NASA has awarded USD6 million to 20 teams from emerging research institutions across the United States supporting projects that offer career development opportunities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students.
The awards are the third round of seed funding awarded through the agency’s MOSAICS (Mentoring and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success) program, formerly the Science Mission Directorate Bridge Program. The program seeks to expand access to NASA research opportunities in the science and engineering disciplines, as well as to NASA’s workforce.
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate MOSAICS program funds research projects that build relationships between college faculty and researchers at the agency while providing mentorship and training for students in STEM disciplines.
“The STEM workforce continues to grow, and today’s students, studying at a variety of higher-education institutions, community colleges, primarily undergraduate institutions, and minority-serving institutions, are the STEM workforce of tomorrow, who will work to solve some of our biggest challenges at home while answering some of our biggest questions about our universe,” MOSAICS Director Padi Boyd. “Exposing today’s students to the incredibly inspiring and cutting-edge discoveries made through NASA’s space science people and resources ensures that these students get the training they need to persist in STEM careers while fostering enduring collaborations between NASA researchers and faculty at a wide range of institutions.”
The program previously awarded seed funding to 11 teams in February and 13 teams in April. This third cohort brings the total number of projects funded to 44 teams at 36 academic institutions in 21 US states and territories, including Washington and Puerto Rico, in collaboration with seven NASA centers. A new opportunity to apply for seed funding is now open until March 28, 2025.
The following projects were selected as the third cohort to receive seed funding:
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Bridging Fundamental Ice Chemistry Studies and Ocean World Explorations: Principal investigator: Chris Arumainayagam, Wellesley College, Massachusetts.
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Planetary Analog Field Science Experiences for Undergraduates: Advancing Fundamental Research and Testing Field Instrument Operations: Principal investigator: Alice Baldridge, Saint Mary’s College of California.
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Building an FSU-JPL Partnership to Advance Science Productivity Through Applications of Deep Learning: Principal investigator: Sambit Bhattacharya, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina.
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CSTAT: Establishing Center for Safe and Trustworthy Autonomous Technologies: Principal investigator: Moitrayee Chatterjee, New Jersey City University.
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Development of Biomechanics Simulation Tool for Muscle Mechanics in Reduced Gravity to Enhance Astronaut Mission Readiness: Principal investigator: Ji Chen, University of the District of Columbia.
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NASA Next Level: Principal investigator: Teresa Ciardi, Santa Clarita Community College District, California.
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Controlled Assembly of Amphiphilic Janus Particles in Polymer Matrix for Novel 3D Printing Applications in Space: Principal investigator: Ubaldo Cordova-Figueroa, Recinto Universitario Mayaguez.
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Development of a Non-Invasive Sweat Biosensor for Traumatic Brain Injury Compatible With In-Space Manufacturing to Monitor the Health of Astronauts: Principal investigator: Lisandro Cunci, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Pedras.
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Examining Climate Impacts of Cirrus Clouds Through Past, Present, and Future NASA Airborne Campaigns: Principal investigator: Minghui Diao, San Jose State University Research Foundation, California.
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CSUN-JPL Collaboration to Study Ocean Fronts Using Big Data and Open Science Structures in Coastal North America: Principal investigator: Mario Giraldo, California State University, Northridge.
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Accelerating Electric Propulsion Development for Planetary Science Missions With Optical Plasma Diagnostics: Principal investigator: Nathaniel Hicks, University of Alaska, Anchorage.
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Advancing Students Through Research Opportunities in Los Angeles (ASTRO-LA): Principal investigator: Margaret Lazzarini, California State University, Los Angeles.
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Bridging Toward a More Inclusive Learning Environment Through Gamma-ray Burst Studies With Machine Learning and Citizen Science: Principal investigator: Amy Lien, University of Tampa, Florida
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Hampton University STEM Experience With NASA Langley Research Center: Polarimetry for Aerosol Characterization: Principal investigator: Robert Loughman, Hampton University, Virginia
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Aerocapture Analysis and Development for Uranus and Neptune Planetary Missions: Principal investigator: Ping Lu, San Diego State University.
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Pathways from Undergraduate Research to the Habitable Worlds Observatory: Principal investigator: Ben Ovryn, New York Institute of Technology.
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Point-Diffraction Interferometer for Digital Holography: Principal investigator: James Scire, New York Institute of Technology.
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From Sunbeams to Career Dreams: Illuminating Pathways for NMSU Students in Solar-Terrestrial Physics in Partnership With NASA GSFC: Principal investigator: Juie Shetye, New Mexico State University.
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CONNECT-SBG: Collaborative Nexus for Networking, Education, and Career Training in Surface Biology and Geology: Principal investigator: Gabriela Shirkey, Chapman University, California.
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Multiplexed Phytohormone and Nitrate Sensors for Real-Time Analysis of Plant Responses to Pathogenic Stress in Spaceflight-Like Conditions: Principal investigator: Shawana Tabassum, University of Texas, Tyler.
