Award Data

Development of a reflection control and direction device (RCDD) is proposed. This innovative device will progress the state of the art for propulsion of solar sails used to fly space weather monitoring sensors to sub-LaGrange point orbits for earlier warning times of impending destructive space weather events. A reflection control device (RCD) utilizes polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) mater ...

Drought is responsible for $327.7B in economic loss since 1980 in the United States and typically precedes, cooccurs, or initiates other hazards like wildfires or prolonged periods of intense heat. The compounding or cascading of these hazards routinely threatens the wellbeing and stability of communities. The economic impact from drought can be especially harsh when the drought begins rapidly in ...

In this innovative Phase I effort, nSI will construct and demonstrate an empirically driven directed evolution model that rapidly selects for BBB-crossing NPs in vitro, as a proof of concept. Leveraging cutting-edge NP formulation advances, we will (1) synthesize a library of DNA-barcoded NPs, (2) administer the library in multiplex to in vitro BBB models, (3) use the BBB infilitration data collec ...

The detection of radionuclide aerosols is a critical indicator of a nuclear detonation. Current detection systems used in the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty’s  (CTBT) global monitoring network stations spend 24 hours collecting and concentrating particulates from the air to gather enough sample material for adequate detection sensitivity. This approach is inherently a batch process that ...

Concrete has been used in construction for centuries and is a mature technology for building large structures, but the industry is conservative in embracing new technologies. Lightweight concrete structures are not currently employed for electromagnetic interference (EMI) / electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and blast protection. Creare proposes to fabricate high strength lightweight concrete by using a ...

The construction, operation, and maintenance of roadways generates pollutants such as sediment, heavy metals, and nutrients; pollutants which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) identify as the most widespread in impeding the beneficial uses of the Nation’s rivers and streams.DOTs primarily rely on passive stormwater best management practices (BMPs) or stormwater control measures (S ...

There is a growing need for a single source of truth data about intertidal zones that can used by lawmakers, resource managers, conservationists, engineers, pharmaceutical and food manufacturers, farmers and fishers, and scientists for better environmental planning and protection, particularly for the land-sea interface. Our Phase II research will solve this challenge by developing a data analytic ...

Connected and Automated Vehicle (CV/AV) technologies are rapidly advancing and are poised to transform the transportation industry. As vehicles move beyond current Level 1 and Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) towards full Level 5 autonomy access to reliable positioning information becomes increasingly important. Many, if not all, of the safety benefits provided by connected and au ...

Over the past decade, private industry has shown a growing interest in the development of autonomous Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs). A successful autonomous CMV system will require that the vehicles meet both technological requirements and existing regulatory requirements for traditional CMVs. While some regulations are passive, others require drivers to take actions. Of note is the requirement ...

This proposal addresses the algorithm research and development of structure and iterative discovery for image detection, identification, annotation, and understanding. Our approach is inspired from the ability of humans to encapsulate and develop mental models and the ability of AI to algorithmically learn and contribute to the identification of features, textures, and salient and camouflaged char ...