Researchers in Rhode Island and Nebraska will focus on the development of new kinds of solar cells containing crystalline perovskites grown from solutions, such as the one pictured here. Brown University is the lead institution for this project.

Credit: Amy Simmons/Padture Lab, Brown University

Researchers in Oklahoma, Nebraska and Kentucky will study physics in the Earth's lower atmospheric boundary layer using small, easy-to-deploy UAS. In this illustration, a UAS known as MARIA (Meteorological Analysis Research Investigation Aircraft) flies into a developing weather system. Very little data exists on thunderstorm development--particularly supercells. This research will provide meteorologists with the data they need to increase tornado prediction time. Oklahoma State University is the lead institute for this project.

Credit: Alyssa Avery and Jamey Jacob, Oklahoma State University

Researchers in New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island will develop and test a framework for engaging stakeholders in understanding how the multiple functions of dams are impacted by the outcomes of management decisions. The Hiram Dam on the Saco River in Maine, pictured here, is one of more than 50 dams in New England that are scheduled for relicensing by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission over the next decade.

Credit: Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners

Researchers in Kansas and South Carolina will develop novel catalysts and technologies for converting biomass into chemical and fuel intermediates. Their research follows an interdisciplinary approach to develop novel catalysts by combining fundamental understanding of materials synthesis and structure-property relationships. The University of Kansas Center for Research Inc., is the lead institution for this project.

Credit: University of Kansas Center for Research Inc.