Adapted from Battelle’s press release .
The inaugural Battelle NEON STEM Grant Program will fund $100,000 worth of student research around the country, enabling five projects to leverage the open data generated by the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON).
A continental-scale ecological observation facility sponsored by the National Science Foundation and managed and operated by Battelle since 2016, NEON collects long-term ecological data from across the United States to better understand how ecosystems are changing. The open access comprehensive data, spatial extent and remote sensing technology provided through the NEON program is enabling a large and diverse user community to tackle important questions at scales not accessible to previous generations of ecologists.
“These grants are indicative of the high importance we place on STEM education and the value of NEON data,” said Battelle Chief Scientist Michael Kuhlman. “Now that NEON is fully operational, we are focused not only on enabling the world’s ecological research community to use it, but also helping the next generation.”
In offering the grants, Battelle received ideas from schools, observatories and other organizations about how students could learn key science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts by working with the data generated by NEON. Five projects were selected through a national competitive request for proposals.
“We are so excited about the funding awarded to Forward Research for our Puerto Rico Neon Data Jam Project!” said Alexis Torres, President of Forward Research, one of the award winners. “At a time when the Island is faced with multiple natural disaster challenges (from hurricanes and earthquakes), promoting investigation and data analysis of real community problems is fundamental.”
A rundown of the funded projects:
About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org .
Media Contacts
For more information contact Katy Delaney at (614) 424-7208 or delaneyk@battelle.org or T.R. Massey at (614) 424-5544 or masseytr@battelle.org .
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