Should applied research be a function of ET faculty?

Abstract

It is pointed out that there are those among ET faculty who believe that research is more important for teaching at the graduate level, and applied research projects are often beyond the reach and capabilities of ET faculty. The author attempts to show that, on the contrary, a practical and hands-on approach and background of ET faculty is not only useful, but an indispensable part of a research team for solving sophisticated research problems. As evidence, a summary of two applied research projects conducted by the author, for NASA at the Kennedy Space Center, is presented. The nature and the scope of the investigated problems are described. A practical and simple approach in solving a highly sophisticated problem in the area of control systems has been demonstrated. Based on the author's experience, the benefits of faculty development through applied research, to both the faculty and the institution, are outlined.<>