Membership Directory |
The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering is a private, nonprofit, public-service institution patterned after the National Academy of Sciences. The Academy identifies and studies issues and technological advances that are or should be of concern to the people of Connecticut, and provides unbiased, expert advice on science- and technology-related issues to state government and other Connecticut institutions. It is comprised of distinguished scientists and engineers from Connecticut's academic, industrial, and institutional communities. Membership is limited by the Academy's Bylaws to 400 members. The Academy publishes the Bulletin of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, a quarterly publication that is available in both print and electronic format. Click here to subscribe. The Academy also publishes News in Science and Technology, an online executive summary of the Bulletin, which is available online.
Executive summaries of all recent reports issued by the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering are available online. Most recent reports, including the three latest ones listed below, are also available in their entirety online in PDF format (please note that some files are large and may take a few minutes to download, depending on your connection speed). Hard copies of these three reports, as well as most previous reports, may be ordered for a nominal fee.
"The Design-Build Contracting Methodology for Transportation Released June 10, 2010 The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review to identify how the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT) use of design-build (DB) contracting methodology might benefit the State of Connecticut. There are well documented advantages and disadvantages to both DB and design-bid-build (DBB) methods that are discussed in this report with respect to transportation projects in Connecticut. The report focused on the challenges that must be overcome to make DB viable in Connecticut. This study was conducted by the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) at the request of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT). [Executive Summary] [Full Report/4.3 MB] "A Study of the Feasibility of Utilizing Waste Heat from Central Electric Power Generating Stations and Potential Applications" Released July 30, 2009 A significant by-product of power generation plants is rejected (or “waste”) heat. Rejected heat results from inefficiencies of the power generating process that are then rejected into the atmosphere or into bodies of water—Connecticut rivers and Long Island Sound. Large quantities of heat are rejected in Connecticut—enough energy to heat every building in the state. In September 2008, the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board (CEAB) requested that the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) investigate the feasibility of using the rejected heat rather than wasting it.
Proven combined heat and power technologies can be utilized to capture rejected heat for useful purposes and will pave the path towards energy independence and security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, while creating jobs and providing economic benefits, as well as improving the environment and energy efficiency. The challenge is to develop the policies and infrastructure necessary to utilize this valuable resource that is currently wasted. [Press Release] [Executive Summary] [Full Report/16.2 MB] "Independent Monitor Report: Implementation of UCHC Released January 30, 2009 The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering was engaged as an Independent Monitor, at the request of and acting on behalf of the Connecticut General Assembly in accordance with Special Act 08-4, to monitor and report on progress regarding the implementation of recommendations from the “Needs-Based Analysis of the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC) Facilities Plan” study. This project involved a two-phase process. Phase 1 of the project, May 9, 2008 – June 13, 2008, involved a review of documents by the CASE Project Committee and its consultant Tripp Umbach. Phase 2 of the project, August 4, 2008 – February 3, 2009, involved monitoring and reporting on progress regarding UCHC’s selection of hospital partners based upon the solicitation of interest process. Special Act 08-4 provided UCHC and interested regional hospitals with a framework upon which to design a new Greater Hartford regional healthcare system. This framework offered each hospital an opportunity to identify its commitment to UCHC’s “Vision and Guiding Principles” through the Solicitation of Interest process which formed the basis for the development of new relationships in support of excellence in medical education. This process resulted in new opportunities that have the potential to transform UCHC from one of the smallest academic medical centers in the nation to one of the largest. The proposed relationships resulting from the formation of a principal clinical partnership between the University of Connecticut Health Center and Hartford Healthcare Corporation, as well as the development of the Connecticut Health Education and Research Collaborative (includes Bristol Hospital, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital, The Hospital of Central Connecticut and the new University Hospital), provide a unique opportunity for the UCHC to attain the General Assembly’s stated goal of achieving excellence in medical education. While the framework and foundations for the articulation of detailed agreements have been developed, it is necessary for UCHC and its partners to complete this process by finalizing affiliation agreements that will set forth the details of their relationships and operating understandings. It is recommended that the state support these efforts by providing necessary authorizations to begin the process of implementing the plans for the creation of the principal clinical partnership between UCHC and HHC, including authorization for the construction of the replacement hospital on the UCHC Campus. [Press Release] [Full Report in PDF format/3.66 MB] "A Needs-Based Analysis of the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC) Facilities Plan" Released March 18, 2008 This study was commissioned under legislation adopted in 2007 by the Connecticut General Assembly as a result of a proposal presented to the General Assembly by UCHC to construct a 352-bed hospital to replace the aging 224-bed John Dempsey Hospital (JDH) that met with concern about the financial implications for hospitals in the Greater Hartford area. CASE and its Study Consultant, Tripp Umbach, a nationally recognized health care consultant, reported the findings and recommendations of the study on March 18, 2008 at a Briefing for the Appropriations, Commerce, Finance, Revenue & Bonding, Higher Education & Employment Advancement, and Public Health Committees of the Connecticut General Assembly. Guiding themes that emerged through the study process included:
The study’s recommendations are intended to be useful in shaping and motivating discussions with a goal of developing a productive regional environment for academic medicine. Both the full study and the Executive Summary are available on our website at the links below. [Press Release] [Executive Summary in PDF format] [Full Report in PDF format/4.5 MB] "Preparing for Connecticut's Energy Future" Released December 27, 2008 The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), on behalf of the Renewable Energy Investment Board (REIB), contracted with the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) to conduct a study, directed by Public Act 08-168, An Act Concerning Energy Scarcity and Security, Renewable and Clean Energy and a State Solar Strategy, of how other states promote and increase the use and supply of renewable and clean energy and whether a department of renewable or clean energy in Connecticut is the best way to organize to address these issues. The legislation served as a guideline to develop, with input from the CCEF and the Study Committee, a project scope of work which included determining the best way for the state to plan, oversee, develop, implement and manage energy issues and programs in the form of a state agency and/or other alternative organizational structure(s) that would best achieve the energy policy goals of Connecticut, while fostering the state’s economic competitiveness. This included determining approaches the state should consider in creating an environment favorable to innovation and investment and reducing dependence on fossil fuels in Connecticut and the United States. The study took into consideration the following state energy responsibilities: planning, regulatory matters, efficiency, renewables/clean energy, transportation, education programs, and other issues. To accomplish this task, the best practices of other selected states/countries were studied and served as a reference point for considering approaches and alternatives for Connecticut’s consideration. The Study Committee recommended that Connecticut restructure its energy leadership structure by reorganizing and combining existing entities, in particular the ones that already involve many of the same key representatives. The recommendations include the creation, through legislation, of an independent Connecticut Energy Office, to be headed by a Secretary of Energy, a Connecticut Energy Coordinating Council and a Connecticut Energy Stakeholders Advisory Group. The proposed new energy leadership structure would address comprehensive policy and planning for all energy sectors (electricity, space heating and cooling, transportation) as well as environmental aspects of energy issues, such as climate change. [Press Release] [Executive Summary in PDF format] [Full Report in PDF format/2.3 MB] "Applying Transportation Asset Management in Connecticut" Released December 15, 2008 This study was conducted by CASE for the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT). The study consists primarily of a detailed review of those states that utilize transportation asset management (TAM) systems that may be applicable for Connecticut’s consideration, and includes as well the identification of a comprehensive pavement life-cycle analysis tool. Although the report focuses primarily on highway and bridge assets, TAM also can be applied to other transportation assets. It is a multimodal management strategy that provides a systematic approach to making the best transportation system investment decisions to sustain and improve the mobility of goods and people, and improve the quality of life of the public. The primary conclusion of this study is that, across the United States, individual states are finding the shift to Transportation Asset Management Systems worthwhile and productive as they are steadily seeing the condition of their assets improve and their resource allocation decisions galvanizing around an increasingly coherent vision for their transportation infrastructure. [Executive Summary in PDF format] [Full Report in PDF format/1.24 MB] "A Study of Weigh Station Technologies and Practices" Released November 14, 2008 This study was requested in response to concerns about the operation of the Greenwich Weigh and Inspection Station (Greenwich Station) on I-95 Northbound. The Station’s configuration, combined with both the size and volume of trucks and buses (commercial vehicles) which must use it, severely impacts the ability of enforcement personnel to operate the Station effectively to assure commercial vehicle compliance with the state’s weight and safety regulations and requirements. During the Station’s hours of operation, the queue of commercial vehicles rapidly extends into travel lanes on the highway, creating a potential safety concern. This commonly occurs within a 90-second period, requiring Station staff to close and open the Station throughout an operational shift. To eliminate this potential safety hazard, the Station is periodically closed, allowing commercial vehicles to legally bypass without being weighed or inspected. In addition to being a potential safety concern, the operation of undetected overweight commercial vehicles on Connecticut highways contributes to excessive road damage. This damage creates an increase in the frequency of road repairs and associated traffic delays, resulting in increased maintenance and user costs. The objective of the study was to provide a literature-based and best practices review of the current state of knowledge regarding weigh and inspection station technologies with respect to their application and consideration for use in Connecticut. The focus of the study was identification of technologies and practices that have the potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of weigh and inspection stations to deter the passage of overweight and unsafe vehicles across the state’s highways; increase the transit efficiency for the large percentage of commercial vehicles that are compliant with Connecticut laws and regulations; and utilize information gathered through weigh system technologies for the multiple purposes of enforcement and transportation infrastructure decision-making and budgeting, including pavement design and highway maintenance and rehabilitation. The report concludes that the overall benefits of a statewide network of high-speed mainline weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems, coupled with e-screening capability and a comprehensive virtual and permanent weigh and inspection station system, include encouraging commercial vehicle compliance with state regulations, improving the efficiency of weight and inspection program operations, and improving air quality. The state may also be able to utilize valuable information collected from the system’s operation for highway pavement design purposes. [Executive Summary in PDF format] [Full Report in PDF format/4.3 MB]
179 Allyn Street, Suite 512 Hartford, CT 06103-1422 Telephone and Fax: (860) 527-2161 *Email: acad at ctcase.org (*As an anti-spam measure, we ask you to convert this address to the usual user@host.com format.) This page last updated: Copyright © Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, Incorporated. All rights reserved. |
||||||||||
The Academy congratulates member Thomas A. Steitz, PhD, of Yale University for winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work describing the structure and function of the ribosome, the protein making factory key to the function of all life. The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden announced the award October 8. Steitz shares the award with Venkatraman Ramakrishnan of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom and Ada E. Yonath, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.