The BRI plays an important role in carrying out this mission. Through the institute, support is provided for applied research by college faculty and graduate students, resulting in the advancement of new knowledge for the business world. A concerted effort is made to encourage research within each of the college s departments. Engineering Research Institute James L. Melsa, director The institute coordinates staff research in areas involving all engineering academic departments and maintains major laboratories and technical service groups to support the various research programs. Funds are derived from state appropriations and from industrial and government grants or contracts.
Activity is directed toward graduate instruction, basic research, and applied research.
The focus of the institute is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families through basic and applied research. Graduate education, support of college research facilities, and staff support comprise the bulk of the remaining activities. The institute coordinates and facilitates research, artistic and creative design efforts of faculty and graduate students of the College of Design. It also coordinates the integrated outreach efforts of the college by providing a linkage between design extension and the research and instructional efforts of the college. The institute maintains the Design Simulation Laboratory, the Design GIS Laboratory, and the Architecture Technology Laboratory.