Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences, engineering, and medicine, administration priorities, and direction from congress.…

The University of Utah's Office of Sponsored Projects has been awarded a $199,955 research grant by the National Science Foundation to execute a project titled "The Role of Snow Albedo in Changing Snowmelt Dynamics: Developing a Predictive Understanding Using Remote Sensing and Process-Based Modeling" (Award 24-THP24-0024). The grant, which carries no set-aside designation and is classified as a competitive award based on technical merit, will support research extending through February 7, 2028, with work to be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah. This project aligns with the NSF's broader strategic priorities to execute a balanced science program informed by National Academies guidance while advancing discovery in emerging fields through cross-disciplinary approaches and applied research applications.

The research project addresses critical environmental science challenges by examining snow albedo dynamics and their influence on snowmelt patterns using remote sensing data and computational modeling techniques. The University of Utah, a major public research institution with extensive federal contracting experience across civilian agencies including the NSF, U.S. Geological Survey, and Department of Energy, brings established expertise in environmental geosciences and advanced analytical capabilities to this investigation. The award represents one element of the university's substantial research portfolio, which encompasses biomedical sciences, engineering, earth sciences, and environmental research supporting national scientific priorities and discovery objectives.

Execute a balanced science program based on discipline-specific guidance from the national academies of sciences, engineering, and medicine, administration priorities, and direction from congress. Participate as a key partner and enabler in the agency s exploration initiative, focusing on scientific research of, on, and from the moon, lunar orbit, mars, and beyond. Advance discovery in emerging fields by identifying and exploiting cross-disciplinary opportunities between traditional science disciplines develop a directorate-wide, target-user focused approach to applied programs, including earth science applications, space weather, planetary defense, and space situational awareness.