Native American Scientists Given Grant

The University of Montana’s Native American Research Laboratory soon will begin work on a novel biofuels technology aimed at making cellulosic ethanol production more efficient.

Research Assistant Professor and NARL Director Michael Ceballos recently received an EArly concept Grant for Exploratory Research (EAGER) from the National Science Foundation to develop a unique enzyme technology that was originally developed at the NASA Ames Research Center. The two-year grant is for $300,000, with an option for a one-year renewal.

NARL was established at UM in 2007 to provide advanced, hands-on scientific research opportunities to Native American science students in an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural environment guided by culturally relevant faculty mentors. Although NARL is dedicated to serving Native students, non-Native and international students also work at NARL to provide a truly cross-cultural research setting. This new award will introduce students to cutting-edge biofuels and alternative-energy research.