In FY 2003, NSF provided 442 awards totaling approximately $85 million to 19 institutions in the State of Indiana.
Institutions in Indiana that received NSF support in FY 2003 include Ball State University, Purdue University, Indiana State University, En'Urga Inc, DePauw University, Indiana
University, and Wabash College.
Network for Computational Nanotechnology — The Network for Computational Nanotechnology at Purdue University has a three-fold mission: 1) to catalyze the formulation of teams of theorists, computational scientists, and experimentalists in research that addresses key challenges in realizing integrated nanosystems; 2) to support the research and the broader goals of the National Nanotechnology Initiative; 3) to develop educational packages that can be incorporated into the curricula to train students, scientists, and engineers. A number of special projects will be undertaken designed to address the need for a second-generation network computing platform.
Research Experience in Hyperbolic Geometry, Number Theory, and Inverse Problems — This Research Experience for Undergraduates site at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology provides eight undergraduate students annually with the opportunity to experience theoretical mathematical research. Students will collaborate in teams to conduct computer experiments, calculations, and simulations motivated by the problems. In addition to the technical program, students will be engaged in a companion program to develop their oral and written mathematical communication skills and other professional skills.
Control of Branching in Neurospora Crassa — As in most filamentous fungi, growth of Neurospora crassa begins by highly polarized cell extension that leads to the formation of a hyphal tube of uniform diameter. The continuously extending tip sends off periodic branches, which are themselves capable of extension and branching. There are few other biological
systems that develop in this manner. In this project at Valparaiso University, the genetics of control of branch morphology will be examined. The project will focus on the lateral/dichotomous dimorphism observed in Neurospora crassa. Filamentous fungi are major recyclers of biomass and a significant source of losses in agriculture and lumber production as pathogens and agents of spoilage. An increase in our understanding of tip growth and branching in fungi would prove useful for more direct control of the growth of the organism.
Small Business Innovation Research — An NSF SBIR award to Space Hardware Optimization Technology, Inc. supports development of a technology for the magnetic isolation of rare cancer cells from human blood. Various problems have been encountered in attempts to collect and identify cancer cells. Success will require processing large volumes of cell suspensions, capturing cancer cells with high efficiency, and avoiding morphological and physiological damage during separation. Previous research has established that quadrupole magnetic flow sorting fulfills most of the requirements for successful cancer cell selection. The objectives of this project are to transfer existing magnetic flow channel technology and determine through research the optimum manufacturing processes for high-precision column manufacture.
