We’re celebrating some major scientific wins! The College of Science is thrilled to announce that Dr. Eugene Shakirov and Dr. Kyle Palmquist have each received the esteemed CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation—one of the most competitive and prestigious honors for early-career faculty. Together, their awards total nearly $1.8 million in support for groundbreaking research and student training.
Dr. Shakirov’s research focuses on telomeres, structures found at the ends of chromosomes, that protect genetic information during cell division, playing a crucial role in aging and stress resilience. His project examines how telomere length might influence plant growth and reproduction, potentially leading to improved agricultural productivity in changing environmental conditions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Palmquist’s research aims to understand the interactions between invasive species, wildfires and environmental changes focusing on big sagebrush ecosystems in the western United States. These habitats are vital for wildlife and the ranching industry and have significant economic implications.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Shakirov and Dr. Palmquist on this incredible recognition and their commitment to pushing science forward—one discovery at a time!
