Craig Anderson, the Wallace Benjamin Flint and L. May Hawver Professor of Chemistry at Bard College, has recently received a Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This $375,699 funding will focus on studying the effects of ligand architecture and metal oxidation state on the properties of luminescent platinum compounds. This is Anderson’s fourth NSF RUI grant since 2011, bringing the total amount of funding received to over $1,000,000 for research with undergraduate students at Bard College.
As a strong advocate for undergraduate research, Anderson expressed his excitement about the award and emphasized its importance in contributing to student success. He believes that undergraduate research is a vital practice that enhances research capacity and integrates it with education. Anderson also expressed gratitude to his students, chemistry colleagues, Bard OIS, and Bard College leadership for their support throughout the grant proposal process.
RUI grants like this one provide opportunities for faculty at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions to pursue their research endeavors. These grants aim to enhance research capacity at home institutions while engaging faculty in their professional fields. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering research across all 50 states and US territories. Established in 1950 by Congress, the NSF promotes scientific progress and advances health, prosperity, and welfare while contributing to national defense. The NSF’s investments provide roughly 25% of federal support to US colleges and universities for curiosity-driven research. Its goal is to ensure the US remains at the forefront of discovery in science and engineering for the benefit of all people while promoting inclusive participation.
The study funded by this grant aims to explore how ligand architecture affects metal oxidation state in luminescent platinum compounds. By understanding these relationships, researchers hope to develop new materials with improved optical properties that can be used in various applications such as bioimaging or solar cells.
In conclusion, Professor Anderson’s RUI grant from the NSF provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students at Bard College to participate in cutting-edge research projects while enhancing their skills in scientific investigation. It also highlights the importance of investing in undergraduate education by providing resources that promote hands-on learning experiences that contribute to student success.
Overall, RUI grants like this one help strengthen undergraduate institutions’ ability to produce future scientists who are well-equipped with practical knowledge and skills necessary for success beyond academia. The NSF’s commitment to supporting these types of initiatives demonstrates its dedication towards advancing scientific discovery while promoting inclusivity across all fields of study.