Kansas and Nebraska EPSCoR AMO Research Project encourages STEM interests for young women at the Kansas State University EXCITE Summer Program

     On June 5, 2015, Dr. Vinod Kumarappan, Associate Professor of Physics at Kansas State University and Kansas NSF EPSCoR research team member introduced the EXCITE students to the physics associated with sound and light waves. EXCITE, or Exploring Science, Technology, and Engineering, encourages and fosters female students in the 9th -12th grades to pursue a future in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and agriculture.

     Dr. Kumarappan is one of the key researchers involved with The Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Nebraska and Kansas NSF EPSCoR Track 2 project Collaborative Research: Imaging and Controlling Ultrafast Dynamics of Atoms, Molecules, and Nanostructures. His main research focus is to develop methods to align and orient small molecules in the gas phase, and to study ultrafast physics in the molecular frame.

     During his presentation, Dr. Kumarappan conducted several demonstrations illustrating both sound and light wave behavior under a variety of conditions. The participants were fascinated with the experiments and actively participated in the discussion.

     Once the EXCITE participants had a general idea of wave behaviors, Dr. Kumarappan led the group on a tour of the James R. Macdonald Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Laboratory and showed the participants the intricate workings of a complex laser system. He then explained his research, emphasized connections to his previous presentation and provided concrete examples to illustrate his scientific methods for addressing his research questions.  

     The participants were visibly intrigued by all the demonstrations.Following the conclusion of the presentation and the tour, several participants exclaimed "This physics stuff is so cool!"

HERS Student receives the NAPIRE Award

David Tyndall presenting his HERS research

David Tyndall, a current undergraduate student at Haskell Indian Nations University and participant in the Haskell Environmental Research Studies (HERS) Program, has received the prestigious Native American Pacific Islander Research Experience Award (NAPIRE) and will travel to Costa Rica to participate in the NAPIRE summer research program.

The NAPIRE Program provides a unique, intensive opportunity for undergraduate students to conduct scientific field research as well as apply the scientific method to ecological discovery in a collaborative and team-oriented environment.  The experience requires students to complete a research project which includes experimental design, data gathering and analysis, and a presentation of their results at the NAPIRE Symposium.  In addition to completing a research project, students will participate in lectures, seminars and field activities that focus on tropical ecology and conservation as well as interacting with the indigenous groups observing the role of Native People in tropical forest conservation.

David, a member of the Red Lake Minnesota Band of Chippewa Indians, is currently working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science at Haskell Indian Nations University.  During his time in the HERS program, his research interests focused on Fish Waste Anaerobic Digestion, an effort to manage fish waste and convert it into electricity and fertilizer for the reservation. This project inspired him to work with University of Kansas Associate Professor of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Belinda Sturm as a member of her wastewater management research team. Kansas NSF EPSCoR partially funded Dr. Sturm’s research as part of its major initiative, Climate change and Energy, Basic Science, Impacts and Mitigation.

From his NAPIRE research, he hopes to better understand water quality impacts on decomposition rates of leaf-litter. He also hopes to discover and better understand the culture of Costa Rica as well as observe the role of Native People in tropical forest conservation.

As for his future, David plans to graduate from Haskell Indian Nations University with an Environmental Science degree, and either attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering or join the Air Force where he can have a career and protect my country at the same time.”

Kansas NSF EPSCoR would like to congratulate Mr. Tyndall for the success he has leveraged from his opportunity at the HERS Institute.

NSF EPSCoR Track 2 Researchers Host Impressive Research Review

The Kansas and Nebraska Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Research Review participants

The Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) research groups in Nebraska and Kansas held the first of three review meetings for their joint NSF EPSCoR Track 2 project Collaborative Research: Imaging and Controlling Ultrafast Dynamics of Atoms, Molecules, and Nanostructures.  The two state research teams gathered at Kansas State University on May 26 to present updates as well as new scientific findings in the field of AMO physics to a review panel of experts in the field.

The project team's recent efforts wowed the review panel that consisted of three AMO physics specialists, Louis DiMauro from Ohio State University, George Gibson from the University of Connecticut, and Mark Stockman from Georgia State University, as well as an evaluation expert, Cindi Dunn from the Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation at Kansas State University. The panel was invited to review, question and provide feedback based on their evaluation of the scientific progress made since the award was granted in August, 2014.

Uma Venkateswaren, NSF EPSCoR Program Manager, was also invited to provide additional guidance from a federal perspective. Kansas and Nebraska collaborative teams spent the day presenting engaging reports of their progress as it pertained to their scientific goals, partnering efforts, joint publications and plans for future research. The framework for the educational outreach and broader impacts events as well as participant projections for these activities were also shared. Following the morning sessions, meeting attendees were invited to tour the James R. Macdonald Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics laboratory where the Kansas State University AMO research is conducted.

Following the day's activities, the panel met to discuss their observations and recommendations. The research teams received a favorable review and will incorporate the panel’s suggestions in their future efforts.

The next event, an AMO Research Symposium, will take place at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in September.



For more information related to this EPSCoR project go to The National Science Foundation webpage for Award Abstract #1430519  

CALL FOR WHITE PAPERS – Major Initiatives Research Infrastructure Improvement Track‐1 (posted March 31, 2015)

In August 2015, the Kansas NSF EPSCoR office anticipates submitting a Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Track‐1 proposal to the National Science Foundation for funding. The goal of NSF EPSCoR is to “strengthen research and education in science and engineering throughout the United States” with special focus on funding projects that have major impact on the research infrastructure within states which traditionally receive lesser amounts of NSF research dollars. Successful Track‐1 proposals can receive up to $20 million for five years. A major research initiative that would be part of the Kansas project could receive between $500‐800 K per year depending on the scope of the project.

White papers will only be considered for projects that interface with the research areas related to NSF’s new initiative, INFEWS (Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy and Water Systems). Visit this NSF Link for a better understanding of this area.

Submission Deadline:

The Proposal is Due by 5:00 PM MONDAY, April 20, 2015

Download the RFP 

Kansas NSF EPSCoR:
Kristin Bowman‐James, Project Director
Doug Byers, Assistant Director

Telephone: 785‐864‐3096
Fax: 785‐864‐3093
E‐mail: nsfepscor@ku.edu

Sources of Additional Information:

Kansas NSF EPSCoR Web site: http://www.nsfepscor.ku.edu
NSF Web site: http://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/programs/epscor/about.jsp

Technology Tuesday at the Bioscience & Technology Business Center

TECHNOLOGY TUESDAY

On March 24th, the Bioscience & Technology Business Center (BTBC) at the University of Kansas is hosting a new networking event for researchers, investors, companies and economic development professionals, organized by KU Innovation & Collaboration (KUIC) and BTBC. KUIC licensing staff will present partnering opportunities in the areas of:

• Aerospace
• Transportation
• Vaccines
• Biomass conversion
• New pharmaceuticals

Meet the inventors, mingle with entrepreneurs, investors and business executives. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be provided. The event will take place Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

The Bioscience & Technology Business Center is located at 2029 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS 66047.

Register for the event at this link.

Science: Becoming the Messenger - Workshop at K-State

Science: Becoming the Messenger

Presented by the National Science Foundation
April 13-14, 2015
K-State Alumni Center, main ballroom

Science: Becoming the Messenger workshops combine relevant instruction with practical training in the discipline and skills of effective science communication. This free workshop is commissioned by the National Science Foundation and presented by Ninja Communications. Preregistration is required.

This workshop is highly useful for faculty, researchers and staff. Coaching techniques will help you communicate science to a nontechnical public.

200 spots are available for Monday, April 13. Day two, April 14, is by invitation only.

Visit http://www.k-state.edu/globalfood/events/nsfworkshop.html for more information including how to register.

KNE to Sponsor Summer Research Experience for Undergraduate Students in Physics

Undergraduate students in Kansas interested in atomic, molecular and optical science can gain a unique research experience this summer.

Kansas State University department of physics is hosting an NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) program entitled Interactions of Matter, Light and Learning for ten weeks this summer.

Kansas NSF EPSCoR will sponsor up to three undergraduate students attending school in Kansas or Nebraska who are willing to join a group of about a dozen undergraduate students selected nationwide. These students will be funded by the NSF-EPSCoR Track 2 grant, Imaging and Controlling Ultrafast Dynamics of Atoms, Molecules, and Nanostructures.

Student participants supported by Kansas NSF EPSCoR will be involved with a variety of atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) research projects at the leading edge of world-class research. For example, students will study the attosecond physics of electrons in matter; quantum and coherent control of atoms and molecules; atomic and molecular dynamics; and imaging techniques, using ultrafast lasers. They will have access to our state-of-the-art facilities, including three ultrafast high intensity laser systems. All students will be full participants in active research groups and will be mentored by faculty who are recognized both for their research and for their teaching abilities, including faculty in our highly rated atomic physics program.

Students selected to participate will receive a stipend of $4,500-$5,000, partial travel expenses, and room and board, a total value of over $8,000. They will live on campus with students in the physics and other REU programs and will have access to all the usual facilities at Kansas State: libraries, recreation centers, etc.

Online applications are available at www.phys.ksu.edu/reu. The same application is used for this program and K-State's nation-wide REU program. An unofficial transcript and letter of reference are also required. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 18 and will continue until all places are filled.

Additional information can be obtained by calling (785) 532-1612 or e-mail reu@phys.ksu.edu.