UVM Secures $5.5M NSF Funding for AI Supercomputer and Advanced Research
The University of Vermont (UVM) has been awarded over $5.5 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance research in artificial intelligence computing, human tissue mechanics, atmospheric science, underground robotics, and renewable energy systems.
The largest portion, $2.1 million, funds a new high-performance AI supercomputer named IceCore at UVM’s Vermont Advanced Computing Center. IceCore is 100 times faster than existing systems, supporting around 1,000 researchers from UVM and partners across Vermont and New England. This infrastructure will facilitate studies on infectious diseases, computational social science, and large language models similar to ChatGPT.
Chris Danforth, leading the supercomputer project, emphasized the benefits for students as well, noting that experience with high-performance computing will prepare them for data science roles in the job market.
Other NSF Grants Supporting Diverse Research Areas
- $695,000 awarded to Giuseppe Petrucci in Chemistry for studying atmospheric humidity and particle formation, with implications for climate research.
- $624,000 CAREER award to Niccolo Fiorentino (Mechanical Engineering) for cartilage structure and osteoarthritis research.
- $571,000 CAREER award to Haicen Yue (Physics) focusing on tissue mechanics relevant to regenerative medicine.
- $500,000 CAREER award to Samuel Chevalier for applying machine learning to improve power grid systems.
- $396,000 CAREER award to David Punihaole (Chemistry) researching protein behaviors within cells.
- $200,000 Engineering Research Initiation grant to Laura Treers (Mechanical Engineering) for underground robots to assist disaster relief and agriculture.
- $200,000 Engineering Research Initiation grant to Kathryn Hinkelman (Civil and Environmental Engineering) to study renewable energy systems.
These awards include four NSF CAREER grants, recognizing promising early-career faculty, and two Engineering Research Initiation grants supporting new projects.
Strengthening UVM’s Research Capacity
Kirk Dombrowski, UVM Vice President for Research and Economic Development, highlighted how these grants will boost UVM’s ability to conduct competitive research, attracting top faculty and students. The Office of Research Development actively supports faculty through grant identification, proposal management, and the new “Commit to Submit” program, which guides early-career researchers through NSF CAREER grant applications.
UVM’s recent R1 Carnegie Classification confirms its status among the top 3% of U.S. research universities. The university attracted a record $266 million in research funding in fiscal year 2024, supporting projects that advance science and environmental sustainability.
About the University of Vermont
Founded in 1791, UVM is a leading public land-grant university known for combining discovery, creativity, and community to support a sustainable future for people and the planet. It enrolls approximately 14,000 students from across the United States and over 75 countries.
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