Centers and Institutes
Board of Regents Approved UNO Research Centers
Louisiana Board of Regents, Academic Affairs Tracking Database
(http://198.176.252.120/Tracking/search) This database contains information about academic programs, research units, and
various administrative requests that have come before the Academic & Student Affairs
Committee of the Board of Regents after January 1, 1998. The purpose of this database
is to inform viewers of the current status of institutional requests and reporting
requirements related to them; it is *not* the official record of Board actions. If
you're interested in the final approval actions taken by the Board of Regents, please
visit the Board of Regents Minutes.
Other UNO Research Centers
Other Research Community Members
National Laboratories
National laboratory and user facilities offer scientists access to unique, state of
the art facilities, equipment and research capabilities. Some of the instrumentation
at these facilities can be operated from remote locations. More information on these
facilities and how to gain access to them is available here. You can also visit this NSF
page which provides links to national laboratories.
Board of Regents Approved Research Centers and Institutes
Advanced Materials Research Institute
Board of Regents Approved
Acting Director: Dr. Leonard Spinu
Assistant Director: I. R. (Poncho) De Leon
Telephone: (504) 280-6840
Fax: (504) 280-3185
E-Mail: amri@uno.edu
Website: amri.uno.edu/
Research Areas: The Advanced Materials Research Institute (AMRI) is a multidisciplinary research institute that provides a unique opportunity to develop
novel research ideas that ultimately involve the government, private, and academic
sectors in the conception and development of research programs. The interactions with
corporate laboratories provide a synergistic pathway that promotes technology transfer
and private sector involvement in the operation of AMRI.
Areas of Expertise: The research at AMRI is conducted in groups which specialize in the synthesis, fabrication,
testing, characterization, development, and nanotechnology of nanomaterials, nanocomposites,
and functional materials for the development of advanced materials for use in industry
and defense applications. These groups are: Nanosensors Group, Thermoelectrics Group,
MultiFerroics Group, AMRI-Engineering Group, and Outreach Summer Research Programs
Group.
Special Research Capabilities: The AMRI research laboratories are located in the Science Building at the University
of New Orleans, where 10,000 square feet of ample wet and dry laboratory space and
over $10.0 M in specialized scientific research instrumentation is available for our
research. The majority of our research is conducted at our AMRI facilities by scientists,
post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students who are developing and working on
their research programs. Some components of the research are conducted in the laboratories
of our research collaborators at other academic institutions and industrial laboratories.
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Center for Hazards Assessment Response and Technology (CHART)
Board of Regents Approved
Director: Dr. Monica Farris
Telephone: (504) 280-4016
Fax: (504) 280-4023
E-Mail: chart@uno.edu
Website: chart.uno.edu
Research Areas:UNO-CHART is an applied social science hazards research center that collaborates with Louisiana
communities emphasizing coastal communities including the City of New Orleans. The
focus of UNO-CHART is to support Louisiana community sustainability in light of natural,
technological and environmental risks to which the state is vulnerable. The Center
undertakes applied social science research to understand ways in which Louisiana communities
and the coastal region respond to these risks, assists in the development of best
practices for reducing risks and helps in implementing these practices to achieve
comprehensive community sustainability. The second focus of UNO-CHART is to learn
about and help mitigate the reverse dynamic, the impacts of community activity (i.e.,
social, political, economic), on the ecosystems within the coastal and southeast regions
of the state.
Areas of Expertise: Specialties of staff and associated professors include sociology geography, political
science, urban studies, planning, and relevant bio/physical sciences and engineering.
Special Research Capabilities: Currently, CHART projects address repeated flood loss, disaster mitigation planning,
developing of community resiliency assessments, storm mitigation efforts by coastal
communities, scientist/community collaboration on ecosystem health, community continuity,
risk literacy, and risk management.
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Greater New Orleans Center for Information Assurance
Board of Regents Approved
Director: Dr. Golden G. Richard III
Telephone: (504) 280-6045
Fax: (504) 280-7228
E-Mail: golden@cs.uno.edu
Research Areas: The Greater New Orleans Center for Information Assurance (GNOCIA) is dedicated to research and instruction in the broad area of Information Assurance
(IA). The GNOCIA has several interrelated missions, including facilitating interaction
between government, industry, and academia to perform cutting edge research in IA,
attracting federal funding to support these research efforts, attracting and retaining
highly-qualified students, staff, and faculty, and workforce development through creation
of specialized training opportunities. The Center also develops outreach programs
to increase awareness of opportunities in IA in a number of communities, from high
school students to entrepreneurs. Finally, the GNOCIA will provide a development environment
where, in collaboration with industry and government agencies, research ideas in IA
are grown into real-world security tools to be used in daily practice.
Areas of Expertise: The primary research agenda of the GNOCIA includes development of state-of-the-art,
high-performance tools for digital forensics investigation, reverse engineering, techniques
for analysis and mitigation of malware, secure programming, and research in spatio-temporal
information systems for homeland security.
Special Research Capabilities: The GNOCIA laboratories include state-of-the-art computer equipment running a wide
variety of open source and commercial software for digital investigation, reverse
engineering, and the analysis of malicious software, in addition to specialized equipment
such hard drive analyzers and clean
room facilities.
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Hospitality Research Center
Board of Regents Approved
Directors: John Alan Williams and Janet F. Speyrer
Telephone: (504) 280-7192
Fax: (504) 280-3189
E-Mails: jawill14@uno.edu and jspeyrer@uno.edu
Website: www.uno.edu/coba/HRC
The Hospitality Research Center at the University of New Orleans is a collaborative effort of the faculty of the
School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration (HRT) and the professionals
of the Division of Business and Economic Research (DBER). The Hospitality Research
Center is recognized for research productivity in the hospitality field. The function
of the Hospitality Research Center is to provide a variety of research services to
hospitality, travel and tourism organizations.
Areas of Expertise: Visitor profile studies, visitor estimates, perception studies, importance/performance
indicators, special events' impact on the economy, tourism industry salary surveys,
convention studies, and tourism conversion studies.
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The Merritt C. Becker Jr. University of New Orleans Transportation Institute (UNOTI)
Board of Regents Approved
Director: John Renne
Telephone: (504) 280-6592
Fax: (504) 280-6272
E-Mail: jrenne@uno.edu
Website: http://transportation.uno.edu
Research Areas: The Merritt C. Becker, Jr. UNO Transportation Institute, housed within the College of Liberal Arts, combines the diverse transportation programs
and personnel that currently exist at UNO into one entity. UNOTI faculty and staff
conduct educational and research activities in key areas relating to the movement
of passengers and freight with special emphasis on disaster evacuation, maritime and
intermodal transportation, finance, public transit, active transportation and transit-oriented
development. The Institute, through its diverse activities, continues to promote innovative
policies and practices for the users and providers of transportation at local, state
, national and international levels.
Special Research Capabilities: Collectively, UNOTI faculty and staff represent expertise in a wide array of transportation
disciplines. UNOTI provides specialized research in the areas of national and international
maritime systems; marine terminal facility planning and assessment; maritime economics;
freight and passenger rail infrastructure development; transportation finance and
economics; transit-oriented development; public transit system planning and development;
active transport planning/implementation as well as the linkages between transportation,
the environment and land use.
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National Center for Advanced Manufacturing (NCAM)
Board of Regents Approved
Executive Director: Bruce Brailsford
Telephone: (504) 257-0969
Fax: (504) 257-5456
E-Mail: BBrailsford@ncamlp.org
Website: www.ncamlp.org
Research Areas: The National Center for Advanced Manufacturing (NCAM) is a partnership of the University of New Orleans (UNO), National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA), and the State of Louisiana . The center provides research
and advanced manufacturing technology for use in aerospace and commercial markets.
The center includes a consortium of seven universities (UNO, Louisiana State, Mississippi
State, Tennessee Tech, Texas A&M, U.S. Naval Academy and Virginia Tech) led by UNO
in advanced manufacturing research with the focus on the applicability of composite
and metallic materials to advanced manufacturing processes. The technical areas involved
include: nondestructive testing, bond quality, large structures evaluation, joints
and bonding, imbedded sensors, damage tolerance and repair of advanced materials.
Areas of Expertise: NCAM focuses on education and training of the regional aerospace workforce as well
as research and development in advanced manufacturing technologies. Through on-site
classrooms and videoconferencing, NCAM offers advanced educational courses and distance
learning to senior and graduate level students and members of the aerospace industry.
Special Research Capabilities: The National Center for Advanced Manufacturing features and has demonstrated several
areas of advanced manufacturing technology for use in aerospace structures. Additionally,
NCAM has modeling and simulation capabilities to support research using 3D modeling,
simulation and animation.
- Friction stir welding, first used on the Shuttle External Tank in 2005, is a solid-state,
metal-joining process producing high-strength, defect-free joints in metallic materials.
The process employs a pin tool with a low rotational speed and applied pressure that
"mechanically stirs" two materials together to produce a uniform weld – a vital requirement
of next-generation launch vehicles and hardware that must endure long-term space travel.
NCAM has three friction stir welding systems.
- The center's two Advanced Fiber Placement machines are used to manufacture large-scale,
complex-shaped structures composed of composite materials. These materials, which
offer lighter weight with equivalent-or-greater strength than metals, are increasingly
used in airframes and other industrial products. The innovative technology of composite
fabrication is expected to play a crucial role in the advancement of the aeroshell,
a protective shell encasing spacecraft that provides an aerodynamic surface and protection
from intense temperatures during atmospheric travel.
The autoclave located at NCAM is capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures.
It applies heat and pressure in a controlled environment, providing the conditions
needed to manufacture many of today's space-age composite materials. The 10-by-20-foot
autoclave cures parts made from the fiber placement machine and other composite manufacturing
processes.
- NCAM's NDE system applies ultrasonic Non-Destructive Evaluation techniques in the
testing of both composite and metallic materials by employing a twin 5-axis traveling
column configuration and multiple inspection system capability. The system tests the
strength, structural integrity and reliability of a component or material for use
in the space environment.
- NCAM has two High-Speed Machining Centers that can machine complex components using
multi-axis capability. This technology is capable of machining both composite and
metal materials using 24,000-revolutions-per-minute cutting spindles.
- The Modeling and Simulation capability of NCAM incorporates laser and photographic
measurement systems with computer design tools to capture the shape of and develop
3D, digital representations. The shape capture capabilities at NCAM have numerous
applications, including:
- marketing, tourism, film and Homeland Security support, e.g. developing virtual models
of buildings, bridges and other city areas;
- facility modeling and redesign;
- industrial repair and retrofit, e.g. piping and structure;
- forensics (e.g. crime scene documentation);
- cultural preservation (e.g. preserve historical structures in a 3D, digital format);
and
- manufacturing support (e.g. quality control, document delivery state for customer).
NCAM's Modeling and Simulation expertise can also support product analysis and manufacturing
processes by creating 3D virtual prototypes of the product or production facility;
demonstrating design attributes and operation capabilities; modeling production processes
to increase throughput, decrease costs and optimize labor; and utilizing advanced
visualization systems to interrogate designs and marketing product to customers.
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New Orleans Jazz Institute (NOJI)
Board of Regents Approved
Director of Programs: Robin Williams
Artistic Director: Irvin Mayfield
Telephone: (504) 280-3303
Fax: (504) 280-6468
E-Mail: rmwilli6@uno.edu or imayfiel@uno.edu
Website: www.noji.webs.com
Mission: The New Orleans Jazz Institute (NOJI) links UNO's strengths in jazz education with professional practice. It serves to
promote creative excellence and best practices in Jazz composition, performance, scholarship,
importation, exportation, and education.
Description: To realize its mission, NOJI has focused on the following initiatives:
- Invite collaboration among universities in the area.
- Sponsor a music training school on Saturdays for middle and secondary students.
- Offer tours
- Establish and develop The University of New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (UNOJO) in conjunction
with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO)
- Organize Jazz competitions
- Commission new Jazz pieces
- Host an annual Jazz retreat, featuring globally recognized artists as well as noted
music industry professionals.
Areas of Expertise: Specialties of the involved professors include music education, musicology, Jazz
studies, media and those in business and economic disciplines regarding the development
of music as an industry.
Special Research Capabilities: The University of New Orleans has developed a faculty and staff with the necessary
multidisciplinary expertise to participate in such research and application efforts.
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Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Science (PIES)
Board of Regents Approved
Contact: Interim Director Dr. Steven Johnson
Telephone: (504) 280-6346
E-Mail: SGJohnso@uno.edu
Website: pies.uno.edu
Research Areas: The Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Science (PIES) provides data and information critical for effective management and restoration of
coastal and estuarine resources, with an emphasis on the Pontchartrain Basin - a natural
resource of vital economic, social, aesthetic and cultural importance to the New Orleans
metropolitan area and the State. PIES also supports an active teacher and K-12 education
program that focuses in increasing understanding of coastal systems and how they can
best be managed.
Areas of Expertise: The Institute is designed to foster interactions among professionals with expertise
in basic and applied environmental research and those skilled in environmental management,
social sciences and policy. The Institute works in partnership with both academic
and non-academic institutions to provide information critical for the development
of effective strategies to support sustainable management of natural resources. Researchers
work locally in the Pontchartrain Basin, across coastal Louisiana and on the Pacific
and Atlantic coasts.
Special Research Capabilities: Faculty have developed the first long-term database on the natural resources, water
quality, biota and environmental challenges in the Pontchartrain Basin. Faculty are
involved in the development of models and decision support tools to make scientific
information more accessilbe to managers, as well as field data collection and monitoring.
Additionally, the Institute can draw on expertise in our College of Urban and Public
Affairs and the Center for Hazards Assessment Response and Technology (CHART).
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Center for Austrian Culture and Commerce (CenterAustria)
Director: Dr. Guenter Bischof, University Research Professor & Marshall Plan Professor of History
E-Mail: gjbischo@uno.edu
Project Coordinator: Gertraud Griessner
E-Mail: camc@uno.edu
Telephone: (504) 280-3223
Fax: (504) 280-6439
Research Areas: Austrian and European Studies 20th and 21st Century
Areas of Expertise: World War II, Cold War, Post-Cold War, Austria in the European Union
Special Research Capabilities: Library and Records relating to “areas of expertise”; networked with most major Austrian
universities and research institutions
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Division of Business & Economic Research (DBER)
Director: Dr. Janet F. Speyrer
Telephone: (504) 280-6981
Fax: (504) 280-6094
E-Mail: jspeyrer@uno.edu
Website: www.uno.edu/coba/DBER/index.aspx
The Division of Business and Economic Research (DBER) at the University of New Orleans is a widely sought authority in the New Orleans
area for economic and demographic information, analysis and forecasts. The DBER developed
a sophisticated forecasting model for the New Orleans metropolitan area. The results
of this model are published in the Metropolitan Report: Economic Indicators for the
New Orleans Metropolitan Area and are widely used by the New Orleans business community.
Areas of Expertise: Economic analysis and forecasts, tourism research and forecasts,
workforce analysis and forecasts, demographic analysis, industry/market analysis,
gambling research, and survey design and socio-economic analysis. The DBER provides
a wide range of research-related services to businesses, government agencies, media,
non-profit organizations, and concerned individuals.
Principally known for its economic analysis and forecasts, the DBER has also conducted
research studies on a number of other important issues. Examples of such work include
visitor profile studies, economic impact studies, event studies, importance/performance
indicators, impact of gambling and customer satisfaction surveys. The DBER provides
statistical information from local, state, and federal governments and private sector
sources.
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Institute for Economic Development and Real Estate Research
Director: Dr. Ivan J. Miestchovich, Jr.
E-Mail: imiestch@uno.edu
Assistant to the Director: Thomas G. Suydam
E-Mail: tsuydam@uno.edu
Assistant to the Director: Tracey Gremillion
E-Mail: tgremill@uno.edu
Telephone: (504) 280-1408
Fax: (504) 280-3952
Website: ced.uno.edu
The Institute for Economic Development and Real Estate Research combines the resources of the Center for Economic Development and Real Estate Research
Center to provide technical assistance and applied research for public, private and
nonprofit organizations throughout its service area.
Center for Economic Development
The Center for Economic Development was established in 1978 as a joint effort of the state and federal government to
work cooperatively with local agencies and non-profit organizations to create an environment
which encourages economic diversification and growth. The Center at UNO is part of
a network of over 65 university center programs funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce,
Economic Development Administration throughout the United States which help direct
the technical and human resources of institutions of higher education to their surrounding
communities. The Center has been engaged in a wide variety of research and technical
assistance programs involving resources from within the College of Business Administration
as well as other colleges and community service units at UNO.
Areas of Expertise: Assist local community and economic development agencies in preparing strategic plans
to direct their growth and development programs and in preparing demographic and market
studies of the opportunities that may exist to attract new business and retain and
nurture existing firms; economic impact studies; assist in the preparation of grant
applications and sponsors conferences and seminars which present concepts, information
and techniques that are helpful to local agencies and non-profit organizations whose
focus is economic development at the state, regional or local level.
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Real Estate Research Center
The Real Estate Research Center was established to serve the real estate community as well as the general public.
The three main areas of services offered by the Center are professional real estate
education through continuing education courses (including the Annual Economic Outlook
and Real Estate Forecast Seminar), primary real estate market data (published annually
Metropolitan New Orleans Real Estate Market Analysis and Northshore Real Estate Market
Analysis) and contract research.
Areas of Expertise : Primary real estate market research in the New Orleans Metropolitan area and
Northshore region.
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The Ethel and Herman Midlo International Center for New Orleans Studies
Director:Dr. Connie Zeanah Atkinson (acting)
E-Mail: catkinso@uno.edu
Telephone: (504) 280-6611
Fax: (504) 280-6883
Website:http://history.uno.edu/MidloCenter.cfm
Research Areas:The Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies was created by an act of the Board of Regents
in 1990. The Midlo Center sponsors projects to write new general histories of New
Orleans and Louisiana based on new research and findings. The Center promotes understanding
of New Orleans history, culture, politics, and public policy issues through sponsored
events and coordination of interdisciplinary courses and seminars at the University
of New Orleans. The Center sponsors and participates in conferences and colloquia
that bring together popular scholars on special topics relating to New Orleans, and
helps direct associated scholars to research material about New Orleans. The Center
serves as an institutional home for individuals who collect and preserve the vibrant
folklore of the city, and who circulate New Orleans history and culture in lectures,
publications, performances, documentaries, and exhibits.
Areas of Expertise: Specialties of staff and associated professors include civil rights, popular music,
public education, tourism, urban studies.
Special Research Capabilities: The Midlo Center actively creates and supports research collaboration between and
among the University of New Orleans, international scholars, and the New Orleans community.
The Midlo Center serves as educational home to visiting scholars and associates from
around the world. Currently, the Midlo Center actively facilitates the educational
components of a number of New Orleans public events, including the French Quarter
Festival, the Satchmo Summerfest, lecture series at the Louisiana State Museum and
National Park Service, and others. Currently the Midlo Center is sponsoring events
and research building on grants related to the Orleans Parish School Board records
and the general promotion of further research on education in Louisiana.
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Eisenhower Center for American Studies
Director: Allan R. Millett
E-Mail: amillett@uno.edu
Telephone: (504) 280-6138
Fax: (504) 280-6883
Research Areas: 20th Century American Military History
Areas of Expertise: American Military History; World War II
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Energy Conversion & Conservation Center (ECCC)
Director: Dr. Ting Wang
Telephone: 504-280-7183
E-mail: Twang@uno.edu
Website: eccc.uno.edu
Research Areas: The University of New Orleans Energy Conversion & Conservation Center (ECCC) was established in 1999. The mission of ECCC is to promote clean energy research
and education, to enhance regional economic growth, and to develop national and international
energy programs that are environmentally friendly and sustainable with improved conservation
and energy efficiency.
Areas of Expertise:
- Conduct innovative research and development (R&D) in energy conversion and conservation
with special interests in (a) improving energy efficiency of gas turbine systems,
internal combustion engines, power plants, industrial plants, and buildings, (b) producing
clean energy by employing gasification technology using coal, petroleum coke, and
biomass as feedstock, and (c) reducing emissions in prime movers and boilers.
- Promotes interaction between academia, industry, and government to collaborate in
energy R&D and education. ECCC is a founding member of the Clean Power and Energy
Research Consortium (CPERC) which is a named National Center of Excellence for Clean
Energy and Power Research in the U.S. Energy Bill.
- Provides services (workshops, short courses, energy audits, infrared thermography
analysis) to advocate clean energy and energy conservation.
Special Capabilities and Facilities: ECCC laboratories consist of three primary groups: Aerothermal Laboratory, Energy
Conversion Laboratory, and Energy Conservation Laboratory. ECCC labs are capable of
providing measurements and tests in thermal-fluid and power systems including air/steam
pressure, flow rates, temperatures, two-phase flow characteristics, flow structures,
energy component efficiency, combustion, emissions, HVAC, wind tunnel testing, Particle
Image Velocimetry (PIV), inverse liquid crystal thermography, and infrared thermal
imaging. Four wind tunnels are available for aerothermal research for providing a
wind speed up to 100 mph. The temperature of one wind tunnel can be cooled to 10C
(50F) and heated up to 60C (140F). The measurement systems include two 3-D automatic
traversing systems, a four-channel hot wire anemometer, a 96-channel thermocouple
acquisition system, a 288-channel pressure scanning system, a laser Doppler anemometer
(LDA) and a phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA). ECCC also has a set of professional
software to conduct studies on thermal flow and energy systems. Computational fluid
dynamics code Ansys/Fluent and StarCD are used to simulate the details of the fluid
flow, heat transfer, combustion, and gasification. GateCycle and THERMOFLOW are used
to design or improve the efficiency of energy systems and power plants. AspenPlus
is used for designing chemical process and energy system simulation. TRANE is used
for designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
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Robert E. Nims Center for Entertainment Arts, Amusements & Multimedia Industries
Director: Dr. Roger Benischek
Website: www.nimscenter.com
Research Areas: The formation of the Nims Center for Entertainment Arts, Amusements and Multi-media Industries will enhance the full potential of the Department's film and video program and UNO's
Studio Center through professional and economic partnerships with national and international
producers of film, video and multimedia.
Special Capabilities and Facilities: Studio Center, acquired in 1998 by UNO, is a 70,000 square foot production facility
with three sound stages, a scenic shop, production offices and learning labs. The
Center offers the same cutting-edge production as used by such media innovators as
DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, Imagica and
Sony Pictures
The Center enhances the full potential of the Department's film and video program
and UNO's Studio Center through professional and economic partnerships with national
and international producers of film, video, and multimedia. Teaching these advanced
technologies to UNO students heightens the reputation of the Department's film, media
and multi-media production curriculum while expanding Studio Center's academic and
production opportunities.
This Center is supported by state-of-the-arts production equipment, national and
international awards, industry resources, professional graduate programs, highly motivated
students, successful alumni, and a record of public service to the University and
the State of Louisiana. The Center supports the department's ability to attract top
regional and national students, and enhance faculty teaching practices for film and
video production.
The expansion of the UNO Studio Center curriculum initiatives for undergraduates
and graduates students in advanced technologies of 3D animation, special effects,
digital film and motion capture.
The creation of a professional guest-director-in-residence program targeting the
country's top multi-media producers, filmmakers and special effects artists. Guest
directors would teach specialized courses in a wide range of formats.
The UNO-based operation parcipates in collaborative activities with the region's
television stations, video producers, post-production houses, independent production
companies and advertising agencies.
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Survey Research Center
Director: Ed Chervenak
Telephone: (504) 280-3217
E-Mail: echerven@uno.edu
Website: poli.uno.edu/unopoll
Research Areas: The Survey Research Center (SRC) exists to serve the research, teaching and service needs of the University and of
the larger community. The SRC promotes socially significant research with public policy
implications as well as research of theoretical or academic interest. Since 1985,
the Center has collected information about public opinions, beliefs and values on
a wide range of social, economic and political issues. In that time it has gained
a reputation for accuracy and integrity in public opinion research.
Special Capabilities and Facilities: The SRC offers data collection and analytic capabilities in various research areas.
Specifically, its survey resources include questionnaire design and survey methodology,
elite interviewing, personal interviewing, telephone data collection utilizing a 20
station Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) system, and advanced data
preparation. The SRC is also recognized for its in-depth analysis of survey data.
In addition, written final reports explaining survey methods, results and important
policy implications
are provided.
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UNO Horizon Recovery Initiative
Technical Contact:
John L. Renne, Ph.D., AICP
Early Research Professor of Planning and Urban Studies
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70148
Email: jrenne@uno.edu
Mission Statement:
The mission of the UNO Horizon Recovery Initiative is to develop and implement a comprehensive recovery effort in the Gulf Coast region
that addresses economic, environmental and social survivability and sustainability
resulting from the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Recognizing that the recovery from
such a massive disaster will require a broad range of expertise, our interdisciplinary
team utilizes a systems approach that recognizes the critical interdependencies of
social, political, technical and business systems in ensuring a viable recovery. We
capitalize on UNO's long-term commitment, involvement and record of community trust
in creating outcome-focused teams to address the challenges of living and working
in disaster prone communities.
We recognize that stakeholder communication, cooperation, and coordination are essential
elements of effective response to disasters. The UNO Horizon Recovery Initiative will
include efforts to engage the following stakeholder groups, with a focus on impacted
communities along the Gulf Coast: Impacted residents, Impacted businesses, Local governments,
Regional governments, State governments, Federal government, Non-governmental organizations,
External scholars and consultants
We advocate a holistic, comprehensive vulnerability management approach directed toward
reducing susceptibility to disasters and building resilience. In a holistic approach,
social, physical and environmental scientists; planners; economists; administrators
and engineers play an important role in assessing these risks and contributing to
the development of strategies for community protection.
Our goals are to address the following key dimensions of this disaster: Social, Political,
and Business.
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