Project Grant 2203567

This National Science Foundation project grant award of $277,074 provides funding over three years from September 2022 through August 2025 under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to support collaborative research between the University of Connecticut and Michigan State University. The researchers will investigate the photophysical mechanisms by which the orange carotenoid protein in cyanobacteria converts between resting and active states in response to light intensity, protecting the organisms from excessive sunlight. Using multidimensional electronic spectroscopy, fluorescence detection methods, and computational modeling, the team aims to determine the initial structural events triggered by photoexcitation of the ketocarotenoid bound to the orange carotenoid protein. Insights gained into how this protein senses ambient light conditions could inform the design of novel solar energy materials. The award also supports research training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.