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NSF and PennsylvaniaIn FY 2003, the NSF provided 1,076 awards totaling approximately $221 million to 81 institutions in the state of Pennsylvania. Institutions in Pennsylvania that received NSF support in FY 2002 included the Albright College, Lehigh University, the School District of Philadelphia, Bucknell University, Dickinson College, the University of Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Sen Tech. St. Joseph's University, and the Franklin Institute Science Museum. Examples of Projects Currently Funded by NSF in the State of Pennsylvania:Center for Applied Algorithms — Algorithms are the basic procedures by which computers solve problems. With the explosion in the use and connectivity of computers and in the sizes of the data sets being used the performance of algorithms is becoming increasingly important. Being able to solve a problem ten times faster, for example, could mean designing a drug next year instead of several years down the road. The problem, however, is that there is a large gap between ongoing theoretical research and the current use of algorithms in applications. Supported through NSF's Information Technology Research initiative, the Center for Applied Algorithms at Carnegie Mellon University will strive to bridge this gap so that efficient and effective algorithms can be deployed more rapidly. ATE Regional Center for Nanofabrication Manufacturing Education — This center supported by NSF's Advanced Technology Education (ATE) program and established at Pennsylvania State University will help meet the increased demand in Pennsylvania and nationally for associate degree-level workers in the field of nanofabrication. The Center is built upon a unique consortium including Penn State, Pennsylvania industry, and Pennsylvania community colleges and public school districts throughout the state. Key to this partnership is the Penn State Nanofabrication Facility, a $23 million investment in class 10 clean rooms and equipment, and its staff. Small Business Innovation Research — An NSF SBIR award to RJ Lee Group, Inc. supports the development of a low-cost, PC based, interactive scanning electron microscope simulator incorporated into modules to enhance existing science curricula. Although the scanning electron microscope is an essential scientific tool and has major impact on our nation's industrial competitiveness, its utilization in education has been modest. Only a handful of high schools in the U.S. have access to instrumentation of this nature, and availability at colleges and universities at the undergraduate level is limited. The premise of this project is that the essence of microscopy instruments can be captured in a software-based simulator running on a personal computer such that entire classrooms can become virtual laboratories with each student exploring a lesson using microscope-simulator software coupled with appropriate imagery and lesson material. Science and Technology of Canals and Inland Waterways — The Hugh Moore Historical Park and Museum will develop an integrated framework of exhibits on the science and technology of canals and inland waterways at the National Canal Museum (NCM) in Easton Pennsylvania, which will serve as a model for interdisciplinary public education and exhibit programs at other canal history organizations in 28 states. Representatives from major waterways and industrial history sites and museums will work with NCM staff and a national advisory panel of leading informal science educators to develop, design, and disseminate a series of interactive exhibits.Science and Technology of Canals and Inland Waterways For more information on Pennsylvania and NSF, please contact the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs at 703-292-8070. Useful Links: Pennsylvania
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