The goal of the lunch series was to introduce research topics for the development of research partnerships across disciplines.
These partnerships served as a foundation for interdisciplinary research endeavors, grant proposal writing, course development, and innovative research applications. Different researchers from across the University were invited to brief a research topic each month for potential research partners.
Research Initiatives to Improve Community Resiliency
December 1, 2015
Improving structural infrastructure resiliency is an important step in formulating a strategy to mitigate social vulnerability and, ultimately, to support urban prosperity. As such, considerable effort has been expended in areas that have been impacted by severe weather and other extreme events to identify meaningful lessons learned regarding the engineering design aspects of materials and physical infrastructure to identify, or formulate, proactive improvement strategies. It is through these field surveys and failure assessments that the engineering professions have learned valuable lessons with regard to design standards, construction procedures, and life safety requirements appropriate for individual buildings or structures.
Click here to view PDF
Click here to view flickr event gallery
Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research
October 20, 2015
In 2014, Alabamians spent more than $21 billion, more than 10 percent of gross state product, on insurance premiums, and almost twice that if employer-funded health plans are included.
The Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research (ACIIR) is a new research center on campus, and our primary research interest is to evaluate and improve insurance markets for consumers in Alabama. Coastal property insurance affordability is front and center this year. Going forward, we will address a much broader set of issues.
Click here to view PDF
Click here to view flickr event gallery
Watch the presentation
Can Good Design Save Lives?
September 29, 2015
The visual presentation of information plays an integral role in our everyday lives. On everything from traffic signs to advertisements to mobile apps, visual design begs for our attention. Each attention-demanding design creates an experience that varies in time, emotion, medium, and impact. The concept and execution of a design experience leaves us asking the question: Did you adore it or did you endure it?
The newest units in the CAPS organization are the Mobile and Media Teams. Their goal is to uphold the CAPS Mission through clean, clear, and concise design, not only for sponsored projects but for the CAPS brand as well. These design standards are implemented through mobile app design, website design, branding, and advertising campaign creation, ultimately translating into a positive user experience that promotes positive behavior. Good design can save the user time, money, and – in some instances – even save lives.
Click here to view PDF
Click here to view flickr event gallery
Population and Economic Growth Associated with the Northern Beltline Highway Project
August 25, 2015
The Northern Beltline is a major transportation corridor to be built in Jefferson County, Alabama. Construction of an initial segment northeast of Birmingham started in 2014, and the entire roadway is estimated to be completed in 20 to 30 years. The presentation will offer an assessment of the potential for population and economic growth, driven by construction of this highway. Thanks to our speaker Viktoria Riiman, Research Associate from Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.
View the PDF
View the flickr event gallery
Watch the presentation
Ideas for Implementing a New Tornado Watch Scale
June 30, 2015
In 2015, a new tornado watch scale (TWS) was introduced based on the likelihood of a high or low-impact tornado event for a given day The TWS integrates shelter/refuge recommendations into a color-coded 1-5 scale in an attempt to alert people of potential risk and best shelter strategy before a tornado outbreak. The TWS was proposed as a discrete scale, but preliminary research is investigating its use with uncertainty ranges to better convey the potential for forecast variables to evolve. Results were discussed and they generated discussion for future modifications. Thanks to our speaker Dr. Jason Senkbeil, Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama.
Drone (UAV) Research and Applications
May 26, 2015
Today’s lunch topic, Drone (UAV) Research and Applications, focused on how UAVs are being used in law enforcement, weather, emergency management, and other fields. Thanks to our speaker Dr. Laura Myers of CAPS.
View the PDF
View the flickr event gallery
Neuroscience and Virtual Reality
May 5, 2015
Today’s lunch topic, Neuroscience and Virtual Reality, focused on the advances in these two fields that have given rise to potential applications in improved decision making for Law Enforcement and substance abuse treatment for patients. Thanks to our speakers Dr. Brandon Dixon of CAPS and Dr. Rick Houser from the College of Education.
U.S. and Alabama Economic Outlook
March 31, 2015
Today’s lunch topic, U.S. and Alabama Economic Outlook, focused on the current economic conditions and forecasts based on large scale econometric models specified and maintained by the Center for Business and Economic Research. Thanks to our speaker Ahmad Ijaz.
Criminal Justice System Policies
February 24, 2015
View the PDF
Safety First: The Evolution and Future of the Autonomous Vehicle
January 20, 2015
The topic is the technologies being developed in the area of autonomous vehicles, future possibilities, and it impact on the legal framework. This month’s speaker was Bharat Balasubramamian, Executive Director, Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies.