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 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center awarded The University of Texas at San Antonio $552,710 on October 1, 2025, under the Science program (CFDA 43.001) to execute a balanced science program aligned with National Academies guidance and congressional direction.

The award funds collaborative research on the role of complex organic material in dust agglomeration within protoplanetary disks, conducted through laboratory experiments under the principal investigator's direction. Work is performed in San Antonio, Texas, with a period of performance running through September 30, 2028.

Southwest Research Institute serves as a sub-recipient, providing scientific personnel including Dr. Kelly Miller (Co-Investigator and work manager), Dr. Ryan Blase, Dr. Danna Qasim, and Dr. Ujjwal Raut as collaborator. SwRI generates synthetic insoluble organic matter samples—at least one 20 mg sample per project year with adjustable nitrogen-to-carbon ratio and synthesis temperature—and produces tholin materials via plasma irradiation of gas mixtures, approximately two 20 mg samples per project year. SwRI also subcontracts and mentors a UTSA graduate student on the research effort. Sample chemical composition verification, conducted in collaboration with the principal investigator, may require commercial analysis outside SwRI's scope. The award is classified as a Project Grant.

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