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U of M engineering researcher awarded $1-M grant

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 01/28/2013 11:40 AM | Comments: 0

A University of Manitoba research chair professor has been provided a grant of over $1 million by an automobile industry agency to use the funding to help reduce emissions and improve safety.

Dr. Christine Wu, a professor of mechanical and manufacturing engineering, who has worked with Motor Coach Industries since 2007, will receive $1,030,000 in funding over the next five years from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and MCI.

"Canadian researchers are leaders in next-generation automotive research. Improving multi-passenger vehicles presents one of the best opportunities to transform transportation in North American cities," said NSERC President Suzanne Fortier. "Working closely with Motor Coach Industries, the work of Dr. Wu and her team will lead to safer rides for passengers on buses and similar large vehicles and will strengthen Canada’s reputation as a technical innovator in this field."

According to a U of M release, Wu’s work will focus on testing new concept materials and technologies, and finding ways to reduce the laboratory testing period without sacrificing safety or data gathering integrity; the faster a new technology can leave the laboratory and enter production, the better economic news for industry.

"Dr. Wu’s research partnership with Motor Coach Industries will drive her research forward and have real world results and applications that will fuel MCIs economic success—and we all know successful businesses in our community result in a better economy for all," said Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International) and Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba.

"MCI is honoured to be working with Dr. Christine Wu as Chair," added Jim Macdonald, MCI Executive Director of Engineering. "Her expertise and scientific knowledge will allow MCI to make exceptional new breakthroughs, improving the structure and riding comfort of our MCI motor coaches. Additionally, it's a privilege for MCI to tap the inventive minds and to support the research and efforts of these University of Manitoba students, who are pursuing their Masters and PhDs. We thank NSERC and the University of Manitoba for their support, leadership and foresight in awarding this chair to Dr. Wu."

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