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Strategic Areas
The following describes areas of strategic emphasis within ISAT. We have faculty specialists in each area.
Biotechnology
The objective of the Biotechnology area is to understand and evaluate the impacts of advances in biotechnology at the local, national, and global levels. Topics include scientific, technological
and social dimensions of biotechnology. Important areas of research include molecular, cellular, and recombinant DNA technology to analyze and develop biotechnology industry products and processes.
Energy
The objective of the Energy area is to provide a broad understanding of the principal aspects of energy supply and use, with an emphasis on sustainable energy development and increased efficiency. Areas of research include the development of energy technologies, systems, and issues relevant for the 21st Century, and their technical, economic and human benefits and costs.
Engineering/Manufacturing
The objective of the Engineering/Manufacturing area is to understand how to effectively implement computing and information systems tools, and a general understanding of the complete product development process. Topics focus on manufacturing systems, materials, manufacturing processes and competitive strategies for operations improvements.
Environment
The objective of the Environment area is to appreciate and understand the nature of environmental concerns in today’s society especially in the allied sectors of energy and engineering/manufacturing, and the areas of resource management and industry in general. Focus is on comprehension of the technical and social aspects of environmental issues.
Geospatial Science
The objective of Geospatial Science is to explore the interactions between humans and the environment using geographic information systems, remote sensing, GPS, and digital cartography. Focus is on the use of GPS field units and creation of data dictionaries, thematic mapping using automated approaches, design, implementation, and management of geographic information systems, visual and digital analysis and interpretation of satellite imagery and aerial photography.
Health Systems
The objective of the Health Systems area is to understand the multifaceted technical nature of health care including human resources management, systems planning, financial control, database management, health informatics, and medical technology. The focus is on basic skills in management and analysis of health care data supportive of the dual societal goals of increasing access to health care services and controlling costs.
Information/Knowledge Management
The objective of IKM is to acquire skills in systems analysis and design, knowledge-based systems, knowledge acquisition, and data representation. Important areas of research include software and database development, systems modeling and simulation, object-oriented software engineering, and intelligent systems technologies.
Telecommunications
The objective of Telecommunications is to understand the fundamentals of the transmission of data over a distance using digital electronic technology, and the fundamental technologies that permit this transmission to occur, including electrical wires and cables, optical fiber, electromagnetic radiation (radio waves), computers, software, satellites, and other devices.
Outreach
In addition to the strategic areas listed above, ISAT supports courses and outreach activities that include:
- Jointly sponsored outreach programs with businesses, schools and universities to help educate the public.
- Research projects that link businesses with teams of undergraduate and graduate students working on ISAT related projects that are aimed at improving the products or processes of these businesses. These projects are part of the student’s undergraduate or graduate curriculum.
- On-site education and continuing education activities
