Posted on August 21, 2023
VICKSBURG, Miss.— Researchers from 10 U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Districts have been selected for the 2023 session of the Engineer Research and Development Center University (ERDC-U).
Kyle Bayliff, a chemist with the Sacramento District, has been chosen to participate in the detail program, now in its eighth year.
The 13 selectees were announced by ERDC-U Program Manager Antisa Webb, who serves as Chief of the Office of Research and Technology Transfer (ORTT), Technology, Knowledge and Outreach (TKO) Division. The Class of 2023 orientation session was held February 27 through March 2 at ERDC headquarters.
“ERDC-U offers partnerships between USACE Division and District participants and relevant laboratory mentors for six-month research projects, resulting in technical solutions benefitting their workplace, the Corps and the Nation,” Webb said. “Working with these subject-matter experts from ERDC’s seven state-of-the art laboratories, participants will focus on real-world solutions, as they also develop leadership skills for their home organization.”
Bayliff has been a Corps team member for the past four years and serves as a chemist for the Sacramento District’s Engineering Division, Environmental Design Section. He focuses on environmental cleanup projects for former and current Department of Defense sites. His graduate research was in the field of quantum materials (solid state materials with exotic electromagnetic properties driven by quantum mechanical behaviors).
For his six-month project with mentors Tim Schutt and Matthew Glasscott of ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory (EL), Bayliff’s research will include studies of the interaction of ionic liquids and quantum spin liquids, reversible quenching of frozen fluorescent dye and molecular optimization of fluorine-free firefighting agents.
The program is co-sponsored by ERDC’s Directorate of Human Capital (DHC) through an application and selection process. Program funding is split between the selectee’s Division or District for choice of labor costs or travel with the other funded by ERDC.
“Mr. Kyle Bayliff has been an exemplary employee since 2019 and has been instrumental to the success of many projects,” said Col. Chad Caldwell, commander of the Sacramento District. “As a project chemist, he has provided vital guidance to project delivery teams and his insightful comments have improved project documents significantly. This opportunity would be invaluable to his career and would additionally strengthen the capabilities of the Environmental Design Section. Having a highly trained employee, capable of understanding the intricacy of various laboratory analysis procedures, would be an asset to our section and branch.”
“ERDC-U experiences build a collaborative and continuing partnership with ERDC team members as an investment in the future of the Corps, along with career-long problem-solving contacts,” Webb said.
The ERDC University Program specifically seeks individuals with interest and experience in general scientific and engineering fields encompassing one of the following areas:
- Civil Works and Water Resources
- Environmental Quality and Installations
- Geospatial Research and Engineering
- Information Technology
- Military Engineering
Participants serve as a member of the interdisciplinary Research and Development team reporting to Lead Project Managers and/or Research and Development Direct Program Managers.
In his welcome to the new class, ERDC Director Dr. David Pittman said selectees will “have the opportunity to make great relationships that can help you the rest of your career, and we can learn about District needs from you.”
For program questions, contact Antisa.C.Webb@usace.army.mil Applications for the 2024 program will open October 1 for GS-7-13 team members through the “Opportunities” icon at: https://wiki.erdc.dren.mil/ERDC_University
