June 25, 2009

Each summer is crazy in its own way. President Obama’s stimulus package is adding to how hectic things are this year. The National Science Foundation (NSF), which is one of our bigger funders, received substantial funds in the stimulus package. Two of their stimulus programs could fund significant projects here. One program would potentially fund an extension of our existing weather station grant. We are considering developing mini-weather stations that can be used to track the annual cycles of plants and animals, as well as measure the weather. If funded, we’d deploy 75-100 throughout the Gunnison Basin.

The other proposal that we are working on would be to upgrade our Laboratory facilities. We are working on a proposal that would replace Murray Lab (built in 1962) and move much of our research activity from Willey Laboratory to Murray Laboratory. We’d use Willey for offices and some of the administrative functions, like the mailroom. Willey, which seems like a relatively new building that is only 25 years old, was largely built before the advent of computers and internet.

The Weese Building would either be removed, or possibly converted to seminar space. Given how old our research facilities are, this would be a significant improvement in our ability to support modern science. We would have better facilities for scientists working with animals and insects, improved facilities for managing chemicals, and we’d be able to manage the electrical load incurred by all the wonderful computers and sensors that were not envisioned when Willey was built.

All in all, these are some wonderful opportunities, but with grant proposals due in August, it’s a mad scramble!