Grants to WMU exceed $24 million for the year

KALAMAZOO—Externally funded awards to Western Michigan University soared past $4.2 million in May and June, pushing the year-end total of grants received for the 2012-13 fiscal year past the $24 million mark, WMU trustees learned at their July 18 meeting.

Research grants surpassed all other categories, exceeding $2.6 million, followed by awards for public service at $1.3 million. Notable research awards included a new, previously announced grant of $387,483 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Dr. Steven Bertman, professor of chemistry, to conduct a research effort aimed at determining the impact of organic aerosol materials on climate and air quality. A second new research grant of $303,000 from the National Science Foundation was awarded to Dr. Sharon Gill, assistant professor of biological sciences, and Dr. Koorosh Naghshineh, professor of mechanical and aeronautical engineering, to better understand how environmental noise affects wild animals.

The largest public service grant was an $856,335 award from Kalamazoo Community Mental Health Services to Dr. Carol Sundberg, director of the WMU Center for Disability Services. The grant will provide daily living, communication, behavior control and social skill services to developmentally disabled adults.

Grants for instruction came in at $253,167.