Luis Rivera
Luis Rivera, an associate professor of Physical Sciences in Ferris State University’s College of Arts, Sciences and Education, has received a three-year, $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation supporting his work on “Innovative simulations to study pressure effects on fundamental gas-phase chemical processes.” Rivera said the funding will help provide Ferris students with valuable research experiences outside the classroom.
He further added that this Research at Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) award is a unique opportunity for undergraduate Ferris students. Undergraduate research experience allows students to integrate and apply basic chemical knowledge to real-world problems. Rivera said such research is essential to undergraduate education that provides growth, development and training.
“A two-year grant from the American Chemical Society allowed us to develop preliminary data on fundamental gas-phase chemical dynamics processes in the high-pressure collisional regime,” Rivera said. “Funding from the National Science Foundation is not easily acquired. So, we were glad to have succeeded in a highly competitive marketplace.”
Rivera said his student researchers will assist with these studies during the summer and the academic year.
“The NSF grant allows us to purchase equipment for our studies, and a portion of our funding can be used in outreach activities with area middle schools,” Rivera said. “Demonstrating investigative principles in that age group will prepare and inspire the next generation of young scholars and scientists as early as possible.”
In April, Rivera received word of his successful grant application.
“This grant presents a full-fledged opportunity for Ferris students to experience all aspects of participation in the scientific research community,” he said. “That will include producing journal entries and submissions to scientific publications, along with greater learning and networking, through attending national and international conferences.”
Thomas Dowling, the director of Ferris’ Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, highlighted the importance of NSF RUI funding supporting undergraduate student research year-round.
“This is our second RUI grant in the past three years,” Dowling said. “These grants are critical to support scientific research being conducted by our faculty and students and are awarded only to predominantly undergraduate institutions (PUIs). The goals of NSF’s RUI program align nicely with the university’s mission to engage faculty in their professional fields, build capacity for research at their home institution, and support the integration of research and undergraduate education.”
Physical Sciences Department Head David Frank said the grant receipt builds on Rivera’s contributions beyond his instructional role.
“Even though he is the newest tenure-track faculty member in our department, Rivera already has a track record of promoting research opportunities with our undergraduates and reaching out to K-12 students to increase their interest in science,” Frank said. “I look forward to the continuing contributions this grant will enable.”
Learn more about the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.