This $159,547 federal Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program supports research to understand the growth mechanisms of supermassive black holes. The award to the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) has three primary objectives: 1) determine the merger rates of supermassive black holes and relate these to gravitational wave observations; 2) investigate the growth of supermassive black holes during the peak period of black hole activity (cosmic noon) and its connection to accretion rates; and 3) map the complete history of black hole accretion. The research employs a multiwavelength survey approach using optical, infrared, and X-ray observations, along with advanced AI techniques to analyze large imaging surveys. In addition to the research, the award includes significant educational outreach and diversity initiatives to provide research experiences and professional development for underrepresented students in astronomy. The project period runs from Sep 1, 2024 to Aug 31, 2027.
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