Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Washington received a $613,254 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Biological Infrastructure under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074), awarded June 1, 2026, with completion by May 31, 2029. This award establishes the BIOPODE (Biomechanics, Integrative Ocean Physiology, and Organismal Development and Evolution) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site at Friday Harbor Marine Laboratories (FHL) in Friday Harbor, Washington. The site will provide eight-week intensive research training during summers 2026–2028 for 15 undergraduate students annually, delivering hands-on mentored research experiences at the intersection of biology, engineering, oceanography, and environmental science. Students receive individualized mentoring from a faculty pool of over 50 researchers across 11 academic departments and 30 institutions, with research focus areas spanning marine ecology, developmental biology, comparative physiology, biomechanics, and bioinspired engineering.

The program's primary deliverables include undergraduate workforce development aligned with NSF biotechnology priorities, research presentation training, and assessment outcomes tracked through pre- and post-program surveys, student outcome tracking, and mentor evaluations. With a documented track record showing over 80 percent of alumni presenting at national conferences and more than 60 percent pursuing graduate study, BIOPODE delivers critical research training and workforce pipeline development in emerging biological sciences disciplines while supporting broader participation in STEM fields through immersive mentored research experiences at a world-class marine research facility.