Project Grant 2153145

This $211,326 National Science Foundation Office of International Science and Engineering Project Grant will support the "GYP-NEXTGEN: Empowering Future Scientists within an International Consortium Focused on Gypsum Plant Communities" program. The award will fund research and training for 18 undergraduate students from Oberlin College, New Mexico State University, and John Carroll University to conduct mentored research projects with partners in Spain. Students will advance understanding of unique plant communities adapted to gypsum soils while gaining international research experience and developing cross-cultural, interpersonal, and academic skills in STEM fields. By leveraging an existing collaboration, the program strengthens U.S.-Spanish partnerships and enables advances in basic research and conservation of gypsum ecosystems. This award is being made under the NSF Office of International Science and Engineering's International Research Experiences for Students program (CFDA 47.079), which aims to promote international partnerships advancing scientific discovery and U.S. leadership through research experiences for students.