# LEAPS-MPS: Elucidating the Properties and Role of a Stress-induced Fluorescence State in Photosynthetic Diatoms

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Southwestern University (TX) · $249,918

## Abstract

In this project, funded by the MPS-LEAPS (Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways) Program and managed by the Division of Chemistry (CHE), Professor Massey and her students at Southwestern University will perform studies to investigate the effects of native environment and external stressors on light harvesting in diatoms, a type of marine algae that contribute up to 25% of global photosynthetic carbon fixation. The diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum (P. tricornutum) emits from a lower energy fluorescence state, F710, when grown under red light or other light stress conditions. Professor Massey and her students will use fluorescence spectroscopy to study how other environmental and stress conditions affect emission from this low energy state. Their studies will increase understanding of how diatoms acclimate to robustly harvest solar energy under stress. These projects will train undergraduate researchers in both the research lab and a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) lab, preparing them to be successful research scientists. Additionally, local K-12 students will be engaged through science outreach, inspiring future generations to pursue STEM careers.

Professor Massey and her students will employ steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopies to examine the effects of environment and stress on light-harvesting dynamics in P. tricornutum at physiological and cryogenic temperatures. These experiments will provide insight into the physical prop

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2532618
- **Awardee organization:** Southwestern University (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** RGXCR1T4F7M6
- **PI:** Sara C Massey
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Biotechnology, REU SUPP-Res Exp for Ugrd Supp
- **Estimated total:** $249,918
- **Funds obligated:** $249,918
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2532618

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2532618, LEAPS-MPS: Elucidating the Properties and Role of a Stress-induced Fluorescence State in Photosynthetic Diatoms. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2532618. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*