This National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) Project Grant award of $384,431 to Wellesley College will support research to explore the spatial and temporal control of cell division, specifically investigating the role of interphase node proteins in localizing the essential regulatory protein Sid2p during cytokinesis in fission yeast. The 4-year project will use genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches to characterize how these scaffold proteins function to recruit Sid2p to the division site, with the goal of providing insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing successful cell division. In addition to the research objectives, the award will enable training of Wellesley College undergraduate students in a range of biological and quantitative techniques, and support outreach efforts to stimulate interest in STEM fields among local middle school girls through the college's Science Club for Girls program.