Grant Award Summary

The University of Utah received a $998,752 CAREER award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074), effective September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2031. This project grant supports foundational research to identify and characterize the molecular components of phytochrome B signaling complexes in plant cells under varying conditions of light, temperature, and amino acid availability. The research employs advanced microscopy techniques and gene-editing tools to map the spatiotemporal organization and compositional dynamics of these cellular signaling networks, with particular focus on photobodies—nuclear biomolecular condensates that integrate light and temperature signals for plant growth regulation.

The award is designed to advance plant biotechnology with practical applications toward enhancing crop resilience and agricultural yields to support long-term food security. Beyond the core research deliverables, the project includes substantial educational and outreach components, encompassing microscopy-based public engagement for elementary school students and structured interdisciplinary research training for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. These educational activities support workforce development in the biological sciences while generating foundational knowledge applicable to improving plant responses to environmental stress.