Center for Advanced Intelligent Systems

The Center for Advanced Intelligent Systems is an interdisciplinary laboratory in the computer science department.^[10] Currently the center conducts research in the fields of data understanding, human-centered computing, computational mechanics and materials, declarative languages and software engineering.^[10] The center's research on data understanding is focused on data and knowledge representation, finding causal links, and mining of large databases containing macro and micro data.^[10] The center also researches seamless interaction of dry and wet intelligent agents in the field of human-centered computing.^[10] Its declarative languages research aims to develop intuitive abstractions for the construction of symbolic and numerical computations.^[10] In the field of software engineering, the center is also conducting research on the impact of software architecture, classifications of software, and technology transfer considerations on the process of software development.^[10]

Center for Engineering Outreach

The principal goal of the Center of Engineering Outreach is to promote integration of engineering education in K-14 education at the regional and state level.^[11] The center aims to accomplish this by developing curricula, teacher training, and other academic resources designed to help K-14 educators and institutions engage students in the fields of engineering.^[11] To work towards this goal, the center provides experiences that reinforce interest and learning about engineering at the K-14 level through competitions, mentoring, campus visits and early admission.^[11]

Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Transportation

The Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Transportation (TechMRT) was established in 1997 to serve as a focal point between Texas Tech and the various transportation research funding organizations and programs.^[12] In the area of pavement engineering and construction, the center has conducted research on constructability and material selection for surface treatments, asphalt binder quality assurance and best practices for pavement edge maintenance and repair.^[13] TechMRT's research in environmental and right-of-way issues has included projects on developing an integrated roadside management system for TxDOT and addressing fire ant dispersal along Texas highways.^[13] In the field of geotechnical engineering, the center also conducts research in the area of expansive solids, pavements and foundations, as well as in the areas of design, construction, and performance of geotechnical systems including earth retention systems, bridge foundations and bridge approaches.^[13] TechMRT also conducts research in the area of transportation structures including projects in innovative design and construction methods for off-system bridges, controlling vibration in cable-stayed bridges, rapid bridge replacement and live load testing of a sandwich plate system.^[13] The traffic engineering branch of TechMRT was created in 2004 and has conducted research in ways to make highways and intersections safer from aggressive drivers, as well as methods to make roadways safer during weather events.^[13]

Center for Nanophotonics

The Center for Nanophotonics at Texas Tech is a focal point in Texas for conducting innovative research and development on active nano-scale photonic materials and devices (devices that convert light to electricity or vice versa). The center’s research areas cover a broad spectrum, ranging from basic to applied, and dealing with state-of-the-art nano-scale material synthesis, device processing and fundamental physics. In particular, the center’s research works have significantly advanced the fundamental understanding of III-nitride wide bandgap semiconductors (GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, and InAlGaN) and their applications (these materials promise to be effective in producing renewable energy and light more efficiently).

Center For Pulsed Power and Power Electronics (P³E)

The Center For Pulsed Power and Power Electronics (P³E) conducts interdisciplinary research in plasma, pulsed power, and power electronics.^[14] Plasma research at Texas Tech started in 1966, and was focused on harmonic ion cyclotron resonances in small mirror machines, laser heating of magnetized plasmas, and pellet injection in hot dense plasmas.^[14] In 1977 a small Tokamak was constructed for the purpose of wave propagation studies in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies.^[14] In recent years, the emphasis of P³E has shifted to theoretical wave propagation and turbulence studies, as well as applications of plasma technology to pulsed power devices, plasma synthesis of thin films, high power microwave generation, and electric space propulsion engines.^[14]

Pulsed power research at Texas Tech began in the early 1970s with studies in high beta controlled thermonuclear fusion.^[14] Based on this initial research and other research in the field the need to understand the physical phenomena of pulsed power technology.^[14] Today the Texas Tech pulsed power research program at P³E focuses on high power switching, materials studies, and high power microwaves.^[14]

P³E's power electronics research is focused on the usage of very large power insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) for intermittent and steady state operation, the use of ultra high power silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCR) for pulsed power applications, research into advanced electrical and thermal packaging, robust controls to supply nonlinear loads such as plasma arcs, and high bandwidth monitoring and control of electric machines.^[14] The program is also working collaboratively with the University of Minnesota to develop a power electronics curriculum at the national level.^[14]

Nano Tech Center

In the fall of 1999, the Texas Tech Nano Tech Center was formed to capitalize on the growing interest in microsensors and microanalysis systems.^[15] Currently the center is focused on the fundamental science and growth of advanced semiconductor materials for optoelectronic and CMOS applications, and the design, fabrication, characterization and implementation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).^[16]

Murdough Center for Engineering Professionalism (National Institute for Engineering Ethics)

The Murdough Center for Engineering Professionalism/National Institute for Engineering Ethics provides engineering ethics and professionalism education, research, and communications to students, faculty, staff, and engineers in industry, government and private practice, other professionals, and citizens in the community, state, and nation. The goal of the center is to increase the awareness of the professional and ethical obligations and responsibilities entrusted to individuals who practice engineering, and encourage cooperation among individuals, universities, professional and technical societies and business organizations with regard to engineering ethics and professionalism issues.

Water Resources Center

The Water Resources Center (WRC) was established by the Texas Tech Board of Regents in 1965. Since its inception, the WRC has encouraged, conducted, and coordinated water resources research and related activities. To accomplish this purpose, WRC has adopted a multiphase approach, encompassing research, education, and public service. The WRC also provides public services, both locally and statewide, through its publications, seminars, workshops, and as a resources contact with access to water-related experts throughout the campus.

National Wind Institute

The National Wind Institute Research Center at Texas Tech is an interdisciplinary research center focused on education and information outreach. Its goals are to exploit the useful qualities of wind and to mitigate its detrimental effects. The Center offers an education in wind science and engineering to develop professionals who are experts in design for windstorms and wind-induced effects. Currently the NWI is composed of approximately 25 faculty associates from seven academic departments, four research associates, eight professional staff and 40 graduate students. It is also the home to the only wind science and engineering doctorate program.

Former students

Faculty