Featured Awards – August 2015

Hendrik Eshuis (Chemistry & Biochemistry, CSAM) was awarded $195,425 by the National Science Foundation for “RUI: Towards accurate computational studies of dynamics and mechanisms of transition metal homogeneous (photo)catalysis.” This project will involve the development and application of accurate computational methods to relevant systems in homogeneous transition metal catalysis, and the enhancement of awareness of electronic structure theory through involvement of undergraduate students in research.

‌‌‌‌Xianoa Li, Stefanie Brachfeld, Yang Deng, Sandra Passchier, and Dibyendu Sarkar (Earth & Environmental Studies, CSAM) received a $168,245 award from the National Science Foundation for “MRI: Acquisition of an Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS) for elemental concentration and speciation analysis at Montclair State University.” The award will enhance research activities, hands-on education, and analytical training at Montclair State University.

Bryan Murdock, Krystal Woolston, Danielle Dapiran (Center for Community Engagement), and Randall FitzGerald (NJ School of Conservation) were awarded $295,748 by the NJ Commission on National and Community Service for “Montclair State University EECO Project.” The program will engage 20 AmeriCorps members who will support the development and implementation of a full service university-assisted UACS community school project in Orange, NJ.‌‌

Dibyendu Sarkar and Yang Deng (Earth and Environmental Studies, CSAM) received $69,998–the second year of a two-year, NOAA-funded $139,995 subaward from the New Jersy Sea Grant Consortium–for “A Green Technology for Nutrient and Metals Reduction in New Jersey Coastal Waters.” The project will develop new “green” stormwater BMP technologies to reduce the loadings of stormwater-induced nutrients and toxic metals to coastal waters.

Jennifer Urban and Miriam Linver (Family & Child Studies, CEHS) were awarded $1,796,560 by the John Templeton Foundation for “Inspiring Youth Purpose through Reflection on the Laws of Life: Improving, Implementing, Evaluating & Researching the Inspire>Aspire Poster Program.” The program seeks to help youth identify and reflect on positive values and transform these into meaningful sustained actions that hold promise for helping youth thrive in today’s world.

Meiyin Wu (Passaic River Institute, CSAM) and Natalie Sherwood (PhD student, Environmental Management Program) received a $20,000 subaward from the Wildlife Management Institute for the Department of Interior/US Fish and Wildlife Service-funded “Establishing a Crossing Assessment Program in New Jersey.” The project aims at initiating a crossing assessment program in the state of New Jersey while prioritizing and surveying culvert crossing focusing on stream crossings but not limited to aquatic connectivity. The information gathered can result in the improvement of current culverts, enhancing habitat connectivity, reducing flood hazards, and wildlife collision.