FHWA Office of Professional
and Corporate Development

Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program
2009 Grants for Research / Intern Fellowship Announcement

CONTENTS

Objectives of the Program
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant's Research Project
Selection
Criteria for Evaluation
Stipend, Tuition and Taxes
Conditions of Acceptance
Schedule
How to Apply
Application Forms
List of Approved Projects

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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM

This announcement is for the EISENHOWER GRANTS FOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS (GRF) AND INTERN FELLOWSHIPS. The purpose of the GRF is to acquaint students with transportation research, development, and technology transfer activities and to provide opportunities to conduct research on important transportation projects at Federal and State Department Of Transportation facilities.

The purpose of the INTERN fellowship is to provide students with opportunities to perform transportation-related research, development, technology transfer, and other activities at both public and private sector organizations.

The Eisenhower GRF/Intern Fellowships provide students an opportunity to enhance their pursuit of a degree in a field of study that is directly related to transportation. Recipients of the 2009 Eisenhower GRF/Intern Fellowships must be enrolled full time at an accredited U.S. Institution of Higher Education.

The Department of Transportation encourages students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities to apply for the Eisenhower GRF/Intern Fellowships.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants of the Eisenhower GRF/Intern Fellowships must:

• Be enrolled full time in an accredited U.S. institution of higher education
• Be pursuing a degree in a transportation-related discipline
• Conduct research or other significant activities in one or more transportation-related disciplines
• Be planning to enter the transportation profession after completing their higher-level education.

Non-U.S. citizens must attach a certified copy of their I-20 or I-551 ID issued by the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS).

GRF/Intern Fellowships are intended for:

• Students who have completed their Junior year toward completing a Baccalaureate Degree;
• Students who are in their Senior year toward a Baccalaureate Degree; and
• Students who have completed their Baccalaureate Degree and are enrolled in a Masters, Doctoral or equivalent Degree Program.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Applicants must select one or more projects from the Approved List of Candidate Research Projects contained in this announcement. If selected for a project, the GRF/Intern recipient will conduct research at the designated facility (full-time) unless otherwise specified in the agency announcement.

Each recipient must have a Faculty Advisor assigned to provide academic supervision. Technical direction on the research project will be provided by a Project Technical Advisor. GRF/Intern recipients may receive academic credit from their university for their research project. The Faculty Advisor in consultation with the Project Technical Advisor will determine the amount of academic credit.

SELECTION

The Universities and Grants Programs (U&GP) will administer the fellowship on behalf of the sponsoring office/agency. U&GP will forward applications to the technical advisor upon receipt and eligibility verification. The sponsoring office/agency will be responsible for selecting the preferred candidate.

DURATION

The duration of an Eisenhower GRF/Intern Fellowships will range from three (3) – twelve (12) months.

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION

The Eisenhower GRF/Intern Fellowship will be awarded on the basis of merit. Merit includes:

• Match of the student's qualifications with the proposed research project including the student's ability to accomplish the project in the available time;
• Recommendation letters regarding the applicant's qualifications to conduct the research;
• Academic records to include official university transcripts with GPA.
• Transportation work experience, if any, including employer's endorsement.

STIPEND, TUITION AND TAXES

Fellowship recipients should be advised that the stipend portion of the fellowship is subject to taxation in accordance with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations (Publication 520, revised June 2002).

The stipends for the Eisenhower GRF/ Intern Fellowships are as follows:

• Undergraduate $1,450/mo
• Master's Level $1,700/mo.
• Doctoral Level $2,000/mo.

Actual Stipend level may vary based upon available funding.

The GRF/Intern Fellowship will cover a maximum of $10,000 in tuition annually that relates to the academic credits for the approved research project year. Recipients will be paid a travel allowance for a reasonable cost of travel to and from the U.S. or State Department of Transportation facility where they will conduct the research.

CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE

Any major change in the project, project scope, or an extension in time to complete the project must be approved by the Program Manager, Universities & Grants Programs. GRF/Intern Fellowship recipients must conduct original research and prepare a paper or report suitable for publication on the topic for which they are selected.

Recipients must make the results of their research available to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department will retain an unlimited royalty-free privilege to use the results of the research.

Recipients are responsible for finding their own housing accommodations prior to arrival at their DOT approved facility. Some of the facilities may require use of an automobile for commuting purposes.

In addition, fellowship recipients will be allowed a one-time expenditure up to $1,500

for attendance at the Annual Transportation Research Board (TRB) Meeting in January.

Restrictions on the use of fellowship funds are as follows:

• No dependency allowances;
• No reimbursement of university administrative/indirect costs;
• GRF/Intern recipients are eligible for funding only during those months in which they are conducting (full-time) research at a DOT facility or another approved facility;
• Unused funds must be returned to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) within 90 days of the completion and/or termination date of the fellowship.
• Grants for stipend, tuition and other costs will be executed between the DOT operating administration and the university on behalf of the student by the Program Manager, Universities & Grants Programs.
• The recipient's university has the responsibility of administering the funds and for making periodic payments to the recipient.

Once an award is made, the initial study plan and project topic may be changed only after consultation between the fellowship recipient's Faculty Advisor and the Universities & Grants Program Manager.

Award funding is contingent upon the recipient's satisfactory academic progress as determined by university policies.

Federal, State and local government transportation employees may be eligible for the monthly stipend but will be required to take leave from their current employer. These recipients are expected to fulfill work-release terms with their current employers upon expiration of the fellowship.

SCHEDULE

Projects for Eisenhower GRF/Intern Fellowships will remain open until filled.

Send the application to the address in the section entitled "How to Apply".

Selected fellowship recipients will be contacted through your faculty advisor by the Universities and Grants Programs to confirm acceptance of the award. Each fellowship will be awarded to the University on behalf of the student..

HOW TO APPLY

The Eisenhower GRF/Intern Fellowship application and supporting materials are to be sent to the following address:

Mr. Henry Murdaugh , Program Manager,
Universities & Grants Programs, HPC-32
4600 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203

General Instructions: Please read the Eisenhower GRF/Intern Fellowships Announcement and these instructions before preparing the application materials. Applicants must submit one original (with signatures) and three copies of all materials. APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT THE REQUESTED NUMBER OF COPIES. All materials must be typed.

Applicants should:

Request from their current university one (1) official sealed transcript to be sent to the above address;

Submit three (3) unsealed copies of the transcripts with application materials.

Complete Application:

A completed application must be typed and consist of:

• Eisenhower GRF/Intern Fellowship Application, Parts 1 - 4; applicant and faculty advisor signatures are required;
• Academic records, including class standing, GPA and official university transcripts;
• Four (4) letters of recommendation (Original in a sealed envelope and 3 copies ) and/or endorsement;
• Resume/CV

It is permissible to use copies of the application forms.

Application - Part 1: All requested information must be provided unless labeled "optional." If an item is not available, state "NA". Non-U.S. citizens must attach a copy of their I-20 ID or I-551 Permanent Resident Card issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The application must have an original signature in ink.

Application - Part 2: List only those universities where you are currently enrolled or a degree was obtained. List only those employers where a transportation function was performed. Each applicant must have no more than four recommendation and/or endorsement letters. If currently employed in a transportation function, it is imperative that your employer submits an endorsement letter. The recommendation and endorsement letters should contain length and nature of the person's relationship with the applicant, comments on the applicant's overall ability to perform the project and potential for major contributions in one or more areas of transportation.

Application - Part 3: The narrative should demonstrate an applicant's intent and desire to pursue a study of and/or a career in transportation. The applicant should discuss how their graduate study, research plans and career goal will impact transportation. Part 3 must be limited to two pages.

Application - Part 4: Applicants will use Part 4 to indicate their selected research projects. A total of three (3) projects may be selected, starting with the applicant's first preference. Number each selected project accordingly (1, 2 and 3).

Mailing the Application: Applicants are urged to submit their application, transcript copies and supporting documents in the same envelope. (Incomplete application packets will not be considered). Universities are permitted to send transcripts directly to the address shown in the "How To Apply" section. When submitting the application, please package them in sequential order (i.e., Application Form Part 1, Application Form Part 2, Proposed Plan of Study, Transcripts, Resume, 4 Letters of Recommendation and I-20 or I-551 if applicable).

RETURN OF MATERIAL: Applications and any supporting documents cannot be returned to applicants.

Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program
2009 Grants for Research / Intern Fellowship Announcement

 

Application Form - Part 1
Must be typed

 

Application Form - Part 2
Must be typed

 

Application Form - Part 3
Must be typed

Proposed Plan of Study
Please provide a summary of how your plan of study will impact and enhance the field of transportation and what role transportation takes in your professional goals. Incorporate educational, personal and work experiences, accomplishments, volunteer activities and/or events that support your plan of study. Limit 2 pages.

 

Application Form - Part 4

Determining mechanical properties of human pediatric ribs (Project 1)
A Methodology for determining Human Soft Tissue Properties in-situ (Project 2)
Pavement Shear Strain Response to Dual And Wide Base Tires (Project 3)

GRF Project #1

Title of Project: Determining mechanical properties of human pediatric ribs
Sponsor: Vehicle Research and Test Center
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Length of Assignment: 12 months
Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering/Biomechanics/Skeletal Biology
Prerequisites: Ph.D. Candidate

Description of Assignment:
Biomechanical testing is not commonly applied to post-mortem pediatric subjects because of obvious ethical issues. Therefore, little is known about the mechanical properties of the human pediatric thorax. This project intends to develop experimental techniques for defining the material and structural properties of pediatric rib tissue from small rib specimens obtained at autopsy. These data will be used to characterize properties of the pediatric thorax to aid in constructing more biofidelic pediatric dummies and computer models.

Quasi-static three-point bend tests have been applied to adult ribs in the past to determine their material properties. There is currently no comparable published data for pediatric ribs. Previous testing has revealed that large variance in gross rib geometry and cross-sectional properties can interfere with measured mechanical variables. This inconsistency provides inaccurate material properties data because the test set-up is non-repeatable. It is desired to formulate an experimental test approach that can produce accurate material property measurements for pediatric ribs with widely varying geometry and material properties.

Additionally, innovative microscopic analyses of the bone specimens should be explored in the biomechanical context. Analyses should include cross-sectional geometric and histomorphometric variables to correlate with strength parameters and child developmental data. The use of skeletal histomorphometric data and non-age based developmental data may provide an improved understanding of the varied response of pediatric bone. The overall goal of this analysis is to obtain a reliable methodology to predict a child’s risk of rib fracture in a vehicular impact.

The results of this study will be: 1) methodological advances in test technique for obtaining accurate material properties of pediatric ribs, and 2) description and quantification of how the microscopic changes of pediatric ribs during development can affect their material and structural properties.

Academic Credit: To be determined by the university

Expected Outcome: A report, or thesis, (1) delineating an experimental approach for testing pediatric rib specimens that provide accurate material properties and (2) a methodology for relating pediatric rib strength to the living child’s development.

Technical Advisor:
Bruce R. Donnelly, Ph.D.
Chief, Applied Biomechanics Division
Vehicle Research and Test Center
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
P.O. Box B37 10820 SR 347
East Liberty, Ohio 43319-0337
Tel # 937-666-3291 or 937-666-4511 x211
bruce.donnelly@dot.gov

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GRF Project #2

Title of Project: A methodology for determining human soft tissue properties in-situ.
Sponsor: Vehicle Research and Test Center
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Length of Assignment: 12 months
Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering
Prerequisites: Ph.D. Candidate

Description of Assignment:
Although numerical modeling of the human body is advancing rapidly the usefulness of results are limited by our minimal knowledge of the mechanical properties of human tissues under high-rate impact loading. This project intends to develop a methodology and experimental technique for measuring applied displacements and reaction force for human tissue in-situ under compressive, tensile and shear loading. These data will be used to generate material constitutive relationships for human tissue.

Traditionally material property studies of human tissue have been done by removing an organ from a post-mortem human subject and excising tissue samples for testing in standard engineering tests such as compressive or tensile tests. Because the response of most human tissue is rate dependent, non-linear, inelastic and non-isotropic these traditional methods have proven to provide less than accurate material properties. The act of obtaining tissue samples (cutting) changes the properties dramatically and process of storage, mounting and measuring force and displacement during testing greatly affect the results. It is desired to make force versus displacement measurements at high rates of loading (high frequency) with the parent organ in-place in the body and without excising samples by cutting tissue, i.e., a minimally invasive technique.

The goal of this methodology is to obtain material property data from autopsy subjects during the post-mortem examination without interfering with the medical procedure and without additionally damaging the subject. This approach will provide more accurate data from intact organs with natural boundary conditions.

It is anticipated that this project will utilize innovative techniques and mechanical equipment to impart small displacements at high frequencies on the tissue of in-situ organs. Forces are expected to be in the range of 0.01 to 5 N with displacements in the millimeter to centimeter range and frequencies from 0 to several hundred Hz.

The results of this study will be a theoretical description of the approach, a conceptual design for the equipment and fabrication of equipment sufficient to obtain proof-of-concept data obtained from animal tissue and/or post-mortem human subject tissue.

Academic Credit: To be determined by the university

Expected Outcome: A report, or thesis, developing (1) the theoretical basis for obtaining post-mortem tissue material properties in–situ and (2) a prototype and a demonstration test of the experimental equipment developed to make the measurements.

Technical Advisor:
Bruce R. Donnelly, Ph.D.
Chief, Applied Biomechanics Division
Vehicle Research and Test Center
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
P.O. Box B37 10820 SR 347
East Liberty, Ohio 43319-0337
Tel # 937-666-3291 or 937-666-4511 x211
bruce.donnelly@dot.gov

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GRF Project #3

Title Of Project: Pavement Shear Strain Response to Dual And Wide Base Tires
Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration
Length of Assignment: 12 months
Disciplines: Engineering Mechanics, Pavements, Experimental Stress Analysis
Prerequisites: Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Description Of Assignment: FHWA is interested in the effects of wide base tires which are seeing increased usage in the United States. The intent of this study is to process and analyze data collected from instrumented pavements sections that were loaded by a truck equipped with both dual and wide base tires in hot weather conditions. The data was collected from the SPS-8 pavement test sections at the Ohio Test Road. The pavement was instrumented with strain gage rosettes oriented in the vertical direction to capture shear strains induced from the passing wheel loads at different speeds and tire inflation pressures. The data will be used to show relative shear strains induced in pavement surface layer due to the changing experimental loading conditions. In addition to the strain data, other information that is needed for complete analysis includes the lateral wheel path offset position, ambient temperature, vehicle configuration, sensor location, tire-pavement interface pressure distribution and materials characterization. While all this data exists, it is in various locations and needs to be sorted through and pulled together for analysis. The integration of this package of information would then be used to verify the accuracy of existing computer models with respect to their ability to predict pavement response for the given loading, structural and material conditions.

The analysis of data from these experiments may reveal the relative strains induced by each tire type and design. This work is meant to compliment ongoing work on a 3D FEM tire model at the University of Florida, 3D FEM Pavement modeling at the University of Illinois and the Vehicle-Pavement Interaction work as part of the Asphalt Research Consortium at the University of Nevada – Reno, as well as Transportation Pooled Fund solicitation #1175, "The Impact of Wide-Base Tires on Pavement Damage: A National Study. http://www.pooledfund.org/projectdetails.asp?id=1175&status=1 . It is anticipated that the research fellow will be coordinating his or her efforts with these universities in the course of this fellowship.

FHWA sponsored an international workshop on the use of wide base tires at TFHRC October 25-26, 2007. Many useful references may be found in the minutes to that workshop, which can be found here: http://www.arc.unr.edu/Workshops.html

Academic Credits: 6 - 12 credits

Outputs/Products A research report, conference paper and presentation that demonstrate the relative primary strain response of instrumented pavements to loading from the dual and wide base tire configurations. An organized data set would also be developed and will accompany the report. The report and data set will help lay the foundation for additional validation of pavement primary response models.

Technical Advisor:
Eric Weaver
Phone 202-493-3153
Fax 202-493-3161
HRDI-12
6300 Georgetown Pike
McLean, VA 22101-2296
Rm. F-209

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GRF Project #4

Title Of Project: Assessing Sustainability: Pavement Construction and Network Sustainability Management
Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration
Length of Assignment: Phase 1: 18 months – Construction, Phase 2: 18 months – Network Sustainability Management
Disciplines: Engineering, Pavements, Environmental, Economics
Prerequisites: Masters of Science in Engineering

Description Of Assignment: FHWA is interested in assessing the sustainability of pavement construction practices and in understanding the role of sustainability in the asset management of pavements.

There is increased interest in understanding and assessing sustainable practices throughout the transportation community in the United States. Programs such as Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Globes have been developed to assess the eco-efficiency of a variety of building types and communities, which include some aspects of transportation. Recent studies have adapted these and other approaches to focus more on transportation investments.

The first phase of this project will build on these new methodologies to focus more on the quantifiable impacts of pavement design, construction, and operations, including: material selection, constituent materials manufacturing, hauling, production, placement, and the effects of vehicular traffic. The intent is to establish a methodology to reliably evaluate and compare the sustainable impacts resulting from different approaches to design and build a highway pavement. Ideally, the methodology will consider both qualitative and quantitative inputs that can be integrated into the FHWA RealCost life cycle cost analysis program to provide meaningful guidance in the design and construction process. In addition, the methodology will be tested against actual highway projects to explore different "what if" scenarios in the design and construction decision process. These studies should include hot-mix asphalt (HMA), concrete pavement, and preservation techniques with the inclusion of recycled materials and other innovative technologies – such as warm-mix asphalt. It should also consider the contributions of layers beneath the pavement surface, particularly with respect to drainage and runoff.

Phase two of this project will broaden the application of the methodologies to explore various approaches for the inclusion of sustainability in the management of pavement networks. The intent is to develop system/corridor tools to identify network level investment strategies to optimally address areas of risk with regards to network sustainability within a network/corridor. It is intended that these tools could be used by highway agencies to provide meaningful guidance in the management of pavement networks.

The final report should identify the strengths and weaknesses of the methodology and propose strategies for effective use of the tools.

Academic Credits: Phase 1: 6 to 12 credits, Phase 2: 6 to 12 credits

Outputs/Products: A research report for each phase of the study, conference paper and presentation that overview the project and cover the significant findings of the study.

Technical Advisor:
Thomas Harman, Team Leader
Pavement & Materials Technical Service Team (TST)
FHWA Resource Center
10 South Howard Street, Suite 4000
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Voice: 410.962.0134
Mobile: 410.215.2762
FAX: 410.962.3655

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Dear Applicant:

This letter is provided in an effort to ensure that all information is submitted in a timely manner. Incomplete packages will be returned. Please pay attention to all deadlines and information.

Prior to sending your packet to Universities and Grants Programs, 4600 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22203, ensure that you have reviewed your application thoroughly and are confident that all materials are enclosed.

If you would like confirmation of delivery provide a Postage Paid Postcard with your return address.

Comments:
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_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

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Transportation-related disciplines can be found at www.fhwa.dot.gov/opd/universitygrants.htm#FellowshipsDiscip