Initiated in 2023 the biennial CFSRC Investigators Workshop provides a forum for CFSRC investigators to share their latest research, discuss mutual capabilities and directions, and develop and seed new research efforts. Implemented as a hands-on, in-person event, the workshop not only seed’s new ideas – but starts our researchers on the path to their next winning proposal with dedicated, no distractions, writing time.
The first workshop was held in Amherst Massachusetts, 21-23 June 2023, to kickstart a new round of innovative proposals for cold-formed steel research. The workshop was hosted and organized by Associate Professor Kara Peterman and attended by CFSRC investigators: Sanjay Arwade, Hannah Blum, Thomas Gernay, Zhanjie Li, Kara Peterman, and Ben Schafer; in addition, Kim Rasmussen of the University of Sydney participated and provided critical insights to the team. The workshop delved into high level drivers such as the critical issues of societal and national need, and also evaluated current collective CFSRC capabilities. After initial sharing, facilitated by Professor Peterman, the team focused on research ideation in sustainability, affordable housing, modular construction, and other topics of need that did not fit the primary three areas. The workshop included a 1/2 day of focused writing to initiate new proposal topics, and follow up efforts will be conducted this Fall.
Logo for the first workshop:
