|
|
|
 |
|
About Tech Valley
|
Things to Do
|
Employment
|
Housing
|
Relocation
|
Education
|
Site Selection
|
News & Events
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Tech Valley News
Siena College Announces $2 Million Grant
Congressman Paul Tonko joined Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M. and physics professor and associate dean of the school of science Allan Weatherwax, Ph.D. at a news conference announcing the largest federal grant in school history.
Siena’s school of science has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant worth more than $2 million. It was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and allows Siena to lead a collaborative research project known as PENGUIn (Polar Experiment Network for Geospace Upper-atmosphere Investigations).
“The Recovery Act made an unprecedented investment in research and development to help foster the innovations of the future,” said Congressman Tonko who joined members of the news media on tours of Siena’s physics labs and even the roof of Roger Bacon Hall to see how Siena students and faculty members are studying the atmosphere.
“Congratulations to Siena College and to the Science Department not just for being awarded this grant, but also for creating a culture that is advancing student skills, understanding, and opportunity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
During the project, Weatherwax will lead Siena students and a consortium of scientists to collect data from autonomous observatories in Antarctica. Weatherwax said the observatories will provide year-round ‘space-weather’ data from the Earth’s harshest environment. It will be used in conjunction with NASA satellites to reveal information about the sun and Earth’s upper atmosphere. This research could lead to advances in astronaut and aircraft safety and developments in “green” power.
“Recently, data from these observatories were used in conjunction NASA satellites to reveal new information about the sudden release of energy that causes auroral displays. Related advances in extreme environment engineering will have major benefits for other research disciplines including the development of novel solar and wind energy systems,” Weatherwax said.
Siena will be leading science and engineering teams from major universities and colleges across the globe, including Dartmouth, Stanford, UC-Berkeley, The New Jersey Institute of Technology, the University of New Hampshire and Augsburg College.
“The fact that our college has been chosen as a leader for this project is a comment on the rigorous academic programs we provide,” said Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M. “This grant is well-deserved recognition for our School of Science and its top-notch faculty, research, technology and academics. I am particularly excited about the opportunities our undergraduate students will have to work alongside renowned scientists on cutting edge research that could improve our quality of life.”
This is a merit based award given out as part of the $3 billion allocated to the National Science Foundation through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding is targeted at scientific projects that will advance research and development in critical areas such as renewable energy development.
|
|
|
|