US Transportation Secretary Recognizes University of Arkansas Student With Award for Work on Solar Airfield Pavement Anti-Icing Systems

WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao has honored Joseph Daniels, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Arkansas, with the Recognizing Aviation and Aerospace Innovation in Science and Engineering (RAISE) award in Washington, D.C. The annual award encourages college students to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to aviation challenges.

Daniels’ work examined the potential for developing an airfield pavement anti-icing system with electric heating elements and a photovoltaic energy system. He looked at the operation and economic advances of solar water heating technology and developed a metric to compare the solar technology with existing heated pavement projects and conventional deicing methods.

“Congratulations to this year’s winner for developing new techniques to enhance safety during extreme weather events at airports, which is so important to protecting the traveling public,” Secretary Chao said.

The RAISE award recognizes innovative scientific and engineering achievements that will have a significant impact on the future of aerospace or aviation.

A native of Silver Spring, MD, Daniels is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.  His long-term objective is to incorporate sustainable practices and renewable energy to his research approach for cost efficiency, system longevity, and environmental protection. 

For more information on the 2017 Secretary’s RAISE award please click here.

The 2018 RAISE announcement will be published in March.

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