# SBDC Support Letter — Draft

**Date:** May 27, 2026

**To:**  
Purdue Research Foundation  
Office of Research Alliances

**From:**  
Eric Beschinski  
Ecosystem Navigator  
Northwest Indiana SBDC  
Purdue Technology Center — Crown Point

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## Subject: Letter of Support for NWI Occupational Exposure Baseline Pilot

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To Whom It May Concern:

The Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (NWI SBDC) is pleased to provide this letter of support for the **NWI Occupational Exposure Baseline Pilot**, proposed by Anthrocybernetics Research Office.

This pilot project aims to establish the first baseline dataset on electromagnetic field (EMF) and infrasound exposure in the Hammond-Whiting-East Chicago industrial corridor — home to over 15,000 workers at major employers including BP Whiting Refinery, Cleveland-Cliffs steel mills, and numerous other industrial facilities.

### Regional Significance

The recent opening of the West Lake Corridor (electrified Monon Line) on March 31, 2026, has introduced new infrastructure to an already heavily industrialized region. We believe that establishing baseline occupational exposure data is a prudent step for the region's economic and workforce development.

### SBIR Alignment

This pilot aligns with SBIR/STTR program objectives:
- **Innovation:** Novel application of environmental monitoring technology
- **Economic Development:** Positions NWI as a leader in occupational health monitoring
- **Regional Benefit:** Creates data resource for employers, workers, and researchers

### Why This Matters

The NWI SBDC supports this initiative because:
1. **No baseline data exists** for the corridor
2. **Environmental due diligence** is standard practice for property transactions — this applies the same logic to occupational health
3. **Federal funding** (SBIR Phase I: $323,090) would be brought into the region
4. **No cost to SBDC** — we are asked only for endorsement, not funding

### What This Project Will NOT Do

We note that this project does not:
- Claim that EMF or infrasound causes specific diseases
- Target any specific company or facility
- Seek regulatory action or enforcement
- Disrupt operations or create public alarm

### Recommendation

The NWI SBDC endorses this pilot as a fundable economic development initiative for Northwest Indiana. We recommend approval of equipment access through the Purdue RF Alliance and support for SBIR Phase I funding application.

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Sincerely,

**Eric Beschinski**  
Ecosystem Navigator  
Northwest Indiana SBDC  
Purdue Technology Center — Crown Point

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*Draft prepared for review — May 27, 2026*