A long-term field research and demonstration program has been established by the center at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oskoda, Michigan. The remainder is awarded to researchers working in the areas of hazardous waste remediation. These centers were founded to provide long-term support for fundamental research in several areas vital to the national interest. The Center for Microbial Ecology is a cross-disciplinary unit of approximately 25 faculty members, including eight from the College of Engineering. Center activity is focused on understanding factors that influence competitiveness, diversity, and function of microorganisms in natural and engineered environments.
Researchers collaborate with scientists from around the world.
Researchers possess expertise in instrument selection, quality control testing, experimental method development, on-line rheological measurement, food texture evaluation, and the application of rheology to product and process development. In addition to facilities for routine index-property tests, the laboratory has three complete triaxial testing and permeability setups, four backpressure pneumatic consolidometers, and two additional pneumatic consolidometers, one of which is equipped for permeability studies. Researchers use hydrocyclones to separate oil from water on offshore oil platforms, thereby cleaning water before it is returned to the environment, and to separate uniquely characteristic thermoplastic resins, facilitating their recovery from consumer and industrial waste streams. Nearly 100 faculty members, including seven from the College of Engineering, are working toward solutions to an array of environmental problems. The station provides a natural environment for studying the effects of agricultural practices on natural resources, including wildlife.