WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the University of Memphis will receive two National Science Foundation grants totaling nearly $950,000.

The first grant, for $467,837, under the direction of Drs. Yufeng Zhang and Chidambaram Ramanathan, will support study of the biochemistry and other features of the red coloration in northern cardinal birds (Cardinalis cardinalis). This project aims to uncover how the red coloration is inherently linked to the core processes required for cellular health. Understanding how biological signals, such as red coloration, convey information has broad implications for furthering our understanding of evolutionary biology, agriculture, and conservation. The project also contains an outreach component designed to engage K-12 students and families in hands-on demonstrations illustrating how scientists test their hypotheses.

The second, for $478,511, under the direction of Drs. Chrysanthe Preza and Stephanie Ivey, will underwrite studying artificial intelligence in multidisciplinary engineering research supporting the development of a strong engineering workforce. Both projects support the National Science Foundation's statutory mission.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"These projects delve into important areas of scientific research and will increase our knowledge. I commend Drs. Zhang, Ramanathan, Preza and Ivey for receiving these prestigious National Science Foundation grants and wish them well in reaching their research goals."

# # #