news

AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko is announcing today that Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is being awarded $3,342,212 for a series of scientific research projects advancing broadband technology and data development, renewable energies, environmental and atmospheric sciences and more. The grant awards are being administered through the National Science Foundation (NSF).

“The incredible research being done at our Capital Region colleges and universities is among the most innovative in the nation and helps break new ground in scientific discovery,” Congressman Tonko said. “The pioneering efforts of our local researchers and professors also help to advance interest in STEM fields and shape talented young minds by giving students opportunities to make meaningful contributions in their various disciplines. My congratulations to all whose efforts brought these projects to fruition and for their well-deserved awards. Thank you for your continued work that helps promise a brighter future for our Capital Region and beyond.”

• $499,999 is being awarded to Rensselaer to research and manufacture protein-based polymers as a sustainable solution to petroleum-based plastics to reduce waste. The project is led by Dr. Runye Helen Zha, Professor at the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering.
• $837,261 is being awarded to Rensselaer to study evolutionary adaptations of organisms within high-pressure environments such as Earth’s deep oceans. The project is led by Dr. Catherine Royer, Professor of Biological Sciences and chaired Constellation Professor in Bioinformatics and Biocomputation.
• $339,961 is being awarded to Rensselaer for research into turbulence and waves in order to better understand the ocean and atmosphere dynamics. The project is led by Dr. Yuri Lvov, Associate Professor, Mathematical Sciences Department.
• $749,999 is being awarded to Rensselaer for a project to develop technology to help maintain a healthy circadian rhythm—which regulates sleep, metabolism, neurobehavioral processes—in order to optimize work productivity. The project is led by Dr. Anak Agung Julius, Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering.
• $428,404 is being awarded to Rensselaer for research into wireless spectrum utilization in order to improve and develop broadband networks. The project is led by Dr. Alhussein Abouzeid, Professor with the Electrical, Computer and Systems Engineering Department.
• $389,418 is being awarded to Rensselaer for research to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of data storage software. The project is led by Dr. Tong Zhang, Professor in the Electrical, Computer and Systems Engineering Department.
• $97,170 is being awarded to Rensselaer for a project to facilitate new research partnerships that address the scientific, environmental and economic challenges facing communities living in the rapidly changing Arctic region. The project is led by Dr. Kristen Schell, Assistant Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

“These projects reflect the levels of expertise and breadth of inquiry at Rensselaer that are aimed at understanding the fundamental mechanisms of natural processes and how we may harness them to the advantage of society,” said Curt Breneman, dean of the School of Science at Rensselaer. “Catherine Royer and Yuri Lvov are pushing boundaries in their respective fields, and we are grateful for the support of the National Science Foundation that makes their work possible.”

“These projects focused on sensing, networking, connectivity, and data management have far-reaching applications ranging from human health to digital and physical infrastructure,” said Shekhar Garde, dean of the School of Engineering at Rensselaer. “They highlight how Rensselaer engineers are leading the way to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

The NSF was established by Congress in 1950 as an independent federal agency and works to develop cutting edge technologies in physics, mathematics, cybersecurity, neuroscience, and STEM education. Currently, NSF is responsible for funding 25 percent of all federally backed research at national colleges and universities.

###