Project Grant 2321344

The University of Florida received a three-year $185,386 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) to conduct collaborative research on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of mammals in the first seven million years following the K-Pg mass extinction. The research team will generate and integrate fossil mammal and climate proxy records across eastern Montana to provide a detailed view of continental ecosystem changes from the end-Cretaceous through most of the Paleocene. Analyses will clarify connections between mammalian evolution, ecology, and climate, as well as the impacts of perturbations on large-scale ecosystem change and biotic recovery/radiation post-extinction. The grant also supports engagement and education initiatives including the Discoveries in Geosciences field school to connect K-12 teachers and students with research, and broadening participation of underrepresented groups in STEM through support of early-career female scientists and students from underrepresented backgrounds. The NSF Geosciences program aims to strengthen understanding of Earth's integrated system through basic research support.