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Eight young faculty researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have been awarded National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development awards for projects starting in 2016.

The grants, known as CAREER awards from the NSF, have a combined value of more than $5.9 million and represent the most winners in a single year for the University.

“These awards represent the future of UNC,” said Terry Magnuson, vice chancellor for research. “The projects themselves reflect the scholarly diversity and excellence of our institution. That we have eight NSF CAREER award winners this year is a testament to Carolina’s national leadership in research.”

The 2016 awardees are Eric Brustad, James Cahoon, Leslie Hicks and Alexander Miller, all assistant professors of chemistry; Nicholas Law, assistant professor of physics and astronomy; and Justin Sawon, associate professor of mathematics; all from the College of Arts and Sciences; Robert Capra, assistant professor of information and library science, School of Information and Library Science; and Kihyun “Kelly” Ryoo, assistant professor of learning sciences, School of Education.

The CAREER award is the NSF’s most highly esteemed recognition for junior faculty members conducting scientific research. The awards support the early career development activities of teacher-scholars who are most likely to become the academic leaders of the 21st century. Recipients are selected based on creative career-development plans that effectively integrate research and education in the context of the missions of their institutions.

Under Magnuson’s leadership, the Office of Research Development has made expansion of NSF research funding and projects a goal for the University and has helped support young faculty in their pursuit of awards such as CAREER grants. The office recently created an on-campus learning community to connect prospective awardees with expertise of senior NSF-funded faculty, proposal support and peer mentoring. 

“The increased number of CAREER awards this year is a terrific early outcome of our new NSF Learning Community,” said Eliana Perrin, associate vice chancellor for research and director of the Office of Research Development. “In time, we expect to see a vibrant community of NSF scholars who work together, share resources, and celebrate in each other’s successes. It’s always great to secure nearly $6 million in new funding for research in North Carolina, and the contribution to science is priceless.”

Published September 29, 2016