Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Ocean Sciences, awarded $422,380 to the University of California, Santa Cruz through the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) for a collaborative research project spanning October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029. This Project Grant will develop calibrated global data products by comparing optical and geochemical particle detection methodologies in seawater. The research team will establish conversion methods between optical particle measurements—collected through instruments such as the Underwater Vision Profiler (UVP) and Biogeochemical (BGC) Argo autonomous platforms—and traditional in-situ pump-based geochemical sampling approaches. The resulting validated datasets will quantify particulate organic matter and other geochemical parameters at significantly higher spatial and temporal resolution than conventional direct sampling methods allow.

The project will produce standardized, validated data products for the biogeochemistry and marine ecology research communities, strengthening the scientific foundation for monitoring ocean conditions and marine resource management. The award will support one postdoctoral researcher, one graduate student, and undergraduate student researchers. By harmonizing optical and geochemical measurement techniques, this work addresses a critical gap in oceanographic data collection, enabling more comprehensive understanding of how particle formation, dissolution, and composition influence biological and chemical cycling across global ocean systems.