARD
  • Mario Moustafa, Warren, Bishop Foley High School, Class of 2025, Mechanical Engineering

������Ƶ’s Archives, in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), has awarded its first-ever Travel-to-Collections Grant to Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an Associate Professor at the Ohio State University. This competitive grant, funded by SAH, supports scholars conducting in-depth research using Kettering’s extensive archives on automotive history.

Dr. Eaglin’s project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, received top marks from the selection committee. Her research explores how automotive dependence — particularly through cars, buses, and trucks — has shaped a uniquely American identity across North, South, and Central America from the 1950s to the present. The ������Ƶ Archives, home to significant collections on automotive innovation and industry history, will provide valuable primary sources for her work.

“We are thrilled to support Dr. Eaglin’s research and to see Kettering’s archives contribute to groundbreaking scholarship in automotive history,” said Dina Mein, Ph.D., University Librarian at ������Ƶ. “By offering this grant, we are not only aiding researchers but also strengthening Kettering’s role as a hub for innovation and historical study.”

The ������Ƶ Archives are housed at GM’s Durant-Dort Factory One, a National Historic Landmark widely recognized as the birthplace of General Motors. The factory, originally home to the Durant-Dort Carriage Company, played a pivotal role in the early automotive industry. Today, it stands as a center for historical preservation and research, making it an ideal location for scholars studying the evolution of transportation and industry.

Kettering’s Archives contain three major collections focusing on the history of ������Ƶ, the City of Flint, and American automotive history, including rare documents from General Motors and other key industry players. The grant is designed to assist researchers who may not have the resources to travel to Flint to explore these unique materials in person.

The Travel-to-Collections Grant is made possible through Kettering’s partnership with SAH, an international organization of automotive historians that includes university faculty, museum curators, and dedicated enthusiasts. This collaboration underscores Kettering’s commitment to advancing automotive research and fostering connections with scholars worldwide.

As part of the grant, Dr. Eaglin will visit the archive in Factory One in June 2025 to conduct her research. She will present her findings in a special lecture open to students, faculty, and the broader automotive history community.

“The work of researchers like Dr. Eaglin brings our historical materials to life,” Mein added. “When scholars write books and articles based on our collections, it highlights the importance of preserving and studying automotive history.”

For more information about ������Ƶ’s Archives and research opportunities, visit .

������Ƶ announced today it has received over $1.6 million in funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through the Higher Education Strategic Initiatives. Kettering underscores its leading role in educating Michigan’s next generation of engineers and innovators by developing cutting-edge curricula in semiconductors, hydrogen fuel, and software engineering through these grants.

The MEDC grant funding is just the latest in a broad effort to advance Michigan’s semiconductor, electric vehicle (EV), and mobility sectors, making certain the state remains a leader in advanced manufacturing.

“������Ƶ’s experiential educational model has always been focused on developing leaders that will shape the future,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ������Ƶ. “This funding accelerates our ability to prepare Michigan’s workforce while enhancing our capacity to equip it with the critical skills and hands-on experiences necessary to thrive in industries that will define the economy of the state for decades.”

MEDC awarded Kettering four distinct grants as part of its Higher Education Strategic Initiatives:

1. Semiconductor Curriculum Development ($320,882): Supporting the expansion of courses and resources designed to meet Michigan’s growing need for semiconductor expertise.
2. Hydrogen Fuel Curriculum ($354,202): Creating innovative programs focused on the future of hydrogen fuel technologies, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge for cutting-edge industries.
3. Software Engineering Curriculum ($287,432): Enabling the development of new courses and acquiring specialized equipment to prepare students for careers in software development and advanced systems.
4. PK-12 Engagement ($53,324): Launching summer hackathon camps to engage young students in engineering and advanced manufacturing through hands-on learning experiences.  These programs are designed to inspire the next generation of talent and provide pathways to real-world careers in high-demand fields.

In addition to curriculum grants, ������Ƶ has also secured additional funding from the MEDC Talent Solutions division for The Michigander Scholars Program, providing $5,000 and scholarships to students completing Co-ops in Michigan with select employers (many of whom are already Co-op employer partners for Kettering.) The program also helps retain top engineering talent in the state by offering $10,000 incentives for students who commit to a full-time position, staying in Michigan for at least one year after graduation.

“We’re excited about the continued partnership with ������Ƶ to nurture and develop the next generation of mobility professionals who can pursue opportunities in Michigan that offer higher-paying jobs and career advancement while at the same time building a strong pipeline of future Michigan mobility leaders,” said MEDC Executive Vice President, Chief of Talent Solutions and Engagement Officer Kerry Ebersole Singh. “The MEDC Talent Solutions division is committed to creating stronger pathways to 21st-century careers that will help cultivate, attract, and retain young talent while showcasing Michigan as a hub for a future-ready workforce essential to building a stronger economy.”

The MEDC’s Talent Solutions division consortium of EV/mobility and semiconductors partners includes more than 20 major employers and national industry groups, 17 higher education partners, and workforce and PK-12 leaders across Michigan. 

The MEDC grants to ������Ƶ are part of a combined total of nearly $30 million the MEDC has invested with Michigan’s higher education institutions that are working with advanced manufacturing employers to design and deliver a curriculum that prepares students for in-demand mobility-related careers. 

During an April press conference announcing the inaugural Michigander Scholars class, employers had the opportunity to share how ������Ƶ’s 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and paid professional Co-op experience fits their needs. “To say we're excited about seeing the scholars is an understatement,” said Mike Houston, Engineering and Service Manager at Hemlock Semiconductor. “We're extremely proud of our Co-op… That's the story we want to tell across the entire state… The program that Kettering has is exactly what we need. We need to be able to take the academics and shape it into a real-world experience. Tweak it. Calibrate it… to form a full-time employee.”

“������Ƶ continues to stand as the leading partner for Michigan’s employers in advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, and semiconductor technology,” said Dr. McMahan. “Our educational model, pairing academics with our deep industry partnerships, ensures that our students not only master the essential skills needed to excel but also begin making an immediate impact on the industries they serve, driving innovation and economic growth.”

These grants provide ������Ƶ with resources to further enhance its renowned educational Co-op model through June 30, 2026. The $1.6 million in funding, including the Michigander Scholars Program, enables the University to expand Michigan’s talent pipeline and drive long-term economic growth in key industries.

At ������Ƶ, innovation drives achievement. Dr. Javad Baqersad, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, exemplifies this ethos through two recent accomplishments: securing a $50,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to explore the commercialization of cutting-edge vibration measurement technology and receiving a top honor from the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM) for his contributions to the field.

Dr. Baqersad’s NSF I-Corps grant — Translation Potential of an Optical Vibration Measurement Technology for System Monitoring and Digital Twin Development — focuses on bridging academic innovation with industry needs. This one-year project will evaluate market demand for advanced vibration measurement tools with applications such as detecting misalignment or wear in industrial machinery, monitoring the structural health of bridges and aircraft, and optimizing the performance of wind turbines.  These innovations address challenges in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, such as improving vehicle noise and vibration performance, ensuring the reliability of jet engines, and predicting equipment failures to reduce downtime.

This NSF new grant builds upon a previous NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant of more than $577,000, which Dr. Baqersad secured in 2023 to acquire a 3D scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (3DSLDV). The instrument uses coherent light to measure the velocity of vibrating objects, enabling high-fidelity analysis of vibrations in high-temperature, lightweight, and rotating structures.

“Our goal is to connect academic research with real-world challenges,” Dr. Baqersad said. “This grant allows us to engage directly with industry experts, identify their needs, and tailor our technology to address those challenges.”

Through the NSF program, Dr. Baqersad and his team interviewed more than 70 thought leaders at companies like Ford, GM, and Consumers Energy to assess market demand. Insights from these conversations will shape future initiatives, such as NSF Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) applications, and may pave the way for establishing an Industry-University Research Center at Kettering.

Dr. Baqersad’s research does more than push boundaries; it prepares the next generation of innovators. Graduate student Arjun Gupta is integral to the project, connecting with industry professionals and bringing their needs into focus. “This experience is invaluable for students,” Dr. Baqersad said. “It prepares them to tackle industry challenges with confidence and expertise.”

Recognition from SEM further solidifies Dr. Baqersad’s place among the leaders in structural dynamics research. At the 2025 SEM International Modal Analysis Conference, he will be honored for his “outstanding research accomplishments in experimental structural dynamics.” It is one of only three awards SEM presents each year. 

“It’s an honor to see my work recognized by such a respected organization,” Dr. Baqersad said.

Dr. Baqersad's work has a tangible impact, from noise reduction in vehicles and seismic protection in buildings to potentially detecting skin cancer. With more than 100 publications, a patent, and a dedication to mentorship, his contributions embody ������Ƶ’s mission to produce accomplished leaders who influence global industries.

Looking ahead, Dr. Baqersad envisions creating new research centers at Kettering, strengthening partnerships, and giving students unmatched opportunities to lead and innovate. “We aim to create opportunities for students and industry partners to collaborate on projects that address practical challenges, deliver tangible results, and directly contribute to advancements in industries,” he said.

At ������Ƶ, where excellence is built into every project, Dr. Baqersad’s achievements showcase the power of relentless innovation and real-world application.

������Ƶ is now one of only a very small number of the nation’s top engineering-focused universities to offer the industry-leading semiconductor software and electronic design automation (EDA) suite to faculty and undergraduate students.

FLINT, Mich. - ������Ƶ is pleased to announce it has received a substantial software gift from Synopsys, a global leader in comprehensive semiconductor software and electronic design automation (EDA) tools. With this gift, Kettering faculty and students, even as undergraduates, will have direct and unlimited access to the same comprehensive engineering design and development software suite and tools used by the world’s leading industries to design, simulate, and verify integrated semiconductor systems.  Kettering students will now be able to graduate with deep skills and firsthand experience with the very same technology used and trusted by top innovators like NVIDIA, Google, Samsung, and Intel to create next-generation semiconductor systems and devices.

������Ƶ is aggressively investing in the expansion and development of its semiconductor engineering education and training capabilities in response to the growing market demand in Michigan and across the United States. Combined with curricular innovations currently awaiting final approval, this gift, which includes 50 seat licenses to the entire software suite, provides an important foundation for the creation of a center of excellence in semiconductor engineering and technologies at the University. ������Ƶ is one of only a very small number of the nation's top engineering-focused universities to have this type of access to Synopsys’ comprehensive software suite. This industry-leading software will also be integrated into the University’s Industry 4.0 Lab — a hub for advanced research and technology on the campus. 

“������Ƶ's partnership with Synopsys makes it possible for our students to become proficient in these industry-standard systems,” said ������Ƶ President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “Direct access to Synopsys’ advanced electronic design automation tools enables our students to design, simulate, and validate complex semiconductor systems — skills that are indispensable for excelling in the rapidly evolving semiconductor, mechatronics, and battery manufacturing sectors. This positions them to be significant contributors and leaders in developing the next generation of semiconductors and related technologies immediately upon graduation, if not before.”

Kettering and Synopsys also share a longstanding industry connection with Bob Kagle ’78. Kagle, widely regarded as one of the most successful venture capitalists in the history of Silicon Valley and founder of Benchmark Capital, was among the earliest investors in Synopsys. “Kettering is taking a remarkable step forward by putting Synopsys in the classroom, giving students hands-on access to tools that define the future of technology,” said Kagle. “I am proud to see Kettering leading in a field so critical to global progress and am thrilled to support this transformational partnership.”

Semiconductor technologies are the backbone of the world’s fastest-growing industries, including autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and artificial intelligence, all areas in which Kettering has strong education, cooperative, and research programs. With the Synopsys partnership, ������Ƶ is poised to lead the way in these sectors, driving technological breakthroughs and ensuring our graduates are equipped to lead.

������Ƶ has, for over 100 years, played an integral role in educating highly talented engineers and industry leaders for a wide range of industries and technologies. It is among the reasons Kettering was selected as the only private institution to be part of MEDC’s Michigander Scholars Program, for which the semiconductor industry plays a significant role. 

“Kettering doesn’t just anticipate the future — we actively shape it,” said Dr. McMahan. “Our unwavering commitment to experiential education through strategic industry partnerships ensures that our students are prepared to lead from the front, solving tomorrow’s challenges with the expertise and innovative mindset demanded by today’s most advanced industries.” 

Not everyone can say they’ve left a legacy that aligns directly with the institution’s future, but Dr. Kingsley Joel Berry ’79 ME has. For almost 50 years — first as a driven student, then as the youngest Mechanical Engineering professor and eventual department head — Dr. Berry set the standard for innovation, education, and community impact at ������Ƶ. His recent $200,000 endowment to launch the Kingsberry Sustainability Lab exemplifies Dr. Berry’s deep commitment to the generations who will follow.

From Student to Professor

Dr. Berry’s journey began in the 1970s when he enrolled at General Motors Institute (GMI), where his curiosity and tenacity quickly set him apart. As one of the first African American students at GMI, he knew this opportunity could define his life’s path. “Coming to GMI was the best decision I made,” he says. After earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Automotive Engineering, Dr. Berry pursued a master’s in Engineering Mechanics at Michigan State University and later a Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University. By 1986, he was back at Kettering, stepping into a faculty career that would influence generations of future engineers.

A Trailblazing Educator

Dr. Berry became the youngest faculty member in Mechanical Engineering and embraced the challenges of being a trailblazer as the only person of color in the department. “I had never taught a full class before,” he admits, but he quickly developed his teaching methods and significantly impacted his students. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to the department head. In his nearly two decades in that role, he helped build new labs, restructured the curriculum, and secured over $5.7 million in funding to ensure Kettering students gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Berry published more than 50 articles related to his research and stamped his name on four patents. Fuel cells and related work became central to his research. The Flint Journal dubbed Dr. Berry “Flint’s Fuel Cell Father” for his dedicated efforts to ensure that the Vehicle City would play a key role in shaping the future of automotive transportation. In 1993, he earned the Charles L. Tutt Award for Innovative Teaching, an honor named for former GMI Dean of Engineering Dr. Charles L. Tutt. A year later, Dr. Berry was named GMI Outstanding Professor of the Year. In 2021, he was honored with Kettering's prestigious Rodes Professorship award, which recognizes faculty for outstanding scholarly achievement, and a $5,000 grant to support continued research. Then, in 2024, Dr. Berry made the decision to retire from the classroom — but not before ensuring his legacy with a significant gift to the University.  

A Vision for the Future: The Kingsberry Sustainability Lab

In an impressive gesture, Dr. Berry and his wife Linette recently announced a generous $200,000 endowment to establish the Kingsberry Sustainability Lab at ������Ƶ. This gift is not just a one-time donation; it’s an investment in the future. He envisions a space where students can explore fuel cells, alternative energy, and technologies that will shape a sustainable world. Dr. Berry’s decision to fund this laboratory is rooted in a belief he must “pay it forward” to honor the opportunities he received. “I want this laboratory to allow future students to benefit from innovative technology,” he explains, pointing to the importance of fuel cell technology and alternative energy in addressing climate change.

With his endowment, Dr. Berry aims to inspire others to invest in the future of education, setting a challenge for fellow faculty members and alumni to contribute as well. “I want this to be an example for other faculty ... even if it’s just like $20,000, $10,000 ... to inspire,” he says, highlighting community support's critical role in sustaining educational excellence.

“This endowment will be here for centuries after I’m gone,” he states firmly, underscoring that his contributions are not solely about personal accolades but about enriching the lives of future generations.

Although Dr. Berry is no longer teaching at the University, he is educating a new audience: federal lawmakers. Dr. Berry’s latest role is in Washington, D.C., as an ASME Congressional Fellow, working in the office of Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, focusing on technology policy development, particularly in artificial intelligence and energy initiatives. Reflecting on this new chapter, he expresses excitement about the opportunity to influence policy at the national level. “It’s great ... this is the perfect transition for me ... the staff is so positive, so encouraging,” he says. His experience at Kettering has equipped him with the skills to address pressing issues like STEM education, Artificial Intelligence and energy, and workforce development — critical concerns as new facilities emerge as a result of significant investments in semiconductor manufacturing.

 A Lasting Legacy

As Dr. Berry steps into the next phase of his life, he does so with the intention of motivating others — faculty members, students, and the broader community — to engage, contribute, and make a difference. “Excellence is achieved by people, passion, and purpose, not policy,” Dr. Berry says, encapsulating his belief in the transformative power of education and community.

Dr. Berry's close-knit family shares his commitment to education and environmental sustainability. He and his wife Linette share four adult children, all of them involved in scientific fields. His daughters, Ashley ’08, M’13, and Sydney ’12, M’12, are ������Ƶ alumni, and his youngest daughter, Kimberly, holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh. His son Jonathon is earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and expects to graduate in May 2025.  

Dr. Berry’s faith plays a central role in his journey, shaping his belief that everything he has achieved is part of a divine plan. “I fundamentally believe this has been God’s plan for me,” he says. “ ... It’s my way of paying it forward and backward, and it's my way of thanking God for all my blessings in my life.” 

General Motors (GM) has named ������Ƶ as one of eight Genesee County nonprofits to share $270,000 in Community Impact Grants. GM’s Community Impact Grants help address local issues in the communities where the company operates. The grants support GM’s corporate giving social impact pillars of STEM Education and Transportation.

“I am inspired by the impact of the work these eight local nonprofits are doing in our community,” said Jim Gaeschke, plant director at GM’s Flint Metal Center. “STEM education and transportation are important focus areas for GM’s corporate giving program. These organizations help make the Flint-Genesee Region a great place to live and work.”

������Ƶ will use its $20,000 grant to launch three impactful initiatives for the 2024-2025 academic year aimed at empowering students and educators in the field of robotics:

• FIRST Robotics coaches workshop and FIRST Robotics rookie workshop: These hands-on two-day workshops in Kettering’s FIRST Robotics Community Center will guide participants through building a working drivetrain and catapult over two days. During the workshops, educators and coaches will learn to overcome the common challenge of starting new robotics teams by boosting their confidence in building and teaching robotics projects.
• Scholarship and Financial Aid Workshop: ������Ƶ will host this workshop to provide underserved high school students and their families with vital information on funding STEM degrees. This initiative aims to bridge the financial gap by connecting families with resources they may not know are available.
• Installation of a laser cutter and engraver: The new equipment will support the eight FIRST robotics teams from local high schools that build their robots in Kettering’s FIRST Robotic Community Center and Kettering’s VEXU robotics team in prototyping and testing designs faster and more efficiently. The laser cutter will also be available to students attending Kettering’s robotics summer camps.

“It is an honor to receive the GM Community Impact Grant. The generosity of GM enables Kettering to expose students and teachers in underserved schools to the excitement of STEM activities like FIRST, VEX, and Aerial Drone Competitions,” said Kim Schumaker, Director of ������Ƶ’s Robotics Center. “Hands-on workshops will build confidence and equip participants with skills that assist them in starting robotics teams and building competitive robots. Creating teams in the schools allows more students to participate each year and inspires more students to pursue STEM degrees and careers.”

GM’s support of the Flint-Genesee region has totaled more than $7 million since 2019, with Kettering benefiting from this ongoing commitment to local innovation and growth.

������Ƶ is proud to announce it received a $465,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site. This substantial grant will fund a groundbreaking program dedicated to advancing research in control and sensing for autonomous vehicles.

Led by Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Diane Peters, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, and Co-PI Dr. Rui Zhu, assistant professor of Computer Science, the REU program will offer undergraduate students from across the country the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on Kettering’s campus over the next three years.

The REU site will welcome 10 undergraduate students each summer for a 10-week immersive experience. This program is designed to expose participants to the exciting field of autonomous vehicles. This discipline leverages both mechanical engineering and computer science to drive innovation. Students will work on various research projects related to control systems and sensing technologies, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The ������Ƶ/GM Mobility Research Center (MRC) will play a crucial role in the program, providing students access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

“Receiving this NSF grant is a tremendous opportunity for us to support and mentor undergraduates from institutions where research opportunities may be limited,” said Dr. Peters. “Our aim is not only to provide these students with a solid research foundation but also to foster their growth as future STEM professionals.”

Applications for the REU program will be open to undergraduates nationwide. The program strongly emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, targeting students from institutions without extensive research facilities, including community colleges. In addition to their research work, participants will engage in professional development activities, including industry tours and presentations. The program will also offer financial support, covering housing, travel, and a weekly stipend, ensuring students can fully focus on their research without financial stress.

“This grant allows us to make a significant impact by bringing together a diverse group of students and providing them with a comprehensive research experience,” Dr. Peters said. “We are committed to creating an environment where students can thrive academically and personally while also engaging with our broader academic community.”

Students selected for the program will be matched with research projects and faculty mentors that align with their interests and career goals. The program will culminate in a poster session, allowing students to showcase their work and gain experience presenting their research. Ultimately, participants could see their work published in academic journals or presented at conferences.

Applications for the program are expected to open in December 2024 via the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP). For more information, visit . 

About the National Science Foundation (NSF) 

The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 “to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense.”​ With an annual budget of over $8 billion, NSF is the funding source for approximately 20% of all federally supported basic research conducted by America’s colleges and universities.

The inaugural Industry Research Summit — the first occasion to bring collaborators together at ������Ƶ under the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) program's Enabling Meaningful External Research Growth in Emergent Technologies (EMERGE) grant — was held on May 17, 2024. 

The EMERGE Cohort includes ������Ƶ, University of the Incarnate Word, University of Northern Colorado, and Western Carolina University. Cohort members share a common vision to EMERGE as recognized partners in research and development, translating research into practice, and in talent development in emerging technology. The U.S. NSF awards EPIIC grants of three years in length to up to 50 institutions each year. Each award is worth up to $400,000 per recipient institution. 

In line with the EMERGE goals, the Industry Research Summit featured distinguished speakers and engaging discussions to enhance partnerships between ������Ƶ and industry stakeholders. Representing General Motors, Dr. Jeff Abell ’85 delivered the keynote address, emphasizing successful collaboration models. 

“The phrase, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention,’ is really the starting point for industry. We will not work on projects or research or partnerships that do not fulfill one of our needs,” said Dr. Abell, a former member of the Kettering faculty. “And from my own university experience, it's very difficult to know what these needs are unless you are very close to an industry partner.”

During the daylong Summit, attendees engaged in interactive discussions and breakout sessions to enhance ������Ƶ's industry collaborations through classroom-based and cutting-edge research. The event culminated in a poster exhibit where faculty showcased their research goals, identifying opportunities for future partnerships.

Dr. Diane Peters, ������Ƶ Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, is the principal investigator of the EMERGE project. “The Industry Research Summit is a key part of our activities since it serves as a springboard for all the other things we want to achieve,” Dr. Peters said. “It's enabled us to get input from multiple voices on how to accomplish our goals and given us some great new ideas to add to the activities we set forth in the original plans.” 

Dr. Scott Grasman, Dean of Kettering’s College of Engineering, and Dr. Javad Baqersad, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, are co-principal investigators. 

The insights and recommendations from all Summit participants will be compiled into a report that will be a blueprint for ������Ƶ's Year 2 plans for the NSF EPIIC grant. Proposed initiatives include establishing a graduate internship program and developing opportunities for faculty to engage in industry-focused research during non-teaching periods.

One example of what is possible through the NSF EPIIC program is ������Ƶ’s OpenRoad partnership. Inside ������Ƶ’s AMPED Lab, OpenRoad, a manufacturer of portable range boosters for electric vehicles, collaborates with Kettering students and professors to break new ground in EVs. To learn more about the OpenRoad partnership, visit .