Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems awarded $549,998 to the Regents of the University of Michigan under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) through a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant, effective February 15, 2026 through January 31, 2031. This project grant develops ultrasensitive single-molecule protein detection technologies and platforms designed to simultaneously measure both low-abundance proteins and their functional activities at concentrations far below the limits of conventional assays. The research deliverables include a design framework for detecting multiple low-abundance proteins while eliminating false signals, high-throughput modular detection platforms compatible with standard laboratory equipment, and methodologies to measure both protein function and abundance to maximize biological information extraction from valuable clinical and research samples.

In addition to research deliverables, the award includes significant educational and workforce development components. The project will establish mentored research experiences for high school and undergraduate students, develop hands-on K-12 diagnostics workshops with accompanying educational videos, and create a new graduate course in biomolecular engineering. These integrated activities are designed to train the next generation of diagnostics innovators, enhance diagnostics literacy, accelerate discovery of disease-related proteins, strengthen the biotechnology workforce, and enhance preparedness for public health challenges through advancement of protein measurement tools.