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NSF grant supports SUNY Oswego instructor in EV research
OSWEGO, N.Y. — SUNY Oswego will use a two-year grant of more than $187,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help fund faculty research into electric-vehicle (EV) technology. The effort seeks to find a “more efficient and less expensive” inverter technology to facilitate the adoption of high-voltage DC-links in electric vehicles, which will “help […]
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OSWEGO, N.Y. — SUNY Oswego will use a two-year grant of more than $187,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help fund faculty research into electric-vehicle (EV) technology.
The effort seeks to find a “more efficient and less expensive” inverter technology to facilitate the adoption of high-voltage DC-links in electric vehicles, which will “help reduce their charging times,” SUNY Oswego said.
“Real-world experience is a crucial part of engineering education,” Hui Zhang, an electrical and computer engineering faculty member, said. “Getting involved in research is a great way for students to learn hands-on skills and develop problem-solving abilities. I always encourage students to participate in my research.”
The university announced the NSF funding award on April 6.
Why electric vehicles
In Zhang’s research-funding proposal, she notes that “besides reducing fossil fuel consumption and environmental benefits, electric vehicles offer numerous other benefits such as increasing fuel diversity, providing opportunities to integrate more renewable energy into the grid and offering individual benefits including better driving experience and less expensive and frequent maintenance.”
“The number one reason we switch to electric vehicles is the environmental benefit,” Zhang said. “It will also help us diversify our energy source so we rely less on fossil fuels.”
Zhang also noted that cost is one of the top barriers to both producing and purchasing electric vehicles. Besides cost, charging — the problem she wishes to solve with this research — is another “significant barrier” to EV adoption.
“It takes a long time to charge — a lot longer than a conventional vehicle,” Zhang said. “Do you want to stop for an hour to charge your vehicle? This technology that we are researching can help to reduce that charging time.”
DC link
Zhang will research traction inverter technology and the application of wide bandgap devices as a way to increase the DC (direct current) link voltage of the electrical system in an electric vehicle.
“Besides the significant reduction of charging time of electric vehicles, the new inverter design with a high voltage DC-link can increase the power density of the electrical system which would mean smaller components and less weight, as well as less part count and in turn less cost,” Zhang said. “Moreover, the application of wide bandgap devices can further improve the efficiency and reduce the heat in the electrical system.”
SUNY Oswego students will be involved in the research through project-based courses and summer internships with Zhang.
Through the grant, Zhang will also extend the learning opportunity to K-12 students in local schools by providing science and technology camps and workshops.
OPINION: Biden’s leadership deficit still weighing on midterms
Comes amid wave of dissatisfaction as 54 percent disapprove Voter attitudes are setting in ahead of the 2022 Congressional midterm elections amid a wave of dissatisfaction over high inflation, food shortages, and an imminent recession. President Joe Biden is garnering a whopping 54 percent disapproval rating, according to [a recent] average of national polls by
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Comes amid wave of dissatisfaction as 54 percent disapprove
Voter attitudes are setting in ahead of the 2022 Congressional midterm elections amid a wave of dissatisfaction over high inflation, food shortages, and an imminent recession. President Joe Biden is garnering a whopping 54 percent disapproval rating, according to [a recent] average of national polls by RealClearPolitics.com.
Congressional Republicans for their part still lead the generic ballot, too, 45.5 percent to 43.4 percent, which, again, is definitely what you’d expect to see at this point in a midterm cycle that traditionally favors the opposition party.
In midterm elections dating back to 1906 through 2018, in 89.7 percent of cases, the White House incumbent party loses seats in the House, and in 58.6 percent of cases, it loses seats in the Senate. The average losses experienced, in the years in which there was a loss, was 35 seats in the House and 5 seats in the Senate. When all years were included, the average loss was 31 seats in the House and about 3 seats in the Senate.
For House losses, the exceptions to the rule were Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s expansion of Democratic majorities during the Great Depression in 1932, Bill Clinton’s benefitting from a booming economy and public discontent over Congress’ pursuit of the Monica Lewinsky scandal in 1998, and George W. Bush’s surge in the polls following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The years the Senate has experienced losses in many years were mitigated by the regionality of Senate elections, where only one-third of the membership comes up for election every two years.
Certain Democratic senators whose elections are falling in this year are particularly vulnerable, thanks to the midterm cycle. The Democratic seats that appear to be in play this year include Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado.
In a similar vein, some Republicans are opting to retire this year, assuming it will be easier to replace a Republican seat with midterm turnout favoring the GOP. Still, retiring seats tend to carry increased vulnerability, too, regardless of the cycle. Those seats include Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Alabama, and Missouri.
That’s the map so far. But there could be headwinds for Republicans after a leak from the Supreme Court revealed that the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision allowing abortions might be overturned this year. Economist/YouGov, Politico/Morning Consult and NPR/PBS/Marist all show Democrats jumping an average of 3.3 percentage points in their own generic ballot polls, following news of the pending decision. We’ll see if that sticks.
In the meantime, Democrats will run on eliminating the filibuster, amending the Judiciary Act of 1869, and packing the Supreme Court. What else is there for them to do?
On the other hand, one of the particularly vexing dilemmas Supreme Court decisions pose to both political parties is the seeming generational finality of their decisions. Republicans have solidified a seeming 6 to 3 majority, [as measured by whom they] were appointed. And Democrats are nowhere close to achieving majorities needed to, say, pack the Supreme Court, under these circumstances.
Let’s say Democrats hold their Georgia and Arizona seats, and even pick up the Pennsylvania seat held by the retiring Sen. Pat Toomey (R–Pa.). This is the worst-case scenario for Republicans in the midterms, by the way.
Even then, both Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), neither of whom are up for reelection this year, have been hard Nos on eliminating the Senate filibuster. So, even if Democrats net one Senate seat in the midterms, they’d still fall short of the votes needed to eliminate a Senate filibuster. But if they net two seats, that would be a different story.
Overall, though, the temperature of the elections tends to be set by the U.S. president. Can he turn the midterm jinx on its head? In this case, Biden’s leadership deficit, and the continued bad economic news are a potent, and potentially toxic, combination for Democrats. The bump Democrats are getting because of the Supreme Court could still be outmatched by the natural advantage Republicans possess this year. We’ll see in November. Stay tuned.
Robert Romano is the VP of public policy at Americans for Limited Government (ALG). The organization says it is a “non-partisan, nationwide network committed to advancing free-market reforms, private property rights, and core American liberties.”
OPINION: Why Good Investigative Journalism Matters
Recently, reporters at The New York Times published an intriguing story about conversations between House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and other members of his leadership team. It was shortly after the events of Jan. 6 at the Capitol, and they were talking about what to do about then-President Trump. His conduct, McCarthy said, had been “atrocious
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Recently, reporters at The New York Times published an intriguing story about conversations between House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy and other members of his leadership team. It was shortly after the events of Jan. 6 at the Capitol, and they were talking about what to do about then-President Trump.
His conduct, McCarthy said, had been “atrocious and totally wrong,” adding, “I’ve had it with this guy.” Not surprisingly, there have been plenty of denials, but the two reporters have countered with one key point: They have the audio recordings.
I happen to believe these stories are important for the insight they provide into key politicians’ thinking at a dark moment in our history. But whether you agree or not, the willingness of two reporters to dig deep into what actually happened has cast the behavior of powerful officials in a new light.
This is what good investigative journalism does. It is an essential part of our representative democracy, offering ordinary people the chance to understand more fully what’s going on.
I’m not going to recite a list of all the important stories that journalists have uncovered; it would take us hours. But a quick look back gives you a sense of the key importance they play. There was the 2019 Washington Post story documenting nearly two decades of U.S. officials’ misleading statements about the war in Afghanistan. The Seattle Times explored and chronicled how failures of government oversight helped lead to the crashes of the Boeing 737 MAX. The Boston Globe completed earth-shattering investigations of abusive behavior by priests and the Catholic Church’s coverup.
I’m sure you can think of other examples, from Watergate to the exposure of corruption or toxic pollution, or some other community harm where you live. And that’s my point: Journalists are constantly finding and exposing the truth in ways that, ideally, spur us to improve our lives, communities, government, and democratic system as a whole.
I’ll say it again: They’re vital to our representative democracy. We need their work to keep power residing ultimately in the hands of citizens. There is a reason that one of the first things authoritarians do is try to bring the press to heel. They understand, perhaps better than we who get to take these things for granted, how a thriving free press lets people form their own opinions.
Lee Hamilton, 91, is a senior advisor for the Indiana University (IU) Center on Representative Government, distinguished scholar at IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, and professor of practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Hamilton, a Democrat, was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years (1965-1999), representing a district in south-central Indiana.

Generations Bank has promoted DEREK DYSON to senior VP, chief information officer. Dyson previously served as VP, support service officer. In his new role, he will oversee several departments including, technology services, marketing, compliance, security, and facilities. Dyson has been an integral part of the development and implementation of the innovative technology at Generations Bank,
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Generations Bank has promoted DEREK DYSON to senior VP, chief information officer. Dyson previously served as VP, support service officer. In his new role, he will oversee several departments including, technology services, marketing, compliance, security, and facilities. Dyson has been an integral part of the development and implementation of the innovative technology at Generations Bank, including mobile banking, remote check deposit, online deposit-account opening, and interactive teller machines. He joined the bank in 2011 as an intern and formally joined the team as AVP, support service officer in 2012. Dyson earned a bachelor’s degree in financial-market regulation with a double concentration in informatics and economics from the University at Albany. Dyson serves on the board for the United Way of Seneca County and serves on the board for the Right to Run 19K, Inc.

SCOTT LOMBARDO has joined Key Private Bank as a senior relationship manager in Central New York. In this role, he will be responsible for providing individuals and businesses with comprehensive financial solutions covering financial planning, investment, insurance, cash management, and credit needs. Active in the community, Lombardo serves on the board of directors for Syracuse
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SCOTT LOMBARDO has joined Key Private Bank as a senior relationship manager in Central New York. In this role, he will be responsible for providing individuals and businesses with comprehensive financial solutions covering financial planning, investment, insurance, cash management, and credit needs. Active in the community, Lombardo serves on the board of directors for Syracuse City Ballet and Hope For Heather.

Ruston Paving Co., Inc. has promoted CHRIS LAURIN to senior project manager in its Central New York Division. Laurin graduated from SUNY Polytechnic Institute with a degree in civil engineering and began working for Clough Harbor as a field engineer before joining the Ruston Paving team as a project manager. Since then, he has led
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Ruston Paving Co., Inc. has promoted CHRIS LAURIN to senior project manager in its Central New York Division. Laurin graduated from SUNY Polytechnic Institute with a degree in civil engineering and began working for Clough Harbor as a field engineer before joining the Ruston Paving team as a project manager. Since then, he has led numerous successful projects and built strong relationships with Ruston Paving clients and industry partners. By continuing to lead large- scale projects, Laurin will play a key role in furthering the company’s success.

MICHELLE SCZPANSKI was recently appointed deputy commissioner of neighborhood development in the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD) of the City of Syracuse. Sczpanski will be responsible for advancing and managing initiatives aimed at promoting safe, affordable, and stable housing and creating more vibrant, resilient neighborhoods. She will provide oversight and day-to-day supervision of
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MICHELLE SCZPANSKI was recently appointed deputy commissioner of neighborhood development in the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD) of the City of Syracuse. Sczpanski will be responsible for advancing and managing initiatives aimed at promoting safe, affordable, and stable housing and creating more vibrant, resilient neighborhoods. She will provide oversight and day-to-day supervision of the staff and activities in Neighborhood Planning, the Housing Stability program, the city’s Federal Grants Program and the Lead Hazard Reduction team. She first joined city government in 2016. Sczpanski most recently served as the city’s director of housing and neighborhood planning. She managed implementation of $1.2 million of neighborhood-improving programs through the Cities RISE grant, which aims to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of code enforcement operations, as well as the Zombie 2.0 grant, funded by the NYS Attorney General’s Office. As part of these programs, she led the creation of the city’s Community Ambassador Program, which employs residents to provide direct outreach and support to individuals experiencing housing issues. She also oversaw efforts to require banks and loan servicers to bring vacant properties into compliance. Sczpanski has been instrumental in using data and mapping to paint a picture of ways to advance equitable housing work and community development investments citywide through the Resurgent Neighborhood Initiative (RNI) and the Infill Development Plan. In addition, Sczpanski was crucial in identifying target locations for American Rescue Plan Act housing allocations, as well as the prioritization of code-enforcement efforts as part of the HOME Unit. Beyond her position as deputy commissioner of neighborhood development, Sczpanski also serves on the board of directors for the Near Westside Initiative. Sczpanski received bachelor’s degrees in policy studies and citizenship and civic engagement, as well as her bachelor’s in public relations from Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

YVONNE JOLLY has joined Geneva General Cardiology Associates with offices in Geneva and Penn Yan. She has more than 35 years of health-care experience, most recently practicing at Sands-Constellation Heart Institute. Jolly completed her master’s degree in nursing from Syracuse University and earned her bachelor’s in nursing from Nazareth College. She began her nursing education
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YVONNE JOLLY has joined Geneva General Cardiology Associates with offices in Geneva and Penn Yan. She has more than 35 years of health-care experience, most recently practicing at Sands-Constellation Heart Institute. Jolly completed her master’s degree in nursing from Syracuse University and earned her bachelor’s in nursing from Nazareth College. She began her nursing education at Finger Lakes Community College, where she received her associate degree in nursing.

Nascentia Health recently welcomed three new staff members to its Central New York workforce. JENNIFER HOPSON, RN, is a care manager in Nascentia’s managed long-term care plan, working with members to develop care plans that provide the best possible care and support. She previously worked for St. Joseph’s Home Care, completing medical and psychiatric visits.
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Nascentia Health recently welcomed three new staff members to its Central New York workforce. JENNIFER HOPSON, RN, is a care manager in Nascentia’s managed long-term care plan, working with members to develop care plans that provide the best possible care and support. She previously worked for St. Joseph’s Home Care, completing medical and psychiatric visits. Hopson has more than 20 years of experience in the field.
AMBER ROBERTS, RN, also joins Nascentia as an assessment nurse in the managed long-term care plan, completing assessments and educating patients about Nascentia’s many services. She previously worked at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center as a Cardiovascular ICU nurse, caring for patients after open-heart surgery, lung surgery, and other critical illnesses.
TYLER KIMBALL is a marketing specialist, working on a wide range of marketing and communication tasks, including graphic design, social media, and writing. He previously worked for Genesee Community College as a media-service coordinator, providing extensive audio/visual support to the campus community. Kimball has a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from SUNY Oneonta.

Loretto has hired ELEANOR WILLIAMS as employee coach. She is formerly an experienced social worker for Onondaga County. During a time when recruiting and retaining employees is challenging for the health-care sector nationwide, Williams will be instrumental in guiding and mentoring a new generation of frontline workers. She is Loretto’s second employee coach and will
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Loretto has hired ELEANOR WILLIAMS as employee coach. She is formerly an experienced social worker for Onondaga County. During a time when recruiting and retaining employees is challenging for the health-care sector nationwide, Williams will be instrumental in guiding and mentoring a new generation of frontline workers. She is Loretto’s second employee coach and will expand on the success of the original coach position. Williams will work closely with new hires, as well as existing employees to ensure each individual can find and access the appropriate resources to succeed in a career in long-term care. Different from a traditional management coach, Williams’ primary focus is to work with new hires to help them smoothly transition into their new roles and guide them through challenges as new employees in the long-term care sector. For many new hires, this is their first professional role in health care, and this group of new professionals’ benefits from not only career coaching, but assistance on a wide range of matters. Williams will teach new hires how to properly manage workload and stress and help remove barriers that prohibit them from being successful. Prior to joining Loretto, Williams spent more than a decade working in social services for Onondaga County, first as a social-service examiner and later as a caseworker. Most recently, Williams served as a child-protective caseworker, where she investigated case reports on behalf of clients, analysis of cases and directed clients to appropriate resources. Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Syracuse University. She is currently working towards a master’s degree in social work, also at Syracuse University, and is expected to graduate in May 2024.
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