2002 Annual Report
Foreword
March 2003
To Our Friends:
This annual report describes the outstanding accomplishments of the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering faculty, staff, and students in 2002. Our mission is to conduct research and educate people to solve engineering problems in agricultural and biological environments. We are proud of our work and encourage you to review the report.
Our annual report includes a financial summary of the 2001-2002 fiscal year (July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002). Approximately $2.7 million, or almost 52 percent, of our total $5.2 million in expenditures in fiscal year 2001-2002 came from grants, gifts, and fees. This support comes from numerous sources—public and private, local and national (see pages 69-73). All of our programs provide value to the citizens of Minnesota, and in many cases the benefits extend far beyond the borders of the state.
Our students, staff, and faculty, and their creative ideas are what make our programs so successful. These programs are enhanced through the interdisciplinary nature of our research and outreach activities. Cooperators from at least twelve other units (departments, centers, and research and outreach centers) of the University are listed on the projects in this report.
In 2002 we inaugurated a new professional certification program in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT): Erosion/Sediment Management and Control. The program’s purpose is to provide training to road and bridge construction personnel to ensure compliance with erosion and sediment control provisions on Mn/DOT projects. During this first season we expect to certify over 1500 individuals in two different courses dealing with installation and site management. In the summer of 2003 we will add a third course covering the design of erosion/sediment control plans. The Erosion/Sediment Control Program joins our existing Onsite Sewage Waste Treatment Program as excellent examples of outreach to new and different audiences.
Many faculty and staff contributed to the creation of this report. Deb Hansen, Kathy Younie, Judy Weicherding, Kathy Evans, and Christy McKibben provided the leadership in pulling the report together. It required a significant effort. They have produced an excellent report.
I hope you find this report to be interesting and informative.
Kevin A. Janni
Professor and Head