Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Maryland, College Park received a $799,892 Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) effective June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2029. This award supports fundamental research investigating the mechanistic and molecular regulation of trigeminal ganglion development, with primary deliverables centered on understanding how sensory neurons coordinate their formation and axon extension to target tissues. The research employs an innovative, multidisciplinary approach utilizing the chick as a model system to examine the cellular interactions between placode cells and neural crest cells that generate the cranial trigeminal ganglion, spanning analysis from single-cell to whole-embryo scales. Key research products will include scientific findings on fundamental mechanisms controlling intercellular interactions and neuron formation during development, with direct applications to understanding normal neurodevelopment and identifying abnormalities underlying sensory deficits.

Beyond primary research outputs, the award supports significant educational and workforce development activities aligned with National Science Foundation priorities in biotechnology and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Deliverables include structured outreach programs providing pre-K through 12th grade and undergraduate STEM education, teacher training activities targeting high school students and educators, and experiential research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. These educational components are designed to develop a globally competitive American STEM workforce while advancing the scientific enterprise through both fundamental neurodevelopmental research and human capital development in biotechnology fields.