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Panel Summary #1Proposal Number: 1003897Panel Summary: Intellectual Merit of the Proposed Activities This project proposes to transform materials science research and education throughout the state by creating the Louisiana Alliance for Simulation-Guided Materials Applications (LA-SiGMA). Institutions involved include Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech, Southern University, University of New Orleans, Xavier University, and Grambling State University. A major research focus of the Alliance will be to develop common computational tools for the study of multi-scale phenomena in three Science Driver areas of current strength in the State. Three areas were identified by the state (1) correlated electronic materials; (2) energy materials, and (3) biomolecular materials. In order to predict multi-scale system reactions new algorithms and computational tools are needed. They require input from various disciplines and a multi-disciplinary approach is planned. These collaborative activities could lead to transformative advances in materials science research and education in the State. The interaction of computational simulations and validation by experimentalists are an important and scientifically challenging element of this proposal. Efforts described in the proposal correspond with various scientifically recognized grand challenges. The research plan is clear and detailed and includes milestones. Broader impacts of the Proposed Activities A set of comprehensive programs will be created in the state. This will impact education and work force development. There are joint programs between smaller schools and research intensive schools. The broader impacts of the research are clear; the science drivers are not only of state importance but also of national importance. In particular, energy materials are one of the most critical issues facing the US. The proposal does a good job describing how this will impact work force development, graduate education, etc. Additional EPSCoR-specific Review Criteria: Integration of Research and Education Some activities include matching undergraduates with graduates in a mentoring relationship, faculty recruiting, distributed research activities for students. Including liaisons with industry also helps this area. The proposal would have benefited from more discussion on the integration of research and education. Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities There is an effort to concentrate on underrepresented groups and women. Four specific strategies are presented to achieve this goal. A Diversity Advisory Council has been recruited involving nationally recognized people with an ultimate goal of nine members, two thirds being women and 55% being African Americans. Financial incentives will be implemented to draw a diverse graduate student population with awards following successful completion of milestones on their way to a PhD degree. STEM pipeline systems include 4+1 (four years at one institution followed by one year at the second leading to a BS and an MS degree) and 3+2 (three years at one institution, two years at the second leading to engineering degrees from both institutions) programs for BS/MS degrees with the three participating HBCUs (Southern University, Xavier University, Grambling University). The Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP), Louisiana's implementation of NSF's Bridge to Doctorate program, will also be leveraged for this project. 1. Strategic Fidelity and Impact The goals are closely aligned with the state's SWOT analysis. It is clearly related to the state's strategic plan. It also capitalizes on existing state and university S and T assets. Existing investments in materials science will be leveraged. 2. Value Added The program involves clear peer-to-peer collaborations. The plan is to build on existing elements and eventually build a national center of excellence. Many faculty members, students, and postdocs will be involved and affected. There will also be new courses taught via video conferences. New faculty is also to be hired. It will also contribute to state workforce development related to this technology. 3. Cyberinfrastructure Plan The cyber infrastructure plan involves leveraging the LONI (Louisiana Optical Network Initiative)facilities, the Center for Computation and Technology at LSU, and migration to a national leadership class computing facility. 4. Diversity Plan There is a good diversity plan. The goal is to double participation of women and underrepresented groups in five years through this project. There is meaningful involvement for several HBCUs. There will also be short courses for undergraduates. In addition, there will be weekly video conferences that will allow the groups to communicate. A monthly newsletter will also help keep all involved and informed. 5. Workforce Development Plan There is a well-defined plan to improve the relationships between the two-year and four-year colleges. Execution of that plan will increase the number of students prepared for STEM careers. A program for grades 6-12 and two year college teachers will provide summer research training. REUs will also be developed. 6. External Engagement Plan The external engagement plan includes face-to-face meetings, meetings via HD video, dissemination of information to the K-12 community and two year colleges. The use of web portals to engage the community was very positive. A more explicit plan to engage the private sector would strengthen this proposal. 7. Evaluation and Assessment Plan The plan is comprehensive and includes specific milestones and metrics in various areas. There will be an External Review Board to guide and advise the project leaders, an internal evaluator will be assigned to assist in data gathering, and an external evaluator will be hired. Overall, the level of detail provided for milestones and outcomes is excellent. However, the panel would have liked more details on the duties of the internal evaluator and the qualifications of the "highly qualified" external evaluator who will be appointed. 8. Sustainability Plan The plan is to leverage prior EPSCoR investments and facilities in order to eventually become a computational materials science center of excellence for simulation guided materials. The program plans to obtain a federally funded center. Seed funds will also be used to help new faculty launch research programs and prepare for larger grants. The commitment to institutionalizing the new Ph.D. program in material science was viewed as positive. 9. Management Plan There is a statewide committee and an EPSCoR director. The PI is also the Director of the state's EPSCoR Committee. He will work with an External Review Committee and a Project Execution Team to manage the project. This is a complex management structure, but it is well thought out and should work effectively to deal with all the complexity of a project like this one. Major Strengths: The panel identified the following strengths in the proposed project: 1. The cyber-infrastructure plan is well done. 2. Experimentalists are working with the computational scientists. 3. This is an important area to tackle, going to the next level in scale of computation in both time and size. 4. The diversity of the participants including both undergraduates and faculty is a strength (including Grambling, Southern, Xavier). Funds are allocated among all participants. 5. There is a good track record of publications that indicates that strong dissemination can be expected. 6. Supplemental start-up packages for underrepresented minorities and women faculty are good.7. Joint faculty positions between the HBCUs and the other institutions are unique. 8. The internships for undergraduates, graduates, and post-docs with national labs are important. 9. Broadcasting of courses in computational science via HD video is good. 11. The intellectual merit is strong. There is a need for modeling material properties and this project can advance technology for nanoscale devices. 12. This group has the potential for really moving modeling of these systems to a higher level. 13. The budget is uniformly distributed among participants. 14. This proposal promotes collaboration among a diverse collection of colleges and universities. Major Weaknesses/Concerns: Although there were no major weaknesses in the proposal, the panel identified the following areas that could benefit by further explanation or discussion: 1. Some of the scientists in the project seem to be operating outside their area of expertise. There is some concern that without good experimentalists, the possibility of material defects may not be addressed. 2. The program seems to be similar to a previous one targeted at bio-materials. This seems to be an extension. Is there too much overlap? 3. Administrative costs are high. Several administrative positions are funded through the grant. However it seems to be coming from the indirect costs. Can this be clarified? Summary Statement: This is a strong proposal that could have national impact. Simulating these types of materials is a very important area. Credibility is enhanced by linking the project to grand challenges. The diversity plan is clear and appropriate. Reaching out to students has potential to affect the work force. The cyber-infrastructure plan is strong. Panel Recommendation: FundReview #1Proposal Number:?1003897Performing Organization:?Louisiana Brd of RegentsNSF Program:?Research Infrastructure ImprovementPrincipal?Investigator:?Khonsari, Michael MProposal Title:?Louisiana EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Rating:?ExcellentREVIEW:What is the Intellectual merit of the proposed activity? This project proposes to transform materials science research and education by creating the Louisiana Alliance for Simulation-Guided Materials Applications (LA-SiGMA).The focus will be the development of common computational tools for the study of multiscale phenomena in: 1) correlated electronic materials; 2) energy materials; and 3) biomolecular materials. The alliance members are: Louisiana State University, Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, University of New Orleans, Southern University at Baton Rouge, Tulane University and Xavier University. Common computational tools for multiscale simulations will be developed. These include next generation Monte Carlo codes, massively parallel density functional theory and force field methods, large-scale molecular dynamics. The science drivers are electronic and magnetic materials, materials for energy storage and generation, and biomolecular materials. What are the Broader impacts of the proposed activity? Materials by design has long been the holy grail of materials simulator. The creation of an integrated package over time and distance scales should enable this process. In addition, as computing power increases, the models used can become more realistic. The practical applications are many. Integration of Research and Education An education plan will deliver new materials science graduate courses. The project also features ongoing outreach between research universities, two-year colleges and the K-12 community. There is also a strong partnership with HBCUs, two-year colleges and other universities in the state. Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities To increase diversity the project will establish a diversity advisory council, provide financial incentives for pursuing advanced education, development of role models and by creating/expanding pipelines to graduate school. In addition, please provide your assessment of the proposal using the following EPSCoR-specific review criteria described in the program solicitation, NSF 09-570, Section VI.A.1. Strategic Fidelity and Impact The simulation-guided studies of materials is aligned with the State's master plan for economic development. State assets include Louisiana Optical Network Initiative (LONI). The Alliance leverages investments including the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices, the Institute for Micromanufacturing, the Advance Materials Research Institute and the Center for BioModular Multiscale Systems. 2. Value Added This project impacts the education and workforce development in the state. It should result in major transformations in education, research and most importantly in workforce development. 3. Cyberinfrastructure Plan The cyberinfrastructure plan involves leveraging the LONI facilities, the Center for Computation and Technology at LSU and migration to a national leadership class computing facility. 4. Diversity Plan Grambling, Southern and Xavier are classified as historically black universities. LA-SiGMA will leverage the Louis Stokes LAMP and the Bridge to Doctorate program. The goal is to double the women/minority membership in the Alliance by the end of the project. 5. Workforce Development Plan The project has a comprehensive program of workforce development involving high school, two-year college and undergraduate students. The RET program will train high school and two-year college instructors in the use of state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation including high-performance computing systems. 6. External Engagement Plan The Louisiana Public Broadcasting programs, web portals, newsletters, lectures, etc will be used to inform and engage the general public. Existing industrial liaisons will be used to communicate research results to industries. 7. Evaluation and Assessment Plan An external review board will evaluate and assess that the project goals and objectives are met. 8. Sustainability Plan This project should position the Alliance members to compete for and secure funding for centers of excellence in simulation-guided materials. 9. Management Plan LA-SiGMA has a well designed management plan (see Figure 7 of the proposal). Summary Statement: This is a well designed and integrated proposal. It should be funded.Review #2Proposal Number:?1003897Performing Organization:?Louisiana Brd of RegentsNSF Program:?Research Infrastructure ImprovementPrincipal?Investigator:?Khonsari, Michael MProposal Title:?Louisiana EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Rating:?ExcellentREVIEW:What is the Intellectual merit of the proposed activity? The central thrust of this application is the development of new computational tools that will serve as a common resource for the advancement of projects in three areas: (1) electronic materials, (2) energy materials and (3) biomolecular materials. The central thrust on computation allows this project to become a natural home for ciberinfrastructure improvement across the state of LA. The development of novel materials that, is the three science drivers of the project, should result from the combined computational and experimental efforts and is the ultimate goal of the proposal. Overall, the intellectual merit of the application is high. I was a little disappointed at the narrow focus of the goals of science driver #3 (development of biomaterials), which centers only on a single class of molecules with drug encapsulating properties. However, the overall research project is very well conceived. What are the Broader impacts of the proposed activity? New computational tools and new materials useful in technologically challenging fields should result from this well constructed project. The potential broader impacts could be socially and scientifically important. Integration of Research and Education The overall plan addresses and engages students at all levels, proposes curricular developments and certainly integrates education and research very nicely. Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities LA has made tremendous strides related to the integration and training of URMs in research careers. As the application points out, the state has hired some prominent minority role models who have played an effective role at encouraging and nurturing URMs towards advanced degress in S&T fields. The hiring of Prof Isiah Warner by the LSU Chemistry Department is a prime example. I have no doubt that this project will contribute to the continued success of diversity programs in LA. In addition, please provide your assessment of the proposal using the following EPSCoR-specific review criteria described in the program solicitation, NSF 09-570, Section VI.A.1. Strategic Fidelity and Impact The research projects in this application are mostly put together with extreme coherence and fidelity to the central computational thrust and the primary idea of developing new materials. In this regard, the application is excellent, even if one can argue about some specific aspects of the proposed research. 2. Value Added In my view this project will develop new computational tools that will be useful in various branches of science. The overall value added to the state scientific infrastructure will be considerable. 3. Cyberinfrastructure Plan As stated before, the computational thrust of the research facilitates immensely the connections to development of CI across the state. The four strategies described in the application are very well conceived and will be very effective. The state may position itself as an important center for scientific computation, if some of these initiatives are successful. 4. Diversity Plan As mentioned before, the diversity plans are solid and build on the considerable success of LA at engaging minorities into S&T careers. 5. Workforce Development Plan The proposal describes strategies to engage students at all levels, from middle and high school students to graduate students and postdoctoral associates. This is a very good, comprehensive workforce development plan. 6. External Engagement Plan The plans described in this section are also multi-faceted, but follow very traditional lines: web presence, educational publications, lectures, broadcasting, etc.. However, they cover almost every possible avenue for outreach. 7. Evaluation and Assessment Plan An Evaluation and Assessment Team will collect data and analyze it according to metrics provided in the application. The plans described appear to be appropriate. 8. Sustainability Plan Will be based on seed funding, of various kinds, including planning grants for major initiatives, industrial partnerships, etc.. Education and human resources development will also receive substantial attention. These plans are also very solid. 9. Management Plan The PI is also the Director of the States's EPSCoR Committee. He will work with an External Review Committee and a Project Execution Team to manage the project. This is a complex management structure, but it is well thought out and should work effectively to deal with all the complexity of a project like this one. Summary Statement: The PI is an experienced manager of EPSCoR projects and this is clearly apparent through the application. The research is well defined, focused on the development of computational tools, but also including important experimental work. The computational thrust facilitates the connection to CI development, the project is well managed and has strong diversity and educational components. A very well rounded project that should have significantly positive outputs for the state.Review #3Proposal Number:?1003897Performing Organization:?Louisiana Brd of RegentsNSF Program:?Research Infrastructure ImprovementPrincipal?Investigator:?Khonsari, Michael MProposal Title:?Louisiana EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Rating:?ExcellentREVIEW:What is the Intellectual merit of the proposed activity? Louisiana seeks to build a program around the theme of simulations. Simulations involved will include energy materials, biomolecular materials, and electronic materials. Several of the state's institutions are involved. Recent expansion of the cyber-infrastructure of the state will provide a platform for development. Tools will be developed to use the high performance computers that are available. What are the Broader impacts of the proposed activity? The plan is to demonstrate a model for cooperation among institutions of various types. Diversity efforts will increase the participation of underrepresented minorities. Integration of Research and Education The results of the projects will be used in short courses for community college students and others. In addition, research will be combined with education at several levels including K-12. Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities Diversity is woven into the program and thus it will help with integrating diversity. In addition, please provide your assessment of the proposal using the following EPSCoR-specific review criteria described in the program solicitation, NSF 09-570, Section VI.A.1. Strategic Fidelity and Impact The project seems to be planned for impact at all levels. Goals of the project are in line with state strategic plans. 2. Value Added The project would lead to a center of excellence in the state as well as developing materials science in the area. Science exposure will be increased in K-20 levels. 3. Cyberinfrastructure Plan The existing LONI network will be the foundation. Data will be stored and made available. Tools will be made available such as Cyber Tools for visualization. Video courses will be available to train researchers. 4. Diversity Plan The goal is to double present numbers of underrepresented minorities and women during the five years. Plans include a diversity advisory council, and scholarship funding for graduate school. Also planned is the development of role models. Pipelines to graduate school will link the state's HBCUs to 3+2 engineering and BS/MS programs. Efforts are also planned for community college students. 5. Workforce Development Plan Workforce efforts will reach down to middle school open houses. Teachers will be given research experiences to enable them to better encourage students to pursue STEM disciplines. Short courses will be offered in community colleges. Undergraduates will also do research in REUs. Other efforts are aimed at graduate students. 6. External Engagement Plan Efforts will be made to engage the public through public lectures, a web portal for project results, newsletters and broadcasts, and increased communication via the cyber-infrastructure. An effort will be made to establish international connections. 7. Evaluation and Assessment Plan Metrics and goals are clearly stated. An external review board is planned. An external evaluation will be hired to oversee the evaluation. The evaluation plan seems to cover the basic goals. Several milestones are mentioned in the text that do not seem to appear in the evaluation table. 8. Sustainability Plan Sustainability is planned through seed funding, planning grants focused on leading to other grants, links with industry and national labs, Faculty hired during the grant will be maintained. A plan is in hand to link students with faculty members for summer research. Grant writing workshops, conferences to share ideas, and other workshops will provide tools to sustain the projects. 9. Management Plan The team is listed along with duties and interactions. The central management team is composed of representatives from the institutions involved. There is also an external review board and an industry liaison team. Summary Statement: The project has several strengths. These include plans to involve many levels in the workforce development effort. The cooperation planned among institutions of varying types could serve as a model if successful.Review #4Proposal Number:?1003897Performing Organization:?Louisiana Brd of RegentsNSF Program:?Research Infrastructure ImprovementPrincipal?Investigator:?Khonsari, Michael MProposal Title:?Louisiana EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Rating:?ExcellentREVIEW:What is the Intellectual merit of the proposed activity? Plan provides for an ambitious effort to create a research program Louisiana Alliance for Simulation-Guided Materials Applications (LA-SiGMA). A major research focus of the Alliance will be to develop common computational tools for the study of multiscale phenomena in three Science Driver areas of current strength in the State, and of substantial technological and economic importance: (1) correlated electronic materials, (2) energy materials, and (3) biomolecular materials. As proposed Experiments at existing facilities will test computational predictions and lead to refinement of formalisms. These collaborative activities could lead to transformative advances in materials science research and education in the State. The interaction of computational simulations and validation by experimentalists are an important and scientifically challenging element of this proposal. Efforts described in proposal correspond with various scientifically recognized grand challenges. Scientific plan has very detailed plans and milestones. What are the Broader impacts of the proposed activity? Proposal anticipates major impacts in education and human resource development via a variety of integrative and collaborative education and outreach programs between the various participating universities; diversity; workforce development; external engagement. The focus of the project is so targeted yet the implications of the research potentially so far reaching that the project has the potential to establish a nationally if not internationally recognized reputation. Integration of Research and Education Strong involvement by both graduate and undergraduate institutions and training in use of cyberinfrastructure. Plan also includes Multifaceted diversity, workforce development, and external engagement plans including relationships with industries through researchers, industry liaisons, and the State EPSCoR Committee. Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities The team already has a good representation of various underrepresented groups and promises to take ambitious efforts to double their participation through the project. Various mechanisms will be used including: a Diversity Advisory Council; A prominent and collaborative role is played in the proposal by several HBCUs; diversity supplements; role model/mentoring. In addition, please provide your assessment of the proposal using the following EPSCoR-specific review criteria described in the program solicitation, NSF 09-570, Section VI.A.1. Strategic Fidelity and Impact Project is well aligned with the state's master plan for economic development. Existing assets include Louisiana Optical Network Initiative (LONI) a computing initiative which has helped recruit top notch scientists. Synergies also exist with CAMD, IfM, AMRI and CBM2 facilities. Collectively these assets have helped LA be chosen as a site for one of a small number of NSF TeraGrid resource providers. This efforts are coupled with workforce development efforts. Importantly, LA has pledged $2M cash match each year for this effort. The Alliance capitalizes on the jurisdiction's Cyberinfrastructure (CI) and past investments in experimental and computational materials science. While somewhat comfusing the project appears to include a very large commitment of cost-sharing 2. Value Added Arguments made in proposal of the need for peer-to-peer collaboration across disciplines and across computational, theroertical and experimental approaches is very persuasive. Applications can have implications for the various areas examined including electronic materials, energy materials, biomolecular materials. Participation of PI in State's Innovation Council should help insure greater impact. The foundation formed and the track record of previous projects bodes well for the impact from this one. Various universities have made commitments to new hires related to project goals. Budgeting is very complicated and will need to be viewed more carefully but they suggest they are giving $10M in cost share. 3. Cyberinfrastructure Plan They provide a very detailed and well conceived plan for implementing a cyber infrastructure that compliments LONI's investments. 4. Diversity Plan see above 5. Workforce Development Plan Efforts will target middle school and high school students via open house events on material science and involvement in summer research workshops and RET efforts; grades 6-12 and two year college teachers will be given opportunities for RETs; short courses for two-year college participants; summer research for undergraduates; and new courses and curricular for graduate students; and FIRST teaching program. 6. External Engagement Plan Will use extensive communication mechanisms including weekly seminars to promote internal communication; monthly electronic newletter; biannual "all hands" face to face meetings. Effots are planned to engage the general public; web portal; software tools for communication; new national and international collaborations. Would like to see more attention to how these efforts with be coordinated with the private sector who might employ graduates. 7. Evaluation and Assessment Plan Efforts will include direct data collection and feedback and review by an ERB. A very detailed and operational set of goals and milestones has been articulated and a commitment to evaluate progress toward these goals on a regular basis to provide feedback and improve performance has been made. Inclusion of objective and measurable milestones for their various strategies will go a long way toward enabling a very strong evaluation effort. Strategy looks very comprehensive and well conceived. Would like to have more details on the individuals and teams that will be responsible for executing this part of the project. Examples include primarily structural measures but also some fairly sophisticated measures. 8. Sustainability Plan Proposal argues that their investments and prior investments will result in a transformative and sustainable impact on computational materials research, education and applications and position them to compete for federally funded center of excellence in this area. Mechanisms for sustaining will include institutionalizing new PhD programs, aggressive recruiting of faculty and graduate students from underrepresented groups; seed funding efforts; etc. Effort will also include pilot funding for new initiatives; planning grants for major initiatives; links with industry and national labs; SBIR funding subsidies; industrial partnerships and travel grants. Not clear if this will be supported with project money or other money. If reached, the goal of winning a federally funded center of excellence in this area should go a long way toward helping achieve some level of sustainability. 9. Management Plan Strategy and team seems very well thought out and includes elements related to research, work force/education; diversity, evaluation and assessment. My only concern is the number and size of some committees/teams might be so large as to inhibit effective and quick action. Summary Statement: A very well conceived and described plan for putting LA on the "map" in a highly focused yet potentially impactful area of research. Throughout the proposal the authors include very concrete and measurable objectives and/or milestones that will make implementation and evaluation much easier. The funding strategy seems generous given the low overhead used but given the amount of support going to administrative individuals this warrants closer examinationReview #5Proposal Number:?1003897Performing Organization:?Louisiana Brd of RegentsNSF Program:?Research Infrastructure ImprovementPrincipal?Investigator:?Khonsari, Michael MProposal Title:?Louisiana EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Rating:?ExcellentREVIEW:What is the Intellectual merit of the proposed activity? The intellectual merit of this proposal to pursue the further development of computational materials science as applied to electronic, energy and biomolecular materials is high. The work of an alliance of scientists will be supported by an existing set of centers; La Optical Network Initiative (LONI), an advanced high performance computing network, the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD), Institute for Micromanufacturing (IfM) the Advanced Materials Research Institute (AMRI) and the Center for BioModular Multiscale Systems (CBM2). The current NSF RII award and other funding sources have put in place the needed supporting infrastructure for this proposal. Faculty research capacity to drive the proposed research exists and is of high quality, but this alliance of scientific capability is spread over the institutions around the state. Having LONI online makes the case for this proposal compelling. What are the Broader impacts of the proposed activity? The broader impacts for further developing computational materials science could potentially be highly significant. Bridging the important problems in materials science with a suite of new and more computationally versatile codes holds substantial promise. With earlier NSF support the state has made significant progress in developing networks for more effectively engaging and attracting underrepresented minorities to STEM careers; this proposal continues efforts to draw from this system and to expand outreach activities. Integration of Research and Education Weekly video conferencing by each research team across the state will help coordinate the work and serve to enhance the educational impact for participating students. Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities Four specific strategies are presented to achieve this goal. A Diversity Advisory Council has been recruited involving nationally recognized people with an ultimate goal of nine members, two thirds being women and 55% being African Americans. Financial incentives will be implemented to draw a diverse graduate student population with awards following successful completing of milestones on their way to a PhD degree. STEM pipeline systems include 4+1 and 3+2 programs for BS/MS degrees with the three participating HBCUs (Southern U, Xavier U, Grambling U). In addition, please provide your assessment of the proposal using the following EPSCoR-specific review criteria described in the program solicitation, NSF 09-570, Section VI.A.1. Strategic Fidelity and Impact There is an established alignment between proposed research, infrastructure and integration of these efforts. As noted above, the potential impact of the proposed work could position the state well into the competitive regime for this area of research across the country. This state is not just starting to invest in STEM and it has a successful record of using EPSCoR funding. 2. Value Added The proposed research aims to be at the forefront in the application of new computational tools to guide development of new materials for electronic, energy and biomaterials applications. This would have immense value for the state in driving creative research that has economic development potential. 3. Cyberinfrastructure Plan The state has made substantial investments in developing a function cyberinfrastructure for its educational institutions and this proposal will coordinate the used of this system to the advantage of a well thought out research plan. The objective of achieving an international class cyberinfrastructure appears realistic. 4. Diversity Plan The diversity plan of this proposal is mature and comprehensive. Starting with participation of three HBCUs in this proposal, the state's institutions have been national leaders in implementing mechanisms for building a diverse STEM population. The state's workforce includes 31% underrepresented minorities, but work continues in the STEM field to attract full representation from its minority population. 5. Workforce Development Plan This plan is integrated with its Diversity Plan, reaching into the educational system starting at the middle school level through the postdoctoral levels. Support for curricular development and engaging students and teachers in summer workshops and research programs is in place and will be further pursued. Milestones for each of the six strategies are provided as evaluation and assessment tools. 6. External Engagement Plan Eight strategies are proposed for effective external engagement. This plan is comprehensive and includes metrics for gauging success. 7. Evaluation and Assessment Plan This plan combines the metrics that have been incorporated into the plans above with specifics provided there. A table is provided that summarizes goals, metrics and success criteria. 8. Sustainability Plan Detailed plans for growing the independent research enterprise in the state are provided starting with an array of seed funding strategies. 9. Management Plan The state has had in place a management structure for EPSCoR programs for over twenty years. A Project Execution Team with representatives from the participating institutions that is organized into five specific areas of responsibility with specific tasks assigned. An External Advisory Board, mentioned above, meets biannually to assess progress and coordinate possible new areas of investigation. Summary Statement: The State of Louisiana has a long standing record of positively impacting STEM areas through EPSCoR funded programs. This proposal is uniform in its quality and is rated Excellent.Review #6Proposal Number:?1003897Performing Organization:?Louisiana Brd of RegentsNSF Program:?Research Infrastructure ImprovementPrincipal?Investigator:?Khonsari, Michael MProposal Title:?Louisiana EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Rating:?Multiple Rating: (Excellent/Very Good)REVIEW:What is the Intellectual merit of the proposed activity? The problems tackled in this proposal (organic conductors and magnets, superconductors, CNT arrays, hydrogen storage materials, biomaterials) are significant in nature. Taking computational chemistry the next step toward longer timescales and larger length scales is an exceedingly difficult but worthwhile goal. The team is well qualified in the methods, but the some of the experimentalists are outside their expertise. There are more than adequate computational resources to carry out the proposal. What are the Broader impacts of the proposed activity? The proposed activity will train large numbers of undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students. The inclusion of faculty from three institutions, Xavier, Southern U and Grambling if they utilized their undergraduate students would broaden the diversity of training. Also a significant effort has been made to include rural colleges in the research aspect of this endeavor. The two previous R-II's out of LA have shown good publication rate and so dissemination to at least scientific community. Integration of Research and Education The partnering of research universities with primarily undergraduate institutions (HBCU's) integrates and hopefully stimulates both endeavors. Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities see diversity In addition, please provide your assessment of the proposal using the following EPSCoR-specific review criteria described in the program solicitation, NSF 09-570, Section VI.A.1. Strategic Fidelity and Impact The jurisdiction has made significant investments in cyberinfrastructure and this proposal capitalizes on those strengths. The proposed research appears to be at the forefront of current computational chemistry, addressing the multiscale issue. The issues proposed are of national and international significance. 2. Value Added no comment 3. Cyberinfrastructure Plan All the cyberinfrastructure is in place from previous R-II awards. 4. Diversity Plan The plan calls for the establishment or continuance Diversity Advisory Council. There are Supplemental graduate assistantships for women and URM, in return they go back to UG institutions to recruit. Supplemental start-up packages for women and URM material science faculty are provided for in this proposal. There are 4+1 and 3+2 programs between HBCU's and LA Tech & Tulane. On of the real strengths here is the Joint faculty positions between HBCU's & Tulane, LA Tech, LSU. 5. Workforce Development Plan Some aspects of the workforce development plan include: Middle School and HS students exposed to materials projects at open house days on campus, Week long summer research workshops with discovery based modules for HS students, 6-12 teachers and 2 yr college faculty and Short courses in research instrumentation training for 2 yr and technical college students. There is also a Supercomputer boot camp for CC students. Money for 30 REU students from 2 yr and 4 yr institutions will be provided. There are proposed graduate level courses in computational science broadcast in HD video across state and training of Postdocs in best practices of teaching. Five internships per year with national labs and industry will be provided for UG, grads and post docs. 6. External Engagement Plan Research teams will interact weekly via synchronous HD video. Weekly rotating seminar broadcast via HD video is a great way to keep faculty across the state engaged. A monthly internal electronic newsletter will be published. The Biannual meeting will transition into international conference. They propose to engage the public by providing speakers for Louisiana Public broadcasting. While this is a good idea, I will take interest on LPB part. There will be a web portal for archived lectures, real-time seminars, course material and deliver classroom lectures of new courses. Lastly, there will be a Monthly EPSCoR newsletter and 'Speaking of Science Speakers Bureau' for K-16 lectures. 7. Evaluation and Assessment Plan A series of metrics has been established and Web-based collection system will be instituted. External Review Board will give recommendation to the Project execution team for midcourse corrections. Would have liked to see publication goals here. 8. Sustainability Plan Continue the competitive seed grants for junior faculty. Competitive planning grants for larger initiatives. There are competitive 'Phase Zero' SBIR/STTR grants to encourage high tech to area. This is the best part of the sustainability plan. Develop database to help faculty identify external funding. Plan is to position for a major center by end of funding by establishing the collaborations showing viability. 9. Management Plan There is a Project Director + 6 administrative positions. The project execution team consists of eight members with 1 member from each institution. An External Review board is employed for evaluation and assessment. Project management is set up well with various committees formed to review results and propose changes. However, the administrative costs seem rather excessive and maybe a better explanation would help here. Summary Statement: There are concerns that this is really more of a continuation of the last R-II on computational science and that the admin costs are significant. But the intellectual merit, diversity, external engagment and sustainability is very strong. Therefore, the very good/excellent.Review #7Proposal Number:?1003897Performing Organization:?Louisiana Brd of RegentsNSF Program:?Research Infrastructure ImprovementPrincipal?Investigator:?Khonsari, Michael MProposal Title:?Louisiana EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Rating:?ExcellentREVIEW:What is the Intellectual merit of the proposed activity? Modern materials that drives today's technology exhibit complex emergent phenomena which refers to properties that emerge from the collective behavior of the fundamental building blocks. Such properties are qualitatively different form the behavior of the constituent atoms and molecules. The principal barrier in the simulation guided journey from molecules to materials is this emergence of collective phenomena that span multiple length and time scales. New algorithms and computational method and teams that incorporate applied mathematicians, computer scientists and experimentalists are needed to develop and validate the computational tools. This requires collaborations that span multiple disciplines new modes of research and education and virtual organization that work across institutional boundaries. The investigators propose to address these challenges by creating the Louisiana Alliance for Simulation Guided Materials Applications (LA-SIGMA). The focus of the alliance will be to develop common computational tools for the study of multiscale phenomena in three science driver areas of current strength in the State and of substantial technological and economic importance: 1) correlated electronic materials, 2) energy materials and 3) biomolecular materials. The proposal does a good job with the research plan as well as selection of goals for the project. They clearly explain why are the science drivers selected. What are the Broader impacts of the proposed activity? The project will impact education and work force development in the State by creating a comprehensive set of programs addressing various demographic needs. The joint programs between smaller schools and research intensive schools are a good idea to improve the education and human resource development. The three science drivers selected are not only of State importance but of National importance. This consortium will accelerate the development of new materials. The broader impacts of the research are clear, the science drivers are not only of state importance but also of national importance. In particular, energy materials is one of the most critical issues facing the US. The proposal does a good job describing how they will impact work force development, graduate education, etc. The proposal would have benefited from more discussion on the integration of research and education. Integration of Research and Education Research and education are closely tied. Education activities among others that will be pursued is Faculty recruitment, distributed research experiences for students, the EPSCoR office will establish a state wide network to march promising undergraduates with a priority on women and underrepresented groups with faculty mentors for summer research experience as the faculty member home institution. The goal is to provide 50 student research experiences per year. Conduct State wide EPSCoR workshops and conferences. The proposal would have benefited of more specific examples/discussion of the integration of research and education. Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities They do a good job in describing how they will attempt to provide opportunities for women and underrepresented, they have ambitious goals. They will set up a Diversity Advisory Council. Under the guidance of the Diversity Advisory Council they will set up summer fellowships for undergraduate and research supplements for graduate students. In addition, please provide your assessment of the proposal using the following EPSCoR-specific review criteria described in the program solicitation, NSF 09-570, Section VI.A.1. Strategic Fidelity and Impact The goal of simulation guided studies of material is well aligned with the State's master plan for economic development and state wide computational, experimental and intellectual assets. These assets include the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative (LONI), the most advanced high performance computing and communications infrastructure among EPSCoR States. The alliance will leverage existing investments in experimental materials science facilities including the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices, the Institute for Micromanufacturing, the Advanced Mateirals Research Institute and the Center for BioModular Multiscale Systems. 2. Value Added The payoff from this project will be significant. It will transform research and education in computational materials throughout Louisiana. The alliance will have more than 100 faculty, postdocs, and students and will be sustained by collaborations involving shared students and postdocs. New PhD program in computational materials, new courses taught via video and aggressive pursuit of external funding that will lead to a national center of excellence. 3. Cyberinfrastructure Plan This is clearly an strong point of this proposal. They do an excellent job in this aspect. 1. They will leverage the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative (LONI), to connect the materials science centers of excellence at Louisiana's research universities, during a second phase, they will extend connectivity to almost all four year institutions as well as 2 year technical colleges 2. They will take advantage of LSU, Computational Center of Excellence and Technology. CCT scientist will adapt many of the Cyber Tools developed through the proposal period to the needs of the team. 3. Migrate to a National Leadership Class Computing 4. Expand impact of LA-SiGMA by publishing the details of the computational algorithms developed in journals such as computer physics communications. 4. Diversity Plan Women make up 19% of the senior personnel. The racial/ethnic makeup includes 6% African American, 6% Hispanic and 17% Asian American. Over 21% of the graduate students and 14% of the postdoctoral fellows are women. Underrepresented minorities of both genders make up 10% of the graduate students and 11% of postdocs. They propose four strategies with the goal to doubling each statistic in five years: 1. Establish a Diversity Advisory Council, 2. Provide financial incentives for pursuing advanced education, by supplementing assistantships, 3. Development of role models and 4. Create/expand pipe lines to graduate school, to the mixed degree programs. 5. Workforce Development Plan They propose to greatly increase the work force by improving the relationship between the two year college system and the four year institutions. They will make efforts to match industry needs with materials science education and training. This activities will be coordinated by the LSU LA-SiGMA staff member requested n the budget. Specific strategies involve 1. Middle School and high school students will be exposed to computational and experimental materials science projects through campus open house events held at participating universities, 2. Grades 6 to 12 and two year college teachers will be offered summer RET program held annually, 3. Have several focused programs for two year college students, 4. Take advantage of the REU program, etc. 6. External Engagement Plan They have developed a multi-institutional external engagement program that will provide a wll prepared and competent workforce and educate and engage the public. Through the use of face to face meetings and CI tools such as synchronous HD video, the information will be disseminated between participants, the K-12 community, two year colleges and the general public. Create web portals for distribution of project deliverables. Create a repository and version control system for code development, use newsletters, brochures, etc describing the alliance activities. 7. Evaluation and Assessment Plan A comprehensive evaluation and assessment plan will be created based on (1) the research milestones, (2) the milestones and success criteria for each strategy and (3) global metrics designed to measure the impact of the project on the jurisdiction's S&T enterprise. The Evaluation and Assessment team will execute this plan by providing raw data as well as summary evaluations to the External Review Board, which will guide and advise the alliance. The proposal does a good job describing the assessment plan. 8. Sustainability Plan By leveraging prior NSF EPSCoR investments and state-funded research facilities, they will build state wide interdisciplinary research collaborations involving computational scientists, computer scientists and engineers, applied mathematicians, theorists and experimentalists. A sustainable interinstitutional computational materials science program will be built. They do a good job in discussing the long term sustainability of the alliance. The end goal is to compete for and secure the first federally funded center of excellence for simulation guided materials applications in Louisiana. 9. Management Plan Since its establishment, LA EPSCoR has existed as a fully integrated entitity within the LA board of regents. The EPSCoR project director is responsible for the overall management of this project. He implements and executes the directives of the 21 member state wide EPSCoR committee. The EPSCoR committee meets formally a minimum of twice yearly while its elected executive committee meets more often. The project execution team oversees the day to day activities of the project. They do a good job describing the management plan. Summary Statement: Many technologically important materials exhibit complex collective phenomena that cannot be predicted from the properties of the individual units. This behavior emerges due to correlations between the individual units spanning multiple time and length scales. This multiplicity of scales presents a formidable barrier to the simulation guided design of modern materials. The scientific and technological challenges of addressing multiscale complex phenomena call for unprecedented collaboration of computational scientists, theoreticians, scientists and engineers, with expertise at each scale. They need to take advantage of the national investments in the next generation of computational capabilities, to develop experimentally verified algorithms that span all relevant scales. This proposal proposes to transform materials science research and education throughout the State of Louisiana by creating the Louisiana Alliance for Simulation Guided Materials Applications (LA-SIGMA).Review #8Proposal Number:?1003897Performing Organization:?Louisiana Brd of RegentsNSF Program:?Research Infrastructure ImprovementPrincipal?Investigator:?Khonsari, Michael MProposal Title:?Louisiana EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Rating:?ExcellentREVIEW:What is the Intellectual merit of the proposed activity? In the proposal, the goal is to transform the materials science research and education throughout the State of Louisiana by creating the Louisiana Alliance for Simulation-Guided Materials Applications (LA-SiGMA). A major research focus of the Alliance will be to develop common computational tools for the study of multiscale phenomena in three Science Driver areas of current strength in the State, and of substantial technological and economic importance: (1) correlated electronic materials, (2) energy materials, and (3) biomolecular materials. What are the Broader impacts of the proposed activity? The project will impact education and workforce development in the State by creating a comprehensive set of programs addressing various demographic needs, which will result in major transformations in education, research, and workforce development in the State, as follows. Integration of Research and Education Pipelines to advanced education will be created through 3 joint programs such as the 4+1 program between Grambling and LA Tech for undergraduates to gain an Applied Physics MS degree in five years of study, the 3+2 dual degree program between Xavier and Tulane, and the 2+2 program between SUBR and Baton Rouge Community College. They also plan to leverage a new interinstitutional PhD program in Materials Science (collaboration between LSU, SUBR, and UNO) and an interdisciplinary PhD in Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology at LA Tech that will be proposed to the Louisiana Board of Regents. Integrating Diversity into NSF Programs, Projects, and Activities Under the guidance of LA-SiGMA's Diversity Advisory Council, specific recruiting and retention measures are planned to increase the participation of women and underrepresented groups in the activities of the Alliance, including summer fellowships for undergraduates and research supplements of up to $15,000 for graduate students. Project funds will be used to help recruit outstanding women/minority faculty into Alliance institutions. The Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP), Louisiana's implementation of NSF's Bridge to Doctorate program, will also be leveraged for this project. In addition, please provide your assessment of the proposal using the following EPSCoR-specific review criteria described in the program solicitation, NSF 09-570, Section VI.A.1. Strategic Fidelity and Impact Strengths: 1.The proposed infrastructure, education, external engagement and technology transfer plans are well aligned with the central research themes. 2. There is a strategic and well organized level of integration among the shared facilities and research partners. 3. LA plans to leverage the following strengths: diverse population of students, over 21 four year colleges and 5 PhD granting institutions. It is also home to several historically black colleges. Also, it is a recent recipient of both state and federal funding including $9M annually for the LSU Center for Computation and Technology. It also has physical and intellectual infrastructure for experimental and computational materials science. The proposal aims to use the funding from the proposal and leverage it existing funding and intellectual infrastructure to address its primary barrier: lack of critical mass of intellectual capital at a single location, by establishing cooperative research among institutions. 2. Value Added Strengths: 1. The value added by these efforts are: - An education plan that includes new materials science graduate courses delivered across the State; - Well-developed relationships between research universities, two-year colleges, and the K-12 community through ongoing outreach efforts; - Strong partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), two-year colleges, and other universities in the State; - Involvement of predominantly undergraduate institutions as partners in research; - A team focused on training students and researchers to fully utilize the next generation cyber infrastructure (CI); - Multifaceted diversity, workforce development, and external engagement plans including relationships with industries through researchers, industry liaisons, and the State EPSCoR Committee; - Rigorous evaluation and assessment by an external evaluator, and feedback through an External Review Board (ERB) to ensure that goals and objectives of the project are met. 2. The scope and depth of the proposed activities are appropriate to achieve project impact. 3. Cyberinfrastructure Plan 1. The cyber infrastructure plan support and integrate the science and technology plan well by incorporating four strategies: - Leverage LONI facilities - Build upon the CCT and Cybertools RII - Migrate to National Leadership Class Computing - Expand impact of LA-SiGMA 2. Milestones are clearly stated, and position the jurisdiction for future cyber infrastructure development. 4. Diversity Plan Strengths: The plan has concrete milestones with anticipated deliverables and dates for achievement. The plan includes: - Establish a Diversity Advisory Council - Provide financial incentives for pursuing advanced education - Development of role models - Create/expand pipelines to graduate school Also this proposal leverages work with three different HSBCUs for connecting with and advancing interest and graduation of underrepresented people in STEM fields. 5. Workforce Development Plan Strength: There is a comprehensive program for middle and high school students, teachers, two-year students, four year students, graduate students and post docs. In addition to these programs, Jeff Lynn, the Executive Director of Louisiana FastStart (a workforce solutions provider that works with businesses) will direct efforts to match industry needs with materials science education and training efforts. There are two letters of support from industry. 6. External Engagement Plan Strengths: The plan is comprehensive and well developed. The public will be informed and engaged though LA Public broadcasting, web portals, newsletters, press releases, and public lectures. Websites for distributing codes and technical knowledge will be developed within the Alliance. The Alliance will use existing industrial liaisons to communicate research progress to industries that may have a strong interest in our discoveries. 7. Evaluation and Assessment Plan The assessment and evaluation plan is rigorous and complete. The metric and clear and criteria for measuring project accomplishments are well defined. Internal and external reviewers are identified. 8. Sustainability Plan Excellent plan for sustainability. 9. Management Plan The management structure is well described. The membership and roles of the governing committees and external advisors are plainly identified. Summary Statement: The proposal is well written and comprehensive for addressing both intellectual merit and broader impacts. ................
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