Federal Grant Award Summary

Auburn University received a $1.55M CAREER Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Environmental Biology (Biological Sciences program, CFDA 47.074) effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031. The award supports fundamental research comparing two closely related agricultural viruses—Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (which infects a broad range of plant and insect hosts) and Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (which exhibits limited host range)—to identify the biological mechanisms underlying viral specialization versus host range expansion. The project delivers peer-reviewed research findings through viral genome sequencing, protein interaction assays, and analysis of virus-induced changes in host regulatory pathways to advance understanding of plant disease emergence and evolution.

Beyond primary research outputs, the award funds broader impact activities including graduate and undergraduate research training, development of an interactive educational game exploring viral evolution and disease spread, and curriculum development integrating generative artificial intelligence and emerging digital tools into scientific learning and communication. These educational products and workforce development activities serve the secondary objective of building scientific literacy and preparing future researchers in virology and host-pathogen interactions, while advancing agricultural resilience and food security in the Southeastern United States.