Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation awarded the University of New Mexico a $597,738 Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant effective August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2031, under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041). This project will develop fire-resistant geopolymer materials designed to enhance the structural resilience of buildings in wildfire-prone regions. The research will establish fundamental knowledge for designing advanced construction materials that combine structural strength with thermal insulation capabilities, addressing critical national priorities in infrastructure resilience and safety in the face of increasing wildfire intensity.

The project encompasses four primary technical objectives: optimizing dense and foamed geopolymer formulations derived from regional aluminosilicate precursors; engineering layered microstructures to control heat transfer and mechanical response; characterizing phase evolution and failure mechanisms under extreme temperatures using advanced experimental methods; and developing predictive multiscale models linking material chemistry to performance outcomes. Beyond research deliverables, the award includes integrated educational activities designed to train students in advanced materials and fire resilience through curriculum development, online education platforms, and outreach initiatives targeting schools, industry, and communities to increase participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.