KU, Honeywell to collaborate on national security technology projects


LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas is entering into a new research collaboration that will position faculty and students to work with industry on technologies that enhance national security. 

A master collaboration agreement will be signed today, Feb. 16, in Lawrence between KU and Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies. The agreement will expedite future research contracts funded through Honeywell, enabling the two organizations to work more closely on research and development projects. It will also promote interaction and exchange between KU researchers and Honeywell personnel.

“KU’s strategic plan, Bold Aspirations, promotes the application of scholarship in service to the state, nation and world,” said Sara Rosen, interim provost and executive vice chancellor.  “This includes working to ensure the safety and security of civilian populations in the U.S. and elsewhere. This collaboration with Honeywell gives faculty and students an opportunity to engage in research that has far-reaching public impact.”

Honeywell manages and operates the National Security Campus in Kansas City, Missouri, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. With more than 2,700 employees, the National Security Campus is a government-sponsored, multi-mission engineering and manufacturing enterprise delivering trusted national security products and government services.

The first example of interaction between KU and Honeywell is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17.  A daylong technical exchange at the School of Engineering will feature selected KU department chairs, center directors and researchers making presentations on topics of mutual interest. 

In addition, Honeywell is making its first long-term loan of advanced research equipment this spring and is funding a research project at KU’s Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS). 

“The system will be used extensively by CReSIS in a new project with Honeywell involving collaboration with other universities,” said Carl Leuschen, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science. “We’ll develop and evaluate new manufacturing and packaging technologies coupled with computer-aided design tools to enable miniaturization and ruggedness of optimized microwave electronics in radar transmitter and receiver designs.“

Repackaging ultra-wideband components designed and built at CReSIS will enhance current systems used on long-range manned aircraft for monitoring of snow accumulation and for future operation in harsh environments on small unmanned vehicles.

“Honeywell has a strong track record of recruiting many talented students and promoting research and development of new technologies,” said Robin Stubenhofer, vice president of engineering for Honeywell FM&T. “We are pleased to extend that partnership in support of an innovative research educational environment to further support the readiness of tomorrow’s leaders and meet important national security needs.”

“KU has impressive resources in areas of research that foster national security,” said James Tracy, vice chancellor for research. “This includes radar, materials, cybersecurity and energy. Engaging with Honeywell and federal agencies adds to those strengths and also exposes our students to career opportunities they might not otherwise have.”

“Education is the foundation of a skilled workforce and helps fuel innovation,” Stubenhofer said. “On behalf of Honeywell and our federal government customer, we are pleased to support STEM collaboration while advancing the national security mission.”

Tue, 02/16/2016

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Kevin Boatright

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