# CAREER: HCC: DiTwiST: Enabling Digital Twinning of Nature-Inspired Structural Coloration Taxonomy

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Clemson University (SC) · $639,544

## Abstract

By effectively mimicking natural, energy-efficient, nano-structural designs through computer simulations, scientists could fabricate novel optical materials with applications in energy-efficient products and visual computing pipelines. Examples of such natural designs abound, including those found on insect wings, insect-eye lenses, bird feathers, and rock surfaces. However, challenges to this optical biomimicry are compounded by the scale, volume, diversity, and intricate interplay of underlying wave-optical phenomena. Subtle light-matter interactions significantly influence the observable properties of light perceived by human observers and/or man-made sensors. This project will develop an effective and efficient, data-driven computational framework that leverages mathematical simplifications to accurately and affordably model complex light-matter interactions. This work will empower researchers to design, prototype, and fabricate cutting-edge, energy-efficient products for capturing, sensing, and displaying visual information. This work will contribute to advancements in the automobile, military, biomedical, architectural, and art and entertainment industries. Furthermore, this project will create new learning materials, develop framework usage guidelines, and disseminate knowledge through K-12 engagement to foster STEM education among aspiring scientists and visual computing professionals.

To achieve these goals, the investigator will develop a computational framework 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2442797
- **Awardee organization:** Clemson University (SC)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** H2BMNX7DSKU8
- **PI:** Daljit Singh Dhillon
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Cyber-Human Systems, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $639,544
- **Funds obligated:** $417,766
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2025 → 05/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2442797

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2442797, CAREER: HCC: DiTwiST: Enabling Digital Twinning of Nature-Inspired Structural Coloration Taxonomy. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2442797. Licensed CC0.

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