Three UW System Regent Scholars will be honored at the Board of Regents meeting Feb. 4 for innovative project ideas concerning research, economic development and entrepreneurship.
Created in 2014 with the hopes of institutionalizing undergraduate research at two-year and four-year Wisconsin campuses, the Regent Scholar Program provides grants to fund summer research projects involving both faculty and students that will foster collaborative thinking and development, according to its website.
After submitting applications reviewed by a selection committee comprised of both public and private sector experts, three recipients from around the UW System will each be granted $50,000 to pursue the research project they created, according to a UW System release.
This year’s Regent Scholars include associate professor Joseph Hupy from UW-Eau Claire, assistant professor Mohammad Rabbani from UW-Platteville and professor Toivo Kallas from UW-Oshkosh.
Hupy’s project will stimulate and refine the work of unmanned aerial systems, while Kallas’ seeks to develop fast-growing microalgae that could mitigate carbon emissions.
Rabbani will focus his research on synthesis of porous organic polymers used in a gas separation application, which will allow students and faculty to use “cutting-edge” technology and work with other industry partners, according to the release.
UW System President Ray Cross also noted the value of the grant program.
“This program recognizes and honors outside-the-box thinking by UW faculty and undergraduates across Wisconsin,” Cross said in the statement. “The Regent Scholar grants provide recognition at the highest level for work done by our dedicated and talented faculty to prepare a high quality workforce and ultimately to accelerate business and community development statewide.”
