Visclosky Announces National Science Foundation Award for Valparaiso University

Today, Congressman Pete Visclosky announced a federal award to Valparaiso University for a research program in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The award, granted by the National Science Foundation (NSF), will be used to fund an undergraduate research project in the field of astronomy under the direction of Dr. Todd Hillwig. The project is entitled “An Observational Exploration of the Late Stages of Close Binary Star Evolution in Low to Intermediate Mass Stars.”

We are very pleased to receive this grant from the National Science Foundation,” said President Mark A. Heckler of Valparaiso University. “Not only will this research advance our understanding of supernovas and related areas, but the research itself will involve Valparaiso University's undergraduates, working alongside our distinguished faculty members. We appreciate this recognition of our capabilities to conduct outstanding research and provide exceptional educational opportunities for our students.

Visclosky said, “I am very pleased to see that Valparaiso University has again been provided federal assistance through the National Science Foundation. Through the support of the NSF, Valparaiso students can continue to remain at the forefront of science by further studying an area within astronomy where there is much to discovered.”

The award will be effective October 1, 2011. The award totals $212,349.

More information regarding the award will be available at the NSF Award Abstracts database at http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=1109683.