This National Science Foundation project grant of $299,823 will support the "IRES TRACK I: U.S.-Bangladesh Collaboration to Improve Air Quality: Application of Low-Cost Sensor Technologies and Satellite Remote Sensing" program from September 2022 through August 2025. The grant was awarded under the NSF Office of International Science and Engineering's CFDA 47.079 program, which aims to strengthen international partnerships to advance scientific discovery and benefit the Nation.
Over three years, the grant will fund a summer research program providing 24 U.S. underrepresented minority students opportunities to study emerging air quality issues in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A cohort of 8 students per year will participate in virtual and in-person training sessions, then conduct collaborative research at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and University of Dhaka for seven weeks. Using low-cost sensors and satellite data, students will investigate air pollution problems like mapping brick kiln emissions and monitoring indoor and transportation exposures. The program aims to improve air quality and public health while developing a globally engaged STEM workforce. Subaward details were not provided.