The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $480,000 Project Grant through its Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program to the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The grant will fund a 3-year research project led by Professors Mingdi Yan and Lawrence Wolf to explore the functionalization of pristine graphene through Diels-Alder reactions. The researchers aim to create localized curved/distorted sites on graphene nanosheets by controlling the substrate topography, in order to investigate how surface curvature impacts the reactivity of graphene. This integrated experimental and computational research project will provide mechanistic insights on graphene's reactivity and identify optimal substrate configurations for accelerating cycloaddition reactions. As part of this work, the researchers will train graduate and undergraduate students, as well as engage high school and K-12 students through research experiences and outreach activities.