Gov. Terry McAuliffe today announced a research collaboration with NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton to engage students, recent graduates, early career professionals, and veterans to work on applied Earth science research projects to benefit the Commonwealth. A team of NASA Applied Sciences’ DEVELOP Program participants will co-locate within the Virginia Secretary of Technology’s office in Richmond and help design feasibility projects that apply NASA Earth Science to address Commonwealth concerns.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with the NASA Langley DEVELOP team,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Engaging our students, early career professionals, and veterans in utilizing technology and science to address topics of economic importance to the Commonwealth is a great way to maximize our resources and keep Virginia at the forefront of 21stCentury science and innovation.”
DEVELOP is part of the NASA Applied Sciences Program, which supports activities that discover and demonstrate innovative uses and practical benefits of NASA Earth science data, scientific knowledge, and technology. The DEVELOPNational Program fosters an interdisciplinary research environment where applied science research projects are conducted under the guidance of NASA and partner science advisors. DEVELOP participants will work directly with Commonwealth professionals on research projects that focus on utilizing NASA Earth observations to address community concerns and public policy issues.
Virginia and the DEVELOP Program have conducted successful projects in the past. In 2013, a DEVELOP team utilized NASA Earth observations to identify suitable locations for expansion of viticulture in the Commonwealth. Project outcomes included providing the Virginia agriculture industry geospatial information products designed to support more sustainable site and varietal selections.
DEVELOP will work with Commonwealth officials to design new projects addressing environmental concerns in areas such as agriculture, ecological forecasting, water resources, and air quality. DEVELOP offers research opportunities for participants during three 10-week terms per year. In Virginia, DEVELOP has activity in Wise County, Hampton, and now Richmond. In 2014, DEVELOP anticipates engaging approximately 100 Virginia residents in applied Earth science research projects across the Commonwealth.
More information on the DEVELOP program can be found at http://develop.larc.nasa.gov/
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