Lofgren Applauds Federal Grants for San Jose State University

Press Release

A combined $834,759 in federal funding for new programs at San Jose State University was announced today by U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose).

Two grants, awarded by the National Science Foundation, will support an interdisciplinary technology program for undergraduates and a study of astronomical science at SJSU.

A third grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services will support a new SJSU program to help libraries explore expanding internet access in their communities.

"I'm glad to see San Jose State University succeed in seeking federal funding to support new and exciting scholastic programs," said Lofgren. "These grants will help bring to SJSU the resources to better serve students and the university community at large."

$482,106 is designated for a project entitled "A Technology Pathway Program in Data Technology and Applications." The interdisciplinary program consists of four technical classes covering Python programming, data structures and algorithms, data technology, and a senior project. Additionally, program participants will be connected to professors and industry professionals in Silicon Valley for student support and role-modeling. If successful, it will likely spur other campuses to develop similar programs.

An additional $102,655 will help fund a San Jose State University investigation of the enigmatic "dark matter" in nearby galaxies by studying starlight at optical wavelengths and focusing on the faint outskirts of giant galaxies and recently-discovered dwarf galaxies. The project, called "Dark Matter in Galaxy Halos" will also use chemodynamics to map out dark matter distributions of giant early-type galaxies to study their assembly history.

A final $249,998 is to be awarded as a National Leadership Grant for Libraries -- a program that supports projects that address significant challenges and opportunities facing the library and archive fields. The project award in San Jose State University will help libraries dramatically expand internet access in their communities by using TVWhiteSpace -- a new low-cost wireless technology -- to provide connectivity as a part of disaster preparedness.

The National Science Foundation supports research, innovation, and discovery that provide the foundation for economic growth in this country. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums.

Source