Submitter
Stephen Eikenberry, Professor, College of Optics and Photonics
Amount Awarded (non-recurring)
$180,000
Project Summary
Two groups of experts at UCF are collaborating under this grant to create a world-class virtual facility focused on atmospheric-sensing technologies. UCF is already known for its expertise in photonics through the College of Optics and Photonics. UCF also has extensive expertise in LIDAR technology thanks to its work at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, which the university manages for the U.S. National Science Foundation. But these experts have their joined forces to study and advance the field of atmosphere sensing, which focuses on the atmosphere around Earth. The atmosphere provides the air needed to breathe while also providing protection against the sun’s radiation and the extremes of space weather. Changes to Earth’s atmosphere, such as temporary disruptions caused by solar flares, for example, can impact the global community and economy. Monitoring the atmosphere, figuring out how to manage it and preparing for changes has local, regional, national and global implications with a direct connection to the human race’s survival. The team will leverage its expertise and work together to make UCF a leader in this critical area of research
Collaborators
- Rodrigo Amezcua-Correa
- Jens Lautenbach
- Adrienne Dove
- Joe Harrington
- Scott Branting
- Josh Colwell
- Kerri Donaldson-Hannah
- Yan Fernandez
- Joseph Kider
- Sean Pang
- Noemi Pinilla
- Mubarak Shah
Matching Funds
$90,000