Wyoming NASA EPSCoR RID Proposal - FY 2018-2019 Funding Extension

Wyoming remains the state with the smallest population (slightly over 500,000) and its economy is largely driven by extractive industries, agriculture, and tourism. The University of Wyoming (UW) is the only Ph.D. granting research institution in the state and therefore scientific activities that address key areas of state concern are concentrated at UW. In the current University of Wyoming Academic Plan, one of the main areas for increased development is in critical areas of science and technology, one being materials science research. Additionally, there is a continued focus on materials science and engineering research at the level of the Wyoming Governor's Office with a need for identifying high-priority areas for research and economic development for the state and the University. Over the course of the past several years, Wyoming NASA EPSCoR has been key in founding the Materials Science and Engineering program (MSE) at the University of Wyoming, which brings together students and faculty with research interests and expertise in materials science and engineering from many departments. The MSE program provides a rich, collaborative research environment for graduate students, research scientists, and faculty. The main objective of funding for Wyoming NASA EPSCoR is to continue to develop within the University of Wyoming a coherent program in materials science and engineering that is aligned with stated NASA objectives and coordinated with NASA Centers conducting materials science research. Although there are a number of ongoing materials science research programs at UW, collaborations are underutilized and there is a lack of coordination towards NASA goals and objectives. The University of Wyoming has made the development of a Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) program a priority in its academic plans and the NASA EPSCoR program has been critical to its development. The core funding for Wyoming NASA EPSCoR will continue to support the development of the MSE program, in addition to supporting faculty seed grants, graduate fellowships, a Materials Science Speaker Series, a MSE Symposium, and travel opportunities to develop new contacts and cooperative research ties with NASA Centers and/or Mission Directorates and to develop new partnerships within the jurisdiction. These project elements will continue to enable a cohesive, collaborative group in materials science at the University of Wyoming aimed at furthering NASA goals and objectives in materials science research, meeting jurisdiction economic development needs, and strengthening University academic goals and areas of distinction. They will also enable the development of partnerships with organizations outside of the University, which will enhance the jurisdiction's abilities to respond to the research and technology development needs of NASA and the state. Wyoming NASA EPSCoR goals and objectives include: 1) Increase research opportunities in materials science at the University of Wyoming, 2)Continue to enable a cohesive materials science research group at the University, 3) Provide student research opportunities in materials science to attract and retain students in materials science and strengthen workforce development in these areas, 4) Build collaborations with NASA Centers and increase partnerships within the jurisdiction, and 5) Encourage participation of underrepresented minorities and women in NASA EPSCoR programs.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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