29 student research projects to help advance innovation in manufacturing have been awarded nearly $2 million in state funds through Governor Wolf's Manufacturing PA Initiative, Wolf administration officials announced Thursday. 

Two Gannon University students and one Penn State Behrend student are among the 29 students who will receive funding for their projects. 

The approved projects, which are part of Manufacturing PA's fellowship program, are designed to pair Pennsylvania's best and brightest graduate and undergraduate students with with local manufacturers. 

Once paired, students will conduct research projects to develop new technologies and advance innovation across the state. Universities that have partnered with a manufacturer can apply for and receive between $25,000 and $70,000 in funding for student research projects, according to Wolf administration officials. 

The projects highlight several sectors of manufacturing, including advanced medical, waste sustainability and artificial intelligence. 

Approved research projects include: 

Applicant Amount Allocated Project Description College/University Manufacturer
Matthew Gacura $70,000 Erie-Descent: A cost-effective multi-method UVC sterilizer Gannon University MP-Erie Co.
Robert Michael $58,025 Next Generation TPU Column Guard for Storage Rack Protection Gannon University Corry Rubber Corporation and GeorgeKo Industries, Inc.
Jason Williams $44,277 Smart manufacturing and operator intervention systems for injection molding processes Penn State Behrend The Plastek Group