KU earns $19M NSF grant

Chancellor Robert Hemenway shakes hands with David Braaten, associate professor of geography, during an April 11 press conference to announce that KU had received a $19 million NSF grant. Prasad Gogineni, center, Deane Ackers distinguished professor of electrical engineering and computer science, has been named director of the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets. Braaten will serve as deputy director. R. Steve Dick/University Relations

Largest award in state history will fund polar ice, climate change study center

The National Science Foundation will establish a prestigious multimillion-dollar research center at KU to study polar ice and its potential effect on global climate change.

The new NSF Science and Technology Center is the second major research center established by the NSF at KU. The five-year award for almost $19 million is the largest single federal research grant received by any university in Kansas. KU is one of only two universities in the nation to be granted a Science and Technology Center this year.

The Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets—or CReSIS—will be a multidisciplinary, multi-institution research center led by KU, with Elizabeth City (N.C.) State University, Haskell Indian Nations University, the University of Maine, The Ohio State University and Pennsylvania State University as core partners.

Prasad Gogineni, Deane Ackers distinguished professor of electrical engineering and computer science at KU, will serve as the director of CReSIS. David Braaten, associate professor of geography, will be the deputy director.

KU is creating four faculty positions—two in engineering and two in the sciences—to take part in CReSIS research and educational activities. The center will be housed in Nichols Hall.

Largest federally financed science and research awards at KU 1998-2005
1. Prasad Gogineni, Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets, $19M
2. Joan Hunt, Kansas Idea Network of Biomedical Excellence, $18M
3. Bala Subramaniam, Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis, $17M
4. Gunda Georg, Center for Cancer Experimental Therapeutics, $10M
5. Robert Hanzlik, Protein Structure and Function, $10M
6. Bill Narayan, Novel Approaches for Control of Microbial Pathogens, $10M
7. Jeff Aubé, Centers of Excellence in Chemical Methodologies and Library
Development, $10M
8. Prasad Gogineni, Mobile Sensor Web for Polar Ice Measurements, $9M
9. Dale Abrahamson, Glomerular Capillary Wall: Development and Disease, $7M
10. Steven Warren, Kansas Mental Retardation and Developmental
Disabilities Center, $7M