Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Kentucky Research Foundation received a $612,447 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) on February 15, 2026, with completion scheduled for January 31, 2029. This award funds research utilizing coordinated, fixed-wing uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to collect real-world atmospheric boundary layer data in Lexington, Kentucky. The project delivers scientific research products including empirical measurements and analysis of horizontal convective rolls—organized rolling air currents that influence weather modeling accuracy. Specific research deliverables will address critical questions regarding the stability thresholds governing formation of these coherent structures, their evolution mechanisms under varying atmospheric conditions, and their contributions to mass, momentum, and energy transport within the boundary layer.

Beyond research outputs, the project provides significant educational products through undergraduate student participation and workforce development. Student team members serve as system operators, safety officers, and aircraft managers while receiving training on scientific research objectives. The research employs a leader-follower formation flight approach for multi-aircraft coordination, generating technical contributions to both atmospheric science understanding and uncrewed systems operational methodologies. These research and educational products directly support the Engineering program's emphasis on advancing innovation in engineering research while developing a skilled workforce in critical national priority areas including advanced environmental monitoring and autonomous systems technology.