Award Data

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: The objective of this project is to research the technical feasibility of designing a software tool “Permit Wizard” that will automate the process for aquamarine permit application submittal, review, approval/disapproval and issue (including collection of fees). Aquaculture producers are currently faced with slow, complex, and often confusing permitting processes that must ...

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: InnovaPrep proposes to develop a rapid sample-to-answer monitoring system for detecting pathogens in marine aquaculture waters. An assessment of industry needs will include a kickoff meeting with NOAA and a visit to Toby Island Bay Oyster Farm. Following the assessment and report, a TRL-4 breadboard prototype system will be developed that will include the combination of sample ...

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: Animal-borne electronic instruments (tags) are critical tools for monitoring the behavior and ecology of cetaceans, providing data needed for managing their populations and mitigating the threats they face. Although remote-deployment of tags onto cetaceans that cannot be captured has provided valuable data, attachment durations have been frustratingly short and variable. Our Ph ...

A challenge for Artificial Intelligence recommenders is explaining their reasoning to users. Humans tend to explain concepts with symbolic narratives, which contrasts the way non-symbolic machine learning represents concepts. This research addresses this challenge by grounding the research in the problem of helping transitioning veterans find relevant careers. The developed prototype will provide ...

We propose to continue our project generating transgenic insect with improved nutrition for humans and livestock, building on the milestones we have reached and will continue to develop in phase I. We have already demonstrated insertion of exogenous reporter DNA into the insect, and continue to develop genetic engineering tools and techniques. We have expressed the biosynthetic pathway of interest ...

Insects are a healthful and sustainable alternative animal feed. However, to penetrate the $400B global feed industry, insects need to be produced both at a scale and cost that is suitable for farmers. Mealworms, Tenebrio molitor, are Beta Hatch’s focal species because they are hardy and can feed on an incredible diversity of diets. We propose in this Phase 1 project to develop cost effective di ...