EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Plan "Building Oklahoma's Leadership Role in Cellulosic Bioenergy"

摘要提案编号：EPS-0814361提案标题：EPSCoR研究基础设施改进计划？建造俄克拉荷马州？在纤维素生物能源中的领导作用？机构名称：俄克拉荷马州州立大学目标：有了这项研究基础设施改善（RII）补助金，俄克拉荷马州EPSCoR将开发一个纤维素生物燃料的研究计划，并将其带到一个具有全国竞争力的水平。科学主题是一个多机构的计划，增加了价值的俄克拉荷马州生物能源中心（OBC），一个4000万美元的计划，以追求生物燃料的研发应用在纤维素乙醇生产。RII还将支持一个强有力的教育推广计划，以培育俄克拉荷马州？人力资源基础设施。这里提出的科学、多样性、通信和人力资源外联活动，连同沿着网络基础设施计划，与俄克拉荷马州密切一致吗？学术价值：科学主题包括三个目标，解决发展纤维素生物能源工业的关键问题。一个目标集中在建立一个更好的理解生物量发展的分子机制，以提高产量潜力，同时提高对非生物和生物胁迫的耐受性。另外两个目标集中在有效的微生物转化的分子机制和新的催化/热化学过程将纤维素生物质转化为液体燃料。拟议的RII资金将提供支持，以建立一个临界质量的科学家，使俄克拉荷马州竞争大规模的NSF资金的可持续能源和生物技术计划。通过国家科学基金会和国家的支持，以及研究机构对新教师和工作人员的投资，俄克拉荷马州计划在纤维素生物燃料的研究领域达到全国领先地位。这将有助于发展主要的研究中心，并加强私营部门的研发在国家。更广泛的影响：PI提出全面的教育和推广计划，经济发展的联系，并旨在提高公众对科学的重要性的认识的倡议。K-12学生和教师将通过夏季技术学院，移动的科学车和教师培训研讨会接触到与生物能源主题相关的尖端科学和网络基础设施。本科生在工业和学术界的研究经验将得到支持，有才华的学生将被招募到生物燃料/生物能源为基础的研究生课程。还将建立一个全国性的网络基础设施联盟。教育推广计划包括妇女和代表性不足的群体，并通过与俄克拉荷马州的合作加强竞争力和多样性？的HBCU和部落学院，通过促进从高中到大学的过渡，提供文化协调的咨询支持，并促进增强计划，以留住追求STEM学科的学生。

AbstractProposal Number: EPS-0814361Proposal Title: EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Plan ?Building Oklahoma?s Leadership Role in Cellulosic Bioenergy?Institution: Oklahoma State UniversityGoals: With this Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) grant, Oklahoma EPSCoR will develop a research program on cellulosic biofuels and will bring it to a nationally competitive level. The science theme is a multi-institutional program that adds value to the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center (OBC), a $40 million program to pursue the application of biofuels R&D in cellulosic ethanol production. The RII will also support a robust education outreach program to nurture Oklahoma?s human resource infrastructure. The scientific, diversity, communications and human resource outreach activities proposed here, along with a cyberinfrastructure plan, are closely aligned with Oklahoma?s Strategic Plan for Science and Technology.Intellectual Merit: The science theme consists of three objectives addressing critical issues in developing the cellulosic bioenergy industry. One objective concentrates on establishing a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of biomass development to improve yield potential while enhancing the tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. The other two objectives are focused on the molecular mechanisms for efficient microbial conversion and new catalytic/thermochemical processes for converting cellulosic biomass to liquid fuels. Proposed RII funding will provide the support to build a critical mass of scientists enabling Oklahoma to compete for large-scale NSF funding in programs of sustainable energy and biotechnology. Through NSF and state support, and the investments in new faculty and staff by the research institutions, Oklahoma plans to reach national prominence in the research area of cellulosic biofuels. This will facilitate efforts to develop major research centers and enhance private sector R&D in the state.Broader Impact: The PIs propose comprehensive educational and outreach programs, links to economic development, and to initiatives designed to enhance public awareness of the importance of science. K-12 students and teachers will be exposed to cutting-edge science and cyberinfrastructure related to the bioenergy theme through summer technology academies, mobile science vehicles, and teacher training workshops. Undergraduate student research experiences in industry and academia will be supported and talented students will be recruited into biofuels/bioenergy based graduate programs. A state-wide cyberinfrastructure consortium will also be established. The education outreach initiatives embrace the inclusion of women and underrepresented groups and strengthen competitiveness and diversity through collaboration with Oklahoma?s HBCU and tribal college, by facilitating the transition from high school to college, providing culture-attuned counseling support, and promoting enhancement programs to retain students pursuing STEM disciplines.