Manchin, Capito Announce $889K for Science Research in West Virginia

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $889,849 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for two projects at West Virginia University and one project at Fairmont State University.

“The National Science Foundation is an important partner for the Mountain State, investing in groundbreaking research while also providing West Virginia students with unique research opportunities. I am pleased the NSF is investing in projects at West Virginia University and Fairmont State University that will work to support students in STEM, study space and the atmosphere and develop technology to support healthcare facilities. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of these projects, and I will continue to advocate for funding to support research in West Virginia,” said Senator Manchin.

“From space exploration, to improving medical care, to creating opportunities in STEM fields, higher education institutions in West Virginia continue to be a national leader in research communities,” Senator Capito said. “Grants like these support cutting-edge projects that ultimately aim to create real-world solutions and opportunities for our students. I appreciate the National Science Foundation for their continued support of research in West Virginia, I and look forward to the progress that will be made as a result of this funding.”

Individual awards listed below:

• $749,693 – Fairmont State University, Bridging the STEM Gap in Appalachia: Engaging with students to iteratively improve faculty practices in support of student success
• This project will work to support low-income undergraduate students in STEM disciplines through financial assistance and curricular and co-curricular support. The project aims to encourage careers in STEM and prepare students for careers through educational opportunities, research, career guidance, professional development and more.
• $90,156 – West Virginia University, CAREER: Self-Consistent Density Estimates from Accelerometers for Improved Understanding, Modeling, and Forecasting of Upper Atmosphere Variability
• This project works to enhance the understanding, modeling, and forecasting of variations in Earth’s upper atmosphere by developing a prediction capability of orbital decay for active satellites and space debris. Additionally, the project will support space science education through initiatives targeted at rural, first-generation, Appalachian students and K-12 teachers and the training of graduate and undergraduate students in research and educational outreach.
• $50,000 –West Virginia University, I-Corps: Software platform to predict patient no-shows using machine learning algorithms
• This project aims to develop an AI-based healthcare patient scheduling system to support healthcare facilities by increasing efficiency and revenues.