Mercer University's Engineering Research Center in Warner Robins has been awarded a $12.4 million contract from the federal government.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the funding will be used for engineering research and to analyze potential deficiencies related to the Air Force's rotary-wing weapons systems.

Work during the contract will focus on identifying and solving structural and mechanical integrity issues, particularly those associated with age such as fatigue, cracking, damage tolerance and corrosion, a Department of Defense news release stated.

The Air Force expects the contract to increase aircraft availability and reduce maintenance downtime.

Work will be done in Warner Robins with an expected completion date of Sept. 19, 2014.

Warner Robins, GA -- The Museum of Aviation’s National STEM Academy in Warner Robins, Georgia has selected Mrs. Jaime Punjabi, a third grade teacher at Hendersonville Elementary in Dekalb County, Georgia, as the Museum’s first 2013-2014 STEM Teacher of the Year.  Jaime Punjabi was nominated by the school’s principal, Dr. Rebecca Jackson.   Dr. Jackson said, “Mrs. Punjabi has built a classroom of trust.  Her third graders know that they can make a mistake or that their project doesn’t have to work the first time and that is okay.  She encourages her students to work up to their potential and holds everyone to the highest standards.  This translates to an enjoyment of STEM for her students.”