Contact: Maridith Geuder
Graduate students at four Mississippi universities are being invited to apply for research grants that support the state's efforts to commercialize remote sensing technology.
The Mississippi Space Commerce Initiative is providing up to 10 awards of $12,000 each to students at the master's and doctoral levels at Jackson State and Mississippi State universities, along with the universities of Mississippi, and Southern Mississippi. The four schools compose the Mississippi Research Consortium.
April 10 is the application deadline.
Remote sensing uses satellites and aircraft to capture data on the ground. Current MSCI projects include the characterization of ground cover and the earth's surface, use of remote sensing data to manage natural resources, and development of online software and data for analyzing remote sensing data.
MSU consortium coordinator Frank Howell said the awards support research projects related to the needs of members of the space commerce consortium. MSCI is a partnership between the university research consortium, State of Mississippi, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and private industry, he added.
"Our goals are to develop, commercialize and expand the remote sensing industry in Mississippi," said Howell, a professor of sociology and research scientist.
In addition to student fellowships, MSCI is providing two awards for sabbatical support for remote sensing scientists and up to five awards for post-doctoral fellows working in remote sensing applications. In 2000-01, as much as $2.5 million is being allocated for research support, Howell said.
Applications and additional information may be obtained at MSU's Sponsored Programs Administration web site http://www.msstate.edu/dept/spa/funding/2001fellowship.html.