NSF Grant Awarded and in Progress

Distinguished Professor Elizabeth Vierling received a four year grant for a total of $800,000 from the National Science Foundation to investigate features of plant energy metabolism that determine survival under stress conditions in order to optimize agricultural productivity. The research will examine the function of specific proteins in mitochondria (energy factories found in all cells), and involves collaborations with researchers in Germany and Australia. The award also supports outreach activities to encourage teenage girls to consider science as a career option and to inform the public about the scientific basis of genetically modified plants.