Gupta and Abshire receive MIPS grants

Associate Professor Pamela Abshire (ECE/ISR) and Professor S.K. Gupta (ME/ISR) have received funding from The University of Maryland's Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program (MIPS).

Abshire is partnering with the Bethesda-based company Quantum Molecular Technologies, Inc. on a $454,628 grant to develop a new radiation sensor that could significantly reduce the size and cost of positron emission tomography (PET) scanners. PET is a nuclear medicine medical imaging technique that produces three-dimensional images of functional processes in the body.

Gupta is working with Waldorf, Md.-based Cardinal Scientific, Inc. on a $168,960 grant to develop a web-based interface for manufacturing parts using a water jet cutting machine.

The two projects are among 23 research collaborations in the 40th round of MIPS awards. MIPS awards enable Maryland companies and university faculty to develop technology-based commercial products. Worth $3.6 million, the projects combine $2.1 million from participating companies and $1.5 million from MIPS and span the state. Funding supports research in the laboratories of participating faculty, who work closely with partner companies to advance their products. All funding goes to the project faculty and often supports the work of graduate students.

Published August 1, 2007