The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $250,000 Project Grant under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) to the University of Massachusetts (UMass) to investigate the motion and self-propulsion of "Marangoni surfers" on spherical liquid interfaces, particularly in microgravity conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The project aims to establish a computational-experimental framework to study the hydrodynamics of these active particles and their interactions, with the goal of advancing knowledge in robotics, microfluidics, and self-assembly processes. Key research activities will include conducting experiments on levitating droplets in microgravity to examine the role of interface curvature, as well as developing educational initiatives to engage underrepresented students. The award period runs from August 15, 2024 to July 31, 2027.
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