National Science Foundation

Annual Report 1987 About the National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation is an is helped by advisers, primarily from independent federal agency created by the scientific community, who serve on the National Science Foundation Act of formal committees or as ad hoc review­ 1950 (P.L. 81-507). Its aim is to promote ers of proposals. This advisory system, and advance scientific progress in the which focuses on both program direc­ United States. The idea of such a founda­ tion and specific proposals, involves tion was an outgrowth of the important more than 59,000 scientists and en­ contributions made by science and gineers a year NSF staff members who technology during World War II. From are experts in a certain field or area those first days, NSF has had a unique make final award decisions; applicants place in the federal government: it is get verbatim unsigned copies of peer responsible for the overall health of reviews and can appeal those decisions. science and engineering across all Awardees are wholly responsible for disciplines. In contrast, other federal doing their research and preparing the agencies support research focused on specific missions, such as health or ation does not assume responsiblity for defense. The Foundation is also commit­ such findings or their interpretation. ted to expanding the nation's supply of scientists, engineers, and science * * * * educators. NSF fiands research in all fields of NSF welcomes proposals on behalf of science and engineering. It does this all qualified scientists and engineers through grants and contracts to more and strongly encourages women, mi­ than 2000 colleges, universities, and norities, and persons with disabilities other research institutions in all parts to compete fully in its programs. of the United States. The Foundation In accordance with federal statutes accounts for about 25 percent of federal and regulations and NSF policies, no support to academic institutions for person on grounds of race, color, age, basic research. sex, national origin, or disability shall NSF receives more than 32,000 pro- be excluded from participation in, de­ p-osals each year for research, graduate nied the benefits of, or be subject to fellowships, and math/science/engi­ discrimination under any program or neering education; it makes more than activity receiving financial assistance 15,000 awards. These go to universities, from the National Science Foundation. colleges, academic consortia, nonprofit Facilitation Awards for Handi­ institutions, and small businesses. The capped Scientists and Engineers (VAU) agency operates no laboratories itself provides funding for special assistance but does support National Research or equipment to enable persons with Centers, certain oceanographic vessels, disabilities (investigators and other and antarctic research stations. The staff, including student research assis­ Foundation also aids cooperative tants) to work on an NSF project. See research between universities and the FAH announcement or contact the industry and U.S. participation in inter­ FAJl Coordinator at (202) 357-7456. national scientific efforts. The National Science Foundation has The Foundation is run by apresiden- TDD (Telephonic Device for the Deaf) tially appointed Director and Board of capability, which enables individuals 24 scientists and engineers, as well as with hearing impairment to communi­ top university and industry ofiHcials. cate with the Division of Personnel and NSF is structured much like a univer­ Management about NSF programs, em­ sity, with grant-making divisions for the ployment, or general information. This various disciplines and fields of science number is (202) 357-7492. and engineering. The Foundation's staff National Science Foundation Annual Report 1987

Annual Report for Fiscal Year 1987

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 Letter of Ti?aiismittal

Washington, D.C.

DEAR MR PRESIDENT:

I have the honor to transmit herewith the Annual Report for Fiscal Year 1987 of the National Science Foundation, for submis­ sion to the Congress as required by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950.

Respectfully,

Erich Bloch Director, National Science Foundation

The Honorable The President of the United States CONTENTS

Director's Statement iv HighUghts 2 Chapter 1: hito the 1990's 22 Chapter 2: Human Resources and Education 2 8 Precollege Education 28 Undergraduate and Graduate Education 33 Other Activities 33 Outreach to the Public 37 Chapter 3: Disciplinary Research 44 Physical Sciences/Mathematics 44 Biological Sciences 47 Geosciences 52 Computer Science 58 Engineering 60

International Activities 64 Small Business Grants 65 Chapter 4: Basic Research: Centers, Groups, and histrumentation 66 New Efforts 66 Other Activities 72 Instrumentation News 78 Chapters: Awards 82 Chapter 6: Operations, Organization, NSF People 88 Chapter 7: Conclusion 96 Appendixes Appendix A. NSF Staff and National Science Board Members (FY 1987) 98 Appendix B. Patents and Financial Report for FY 1987 102 Appendix C. Advisory Committees and Chairpersons for FY 1987 106

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION III DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

s we look back on 1987 and ahead to the last years of the twentieth century, the most striking feature on the land- .scape of science and engineering is imbalance between the supply and demand for new knowledge. On the one hand, the supply of new knowledge seems unlimited. Super­ conductivity has captured our imagina­ tion with the possibility of much more efficient transportation and electrical power systems. Supercomputers and "chaos theory" in mathematics prom­ ise to help us understand such com­ plex phenomena as weather patterns, turbulence in fluid systems, and the distribution of biological resources. Biotechnology is already a growing industry driven by basic research in biology and especially in genetics. It is already clear that these sciences will science can help us understand this create continuing revolutions in agri­ problem in time to solve it before culture and health care. permanent damage is done to the American manufacturing, which is environment. essential to our economic well-being, is beginning to make a comeback as "Increasing the supply of knowledge new materials, robotics, computer- requires solving two serious prob­ aided engineering design, and other lems. First among them is educa­ technologies emerge from basic tion ... The second problem is to research and find application. devote the necessary resources to Is this "supply" of new knowledge basic research." enough? Is it even too much? Some critics argue that knowledge is devel­ Economic competitiveness is oping too rapidly, that we should slow another example. New knowledge down and give our social systems time created through basic research is the to adapt. Yet the demand for new source of new products and manufac­ knowledge is much greater than the turing processes for the internaLional supply marketplace—and thus the key to Our rapidly developing knowledge maintaining American prosperity and of the effect of chlorofluorocarbons our standard of living. on the ozone layer is a good example: Ozone and economic competitive­ only intensive use of the most advanced ness are only two current examples of the problems our civilization will face

IV NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION in coming decades. We have no way of knowing what new problems will appear tomorrow, or next year But we can be certain that we will need still more knowledge to cope with these problems. In an uncertain world, knowledge—along with the scientists and engineers who produce it—is our most important resource. Increasing the supply of knowledge requires solving two serious prob­ lems. First among them is education: we must find the ways and the means for our schools to teach all our young people basic concepts in science and mathematics. And many more stu­ dents—especially women and minorities—must be encouraged to go beyond the basics into preparation for careers in science or engineering. In an increasingly technological world, many more of our leaders in industry, in government, and in academia must have technical training if we are to control events. The second problem is to devote the necessary resources to basic research. We spend about two-tenths of one percent of our GNP on such research—not much, when we con­ sider its importance. And the fraction has not changed significantly in 20 years, although science and engi­ neering have become vastly more important. There are no easy solutions to these problems. But the search for solutions deserves our best efforts, and it defines the mission of the National Science Foundation as we move toward the 21st century.

Ericb Bloch NSF Director

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 1 Then ye who now on heavenly nectar fare, Come celebrate with me in song the name Of Newton, to the Muses dear; for he Unlocked the hidden treasures of Truth: So richly through his mind had Phoebus cast The radiaace of his divinity, Nearer the god no mortal may approach — Edmund Halley in his preface to Isaac Newton's Principia

In 1687, Isaac Newton revolutionized the natural sciences widi the publication of his land­ mark book, Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica, more commonly known as the Principia. Among Newton's achievements in his Principia, written in only 18 months, were mathematical expressions for the laws of motion and gravitational attraction. A new universe of information opened up to scientists: Newton explained the orbits of the planets around the sun, irregularities in the moon's orbit, and the cause of ocean tides. In 1987, the 300th anniversary of Newton's Principia, new discoveries once again made news in the natural sciences, especially in as­ tronomy and materials science. Astronomers detected supernova 1987A, the brightest explod­ ing star visible from earth since 1604. And die discovery of materials that conduct electricity without resistance or energy loss at higher tem­ peratures than few dreamed possible has been called the most important scientific finding of the latter half of the twentieth century

HIGHLIGHTS 1987 Superconductors

he year 1987 could be dubbed "the year of the supers" — a time of super­ computer applications, supernova T sightings, superconducting materials discovered. But among all the scientific stories of the year, the discovery of new types of superconductors led the way Ever since a Dutch scientist in High-Temperature Superconductor This 1911 found that a pure crystal of mer­ solid model of a crystal cury lost all resistance to electric cur­ structure was produced rent when cooled to ultracold temper­ using software developed atures—4 degrees above absolute by IBM. As modeled here, zero or -460 Fahrenheit — scientists the ingredients of this compound are barium have searched for materials that are (green), yttrium (silver), superconducting at higher tempera­ copper atoms (blue), and tures. For 75 years that search turned oxygen atoms (red). The up materials that required only slightly compound generated less cooling to become superconduct­ great interest because of the observation of ing. A steady and costly supply of superconductivity with a liquid helium was needed for super­ critical temperature above conducting magnets and circuits to the boiling point of liquid operate. nitrogen. Magnetic levitation. A modern permanent magnet floats above a yttrium-barium-copper oxide superconductor at Uquid nitrogen tempera­ ture (-321F). In order to expel the permanent magnetic field from the superconductor, a current flows near the surface of the superconductor to produce the opposing field. Then, in 1986, IBM researchers in the tracks, could glide effortlessly at Zurich reported the onset of supercon­ hundreds of miles per hour without ductivity in a ceramic compound at a encountering friction from the metal temperature a few degrees higher rails. Brookhaven National Laboratory than previously observed.* The report on Long Island, NY, has demonstrated sparked the interest of a number of that a cable made of one of the older, research teams, including one headed low-temperature superconductors, by solid-state physicists Paul Chu at although only 16 inches thick, could the University'of Houston and M.K. Wu carry one-eighth of the electricity at the University of Alabama at needed by New York City on the hottest Huntsville. The team reproduced the day of the yean Zurich results and in early 1987 took Paul Chu was serving as a year-long a giant leap forward: using a new director in the NSF solid-state physics ceramic compound of their own con­ program when his discovery was an­ coction, Chu and Wu achieved the nounced, and he is a long-time reci­ superconducting state at temperatures pient of NSF research funds. M.K. Wu's more than a hundred degrees higher laboratory in Huntsville is supported (in Fahrenheit) than ever before. byanNSFactivit •qllpri F-srnf The finding sent puzzled theorists Program to Stimulate Competitive back to the blackboard and experimen­ Research (EPSCoR). talists rushing to their laboratories. The discovery also meant that an im­ portant economic barrier had been crossed. Since ceramic superconduc­ tors become superconducting using only liquid nitrogen (at about 40 cents a gallon a cheap and plentiful coolant), potential applications to daily life may be enormous. For example, if the new materials can be fashioned into circuits or wires that can carry large currents without losing their superconducting properties, they may result in such applications as power generators and transmission lines that do not experi­ ence power loss, or large magnets that could be used for more precise medi­ cal imaging. Creating powerful magnetic fields and electric currents, high-tempera­ ture superconductors would provide energy at a fraction of the cost needed to operate older superconducting circuits. Levitating trains, floating in a superconducting magnetic field above

*The Zurich team was among the 1987 Nobel Prize winners, based on this superconduc­ tivity work. Research on superconductivity. M.K. Wu (University of Alabama at Huntsville) studied superconductivity through an NSF grant designed to stimulate competitive research in certain states. Other research teams, including ing at high temperatures are not well makes superconductivity possible at those at AT&T Bell Labs, IBM, and in understood. That certain materials those temperatures.* Japan, Switzerland, and China have lose all resistance to electric current At a government-sponsored confer­ also reported superconductivity at at any temperature is a startling con­ ence on superconductivity held during record high temperatures. cept: even good "normal" conductors, the summer of 1987, President Reagan The almost weekly announcements such as copper wire, usually require a announced an 11-point plan to pro­ on superconducting materials created battery or other source of energy to mote further work in superconductiv­ a flurry of new activity in the scientific keep current moving. ity and ensure U.S. readiness to take community worldwide. An evening At the submicroscopic level, the the lead in commercial applications of session devoted to superconductivity electrons that make up current nor­ the new research. NSF support in this at the March 1987 meeting of the Amer­ mally collide with atoms and im­ area has approximately doubled, to ican Physical Society turned into an purities in the conducting material. about $10 million. Included in this all-nighter with standing room only; These collisions waste energy and the amount is $1 million that NSF added scientists still talk about the session as electric current is slowed. But in the to its support of materials research at "the Woodstock of Physics." And at a old, low-temperature superconduc­ three of the Materials Research Spring 1987 meeting of the National tors, according to an accepted theory Laboratories it funds. NSF also set Science Board, 15-year-old Heidi electrons pair off at lower tempera­ aside $600,000 for rapid start-up grants Grant, the daughter of IBM supercon­ tures and shield one another from for engineers working on processing ductor researcher Paul Grant, de­ these energy-depleting collisions. At the new superconducting materials. monstrated one of the ceramic mate­ higher temperatures, however, the rials she had made for just a few dollars electron pairs break and superconduc­ *In January 1988, Paul Chu announced the discovery of yet another compound that in her father's laboratory tivity is lost. Theoreticians, aware of became superconducting at about 254 de­ For all the excitement, the reasons the existence of high-temperature grees below zero Fahrenheit. This compound why materials become superconduct­ superconductors, are now puzzling is made of bismuth, aluminum, strontium, over the physical mechanism that calcium, and copper oxide. Super Year in Astronomy

stronomy also had a remarkable year sive as the sun collapse under their in 1987—a year of both illuminating own gravitational pull. Such explo­ discoveries and puzzling results. From sions are not rare, but because most the sighting of the brilliant supernova are too far and too faint to be observed explosion known as 1987Ato surpris­ in detail, the quest to understand how ing evidence for the existence of seven they happen has largely been limited new galaxies in a region thought to be to theoretical analysis and computer empty space, astronomers were del­ modeling. But supernova 1987A, a uged with new information about the living model burning with the light of universe. 100 million suns in a neighboring galaxy put many existing theories to "Super" Star Draws Worldwide the test. And since the explosion was Research Effort visible only from the Southern Hemi­ Astronomers will long remember sphere, observatories in the clear the night of February 23, 1987. On a mountain air of Chile, including the desolate mountaintop in northern NSF-funded Cerro Tololo Inter-Amer­ Chile, a Canadian astronomer ican Observatory, became the focus of ^lllTipsGci 311 Liili3iXiili3.r brlgiit spot on worldwide research efforts. a freshly exposed photographic plate Only hours after announcem.ent of of the Magellanic Cloud, a galaxy a the discovery, Cerro Tololo telescopes billion billion miles from earth. The captured some of the first detailed spot was no chemical aberration: an images of the new supernova. Analysis object so brilliant it could be seen with of these images and the light produced the naked eye had suddenly appeared by the February explosion revealed in the galaxy Scientists glimpsed na- that the supernova was caused by the tore at its most explosive: supernova collapse of a star known as a super- 1987A, the first of its kind sighted in giant. Further studies found that the 1987 and the brightest visible from supergiant was of a type commonly earth since 1604, had been born. believed to be too hot to give rise to Supernovas are the glowing clouds a supernova, forcing scientists to revise of gas and dust particles hurled into their theories somewhat. space when stars several times as mas­

Observing the supernova. Astronomers used the Curtis-Schmidt telescope at Cerro Tololo to photograph and observe supernova 1987A. Supernova 1987A. Located in the Large Magellanic Cloud near the Tarantula nebula, the brilliant supernova 1987A burns with the light of 100 million suns and is the closest supernova seen since the invention of the telescope. This wide-field photograph was taken by the Curtis-Schmidt telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. Supporting evidence that a super- The supernova attracted both as­ giant had given rise to the supernova tronomers who study the large scale came from photographic plates of the and scientists who search for sub­ Large Magellanic Cloud taken two atomic relics of the stellar explosion. decades ago at Cerro Tololo. Nicholas In a salt mine far below ground in Lake Sanduleak, then a staff astronomer, Erie, in the Kamioka lead and zinc had analyzed the light and catalogued mine in Japan, in the Mont Blanc Tun­ the position of a number of stars from nel linking France and Italy, and in the galaxy, including a supergiant now another tunnel under Mount Elbrus in known as Sanduleak -69 degrees/202. the Soviet Union, physicists monitored Twenty years later, the location of the detectors for the elusive subatomic supernova closely matched the posi­ particles called neutrinos. They are tion of the Sanduleak star. And ul­ predicted to be produced during a traviolet studies revealed that the star supernova, preceding the emission of had disappeared after the supernova visible light. Neutrinos were detected, explosion. The close connection be­ affirming our understanding of how tween the two was unmistakable. supernovas occur Other unusual features of supernova 1987A were also uncovered at Cerro Largest Galascy Discovered Tololo. Using a special rapid exposure 7\stronomers discovered in 1987 the photographic technique, astronomers largest galaxy yet known in the uni­ discovered an unexpected, glowing verse, a giant spiral 13 times as big as companion near the supernova. And our own Milky Way galaxy while light from most supernovas Known as Markarian 348, the galaxy reaches a peak intensity quickly, super­ had first been observed by optical nova 1987A increased its brilliancy for telescope more than 20 years ago, but three months, equalling the brightness was thought to be the size of the Milky of a star in the Big Dipper before Way More recently, Markarian 348 slowly fading from view drew the attention of Susan Simkin, Scientists have since turned their an astronomer at Michigan Stafe Uni­ attention to exploring the dense, col­ versity Simkin was making a study of lapsed star that is the burned out rem­ very bright galaxies, including Marka­ nant of the explosion, along with the rian 348. gases still racing outward into space — there to mingle with gases left over from the time when the star was formed. In fact, NASA's Solar Maximum Satellite and two Australian balloon experiments have already provided additional evidence that exploding stars such as the supernova create key heavy elements, including metals, from lighter elements. The balloon-lofted instruments in­ volved were highly sensitive detectors of gamma radiation; they made the first clear detection of gamma-ray emissions from a stellar explosion and helped scientists deduce the elements Image of MKn 348. Astronomer Susan Simkin examines a computer-entianced image of Marlcarian 348. that produced the radiation. Simkin and her collaborators Other Astronomy Findings In a separate research effort, a team studied the radiation from the galaxy Astronomers from several institu­ of British and American astronomers using both the optical telescope at tions — using a variety of optical tele­ has found that our own galaxy, the Mount Palomar Observatory in Califor­ scopes — have discovered seven rare Milky Way, and thousands of its neigh­ nia and the Very Large Array (VIA) galaxies in a portion of the universe bors are speeding across space at the radio telescope, an NSF-supported that was presumed to be empty space. rate of 400 miles per second. The facility in New Mexico. The data from Their work was done at Kitt Peak Na­ finding intrigued and baffled the scien­ the radio telescope surprised the re­ tional Observatory an NSF-supported tific community, since none of the search team. Markarian 348 had a facility in Arizona. The galaxies, un­ theories that explain the formation diameter of 1.3 million light years, the usual because they include energetic and structure of the universe can ac­ largest single galaxy yet observed. A gases that indicate they may be giving count for the observed motion. One light year is the distance light travels birth to new stars, are located in the of many conjectures about the un­ in a year, about six trillion miles. direction of the constellation Bootes. explained motion, known as large- According to Simkin, the high reso­ The "empty" region where the galaxies scale streaming, is that the galaxies are lution of the VLA telescope — acmally were found is so vast that 2,000 galaxies being pulled by the gravitational force an assemblage of 27 radio antennas the size of the Milky Way would be of some huge, as yet undiscovered that move on railroad tracks — was expected in that space. object. Research that led to the discov­ crucial to accurate measurement of Discovery of the galaxies has impor­ er}? was conducted at observatories the distant galaxy's size. tant repercussions for theories on the worldwide, including the Kitt Peal< Simkin's collaborators were Jac­ formation and clustering of galaxies National Observatory. queline van Gorkom, a staff as­ and on the way matter is distributed tronomer at the National Radio As­ in the universe. tronomy Observatory; John Hibbard, a former summer student at the VIA; and Su Hong-jun from the Purple Mountain Observatory in the People's Republic of China.

Largest galaxy. Astronomers in 1987 found that Markarian 348, a giant spiral galaxy first sighted more than 20 years ago, is the largest galaxy yet known in the universe. It is 13 times as large as the Milky Way. (In this composite optical image, cold, neutral hydro­ gen is shown in blue; stars in the galaxy and surrounding field are red.)

CoUaborative efi'ort. Su Hong-jun, at die Purple Mountain Observatory in the People's Republic of China, was a coUaborator in Markarian 348 research. Pulsed Magnetic Field

esearchers at the Francis Bitter Na­ MIT laboratory developed a copper- tional Magnet Laboratory at MIT have niobium wire whose mechanical built a magnet that produces pulses of strength and high electric and thermal R magnetic field twice as strong as the conductivity were used to create a largest steady-state device. Previous magnetic field of 68.4 tesla, more than research at the laboratory led to crea­ a million times as large as the earth's tion of the world's largest steady-state field. The high intensity and relatively magnetic field (described in NSF's FY long duration of the magnetic pulse — 1986 annual report). about five-thousandths of a second — This new tool, which generates a allow researchers to extend the mea­ magnetic field that peaks in strength surements with a weaker steady-state every few minutes, gives scientists a magnet. One important application is highly accurate and inexpensive probe in measuring the "critical field" of a for studying the magnetic and elec­ superconductor, the magnetic field tronic properties of metals, semicon­ beyond which the material no longer ductors, and superconductors — in­ allows no-resistance flow of electric cluding the new superconducting current. Measuring the critical field of materials only recently discovered. each of the new superconductors aids Working in collaboration with scientists in understanding these excit­ Supercon, Inc., a small company in ing and sometimes puzzling materials. Massachusetts, Simon Foner of the

Pulsed magnetic field. This MIT magnet produces a pulsed magnetic field twice as n'.grUy a inexpensive tool for probing the properties of many materials, including the new superconductors. Hardened steel shell contains the highly stressed magnet. Antiparticles

ntiparticles are tJie mirror images of subatomic particles such as the proton or electron, possessing nearly identical properties, but with the opposite elec­ tric charge. An antiproton, for exam­ ple, is the equivalent of a proton with a negative charge. Although the study of antiparticles is crucial for testing fundamental theories about how the universe was formed, antiparticles can be created in large quantities only at high energies and high velocities. Scientists have been unable to slow down these particles long enough to analyze them precisely The antiproton has proved particu­ larly elusive. But a collaboration of U.S. and West German researchers led by experimental physicist Gerald Gabrielse at Harvard University found placed at the front and back of the Antiparticle research. Shown a method for trapping these particles here are electrodes for the ion for periods up to 10 minutes in a chamber kept the antiparticles bounc­ trap used by U.S. and West container the size of a matchbox. The ing back and forth, while a strategically German researchers to capture researchers began with a beam of placed magnetic field prevented the and hold antiprotons. energetic antiprotons produced by the antiparticles from slipping out from large accelerator at the European the chamber sides. Center for Nuclear Research (CERN) Succeeding in only a day, the inves­ in Switzerland. A CERN apparatus tigators for the first time confined called the Low Energy Electron Ring thousands of antiprotons in the removed large amounts of energy chamber for tenths of seconds. Five from the beam, but the researchers antiprotons were trapped for as long were still faced with capturing antipro­ as 10 minutes. As of this writing, the tons possessing millions of electron- scientists expect to trap antiprotons volts of energy And due to tight for more than a day, enabling them to scheduling, they had only 24 hours to measure the mass of the antiparticles perform the experiment. at least 100 times as precisely as ever First the scientists passed the anti­ before. Physical theories about ele­ proton beam through a thick metal mentary particles — the basis of our disc, causing the beam to lose energy understanding about how matter is put by collision with electrons inside the together — predict that the mass of the metal. Next, the researchers used pow­ antiproton must be exactly the same erful electric and magnetic fields to as its mirror twin, the proton. But confine the energetic antiparticles experiments have not ruled out a tiny inside a vacuum chamber only a few deviation. If the mass of an antiproton inches long. A large negative voltage is found to be more or less than that applied alternately to electrodes of a proton, it could be one of the most significant discoveries in physics in quite a few years. Antarctic Ozone Layer: Research Continues

dentists investigating the ozone "hole" the continent), the National Oceanic that occurs over Antarctica between and Atmospheric Administration September and November (see NSF (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Annual Report for FY 1986) found in Space Administration (NASA), and the 1987 that the depletion of the ozone Chemical Manufacturers' Association. layer there was more pronounced than The scientific leader of the expedition, in previous years. Preliminary results atmospheric chemist Susan Solomon suggest that both chemical and mete­ of NOAA, and her colleagues used orological factors may produce the molecular properties of Ught absorp­ phenomenon. Moreover, the ozone tion to measure concentrations of hole was evident over the tip of South ozone and chemicals suspected of America as well. playing a role in ozone depletion. The chemical products suspected of Other scientists included the father- depleting ozone, known as chloroflu­ son team ofDavid and Frank Murcray orocarbons, are widely used in refrig­ from the University of Denver The eration, foam insulation, and some Murcrays analyzed the absorption of aerosol sprays. the sun's infrared radiation by a station. number of gases in the antarctic atmo­ the U.S. Antarctic Program's station sphere. Bruce Morley and Edward about 840 miles from the South Pole, Uthe of SRI International used an in­ found in 1987 that the ozone hole strument (called a lidar) specially contained well over 100 times the designed for the expedition to shoot usual concentration of the compound a fine beam of light at the antarctic chlorine monoxide, which is pro­ stratosphere. Information on the time duced by chlorofluorocarbons and it took for the beam to return to earth depletes ozone through a complex helped the researchers determine the chain of chemical reactions. Prelimi­ location of polar clouds and layers of nary data analysis also suggests that aerosols. Antarctica's extremely cold strato­ In September 1987 two NASA air­ sphere and circulation patterns may planes fitted with special instruments contribute significantly to the ozone to collect atmospheric data flew into problem. and around the ozone hole. The data Liic aiiiiLiai they collected complemented results hole, about 35 to 50 percent of fhe from ground-based investigations at ozone disappears. Recovery usually McMurdo Station. Then at the end of occurs around late November or early 1987 scientists reported that the winter December The hole, first reported by mass of extremely cold air over the British scientists in 1985, is about five White Continent had stayed about miles thick and covers an area more three weeks longer than it did the year Balloon Launch. Scientists launch an than twice the size of the United States. before — an event that may be directly instrumented balloon at Amundsen-Scott Understanding the depletion process related to the ozone hole. (The antarc­ South Pole Station in November 1987. Measurements showed ozone to be is important, because atmospheric tic air may have warmed more slowly returning to the stratosphere above the ozone shields the earth from most of because there was less ozone to absorb 1^ cnn c Antarctica of several months during the which can cause skin cancer in human At this writing, the 1987 data are still springtime "ozone hole." The ozone beings and can harm both animals and being analyzed, and planning for a dramatically increased by 2 5 percent in third NOZE expedition is under way. 24 hours and returned to normal over a plants. period of several days. Scientists relate In August 1987 seven teams of U.S. the hole to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) sciendsts pardcipated in the second used throughout the world in industrial National Ozone Expedition (NOZE). applications and to atmospheric NOZE is a cooperative effort spon­ conditions unique to Antarctica. sored by NSF (the lead U.S. agency on New Technique Finds Earth's Core Hotter than Expected

sing a powerful gun that accelerates projectiles to enormous speeds, researchers have determined that the u earth's center is thousands of degrees hotter than previously thought. Geophysicists have long known that the earth's outer core is made of mol­ ten iron under high pressure. Since the core must be at least as hot as the temperature to melt iron, discovering iron's melting point at high pressure gives the minimum possible tempera­ ture of the core. But previous efforts to determine the melting point relied on extrapolations from measurements of iron melted at much lower pres­ sures. Scientists had estimated that the earth's core was about 7100 degrees Fahrenheit. But using specially designed guns, the largest 106 feet long and weighing 35 tons, California Institute of Technol­ ogy researchers, collaborating with the University of California at Berkeley found a better way to simulate condi­ tions at the earth's center The guns enabled geophysicist ThomasJ. Ahrens and his collaborators to fire plastic and tantalum bullets speeding at 16,000 miles per hour at crystals coated with a thin layer of iron. For less than a millionth of a second, the bullets' impact nearly recreated the enormous pressure of molten iron at the center of the earth. With these measurements, the research team estimated that the temperature of the earth's inner core Core of the matter Thomas J. Ahrens was about 12,000 degrees Fahrenheit— checks procedures for firing Caltech's hotter than the surface of the sun. light gas gun, which simulates the high In past years, Ahrens and his group pressures at the earth's core. have used the guns to compress the gemstone garnet into a crystal struc­ ture never before seen; fired bullets at hydrogen targets to simulate the envi­ ronment deep inside Jupiter and Samrn; and found evidence for the hypodiesis that a gigantic meteor hit the earth millions of years ago, perhaps leading to the extinction of dinosaurs. Bacterium Is Link to Past

esearchers have discovered in Thai In addition to its evolutionary signifi­ rice paddies a bacterium whose an­ cance, the bacterium may also be cient ancestors may have created the useful as an efficient nitrogen fertilizer oxygen-rich atmosphere that sustains Unlike other types of bacteria that R Ufe on earth. The microbe, known as convert nitrogen into a form useful for Heliobacillus mobilis, belongs to a plants, heliobacteria live indepen­ recently discovered group of bacteria dently and do not attach themselves to caUed Heliobacteria. a host plant for survival (as do the Heliobacteria respond to light and more common Rhizobium, now under contain a form of chlorophyU which is intense study in genetic engineering intermediate to that found in green labs). And the particular heliobacteria plants and cyanobacteria—the first found in the Thai rice paddies "fix" or bacteria to release oxygen on earth. convert nitrogen to a useful form 10 Current theory holds that early forms times faster than do any other heliobac­ of cyanobacteria used energy from teria known. sunlight to transform the earth's atmo­

sphere into an oxygen-rich blanket FR. Turner, Inciiana University, Bloomington suitable ior animal lire. Structural similarities between cyanobacteria and Heliobacillus mobilis were only one clue that led an Indiana University research team to suggest that the newly discovered microbe could be the direct descen­ dant of the ancient bacterium that produced cyanobacteria. Further evidence, according to biologist and research team leader Howard Gest, came from the compari­ son of molecules called ribosomal SoU research. Scanning RNA that are found in heliobacteria electron micrograph shows Heliobacterium and other microbes. Ribosomal RNA, chlorum cells. This is a which plays a crucial role in making slow-moving bacterium proteins, has evolved slowly over the isolated from the soil at years. The type found in Heliobacillus Bloomington, Indiana. mobilis closely matched the ribosomal (Bar equals 5 micro­ meters.) RNA found in some older bacteria that do not respond to light, the team noted, yet the RNA was strikingly differ­ ent from that residing in other, more common light-sensitive bacteria. The new bacterium, related to both cyano­ bacteria and older, more primitive clearly miarked as an evolutionary link.

Evolutionary link. Electron micrograph depicts a single cell of Heliobacillus mobilis, a bacterium isolated from Thai rice paddy soil. It swims fast by means of hair-like flagella and may be closely linked to the ancient organisms that provided the oxygen-rich atmosphere for life on earth. Marine Life Research May Yield Insight into Brain Function

esearchers Daniel md Aileen Morse 2.t These biochemical findings are the University of Cahfornia at Santa being used by hatchery owners to Barbara have discovered that some increase the supply of abalone by R red algae produce chemical signals enhancing the conversion of larvae to that regulate metamorphosis of the edible adult animals. The information marine mollusk, the abalone, from its will also lead to a better understanding larval stage to its mature form (well of the role of chemical signals in reef known as a seafood delicacy). The formation and how the hulls of ships chemicals produced by red algae are become coated by marine organisms. short chains of amino acids known as Such findings also have potential for peptides. These algal peptides have creating new probes to study the cen­ also been shown to function in the tral nervous system. Researchers study­ mammalian brain by binding to recep­ ing the binding ability of the algal tor sites that normally respond to peptides to GABA receptors in the GABA (gamma amino butyric acid), a mouse brain hope to learn about the hormone-like chemical involved in interaction of the peptides and the transmission of signals between nerve receptors. In the future such peptides cells. The red algal peptides actually may be used to develop new, more bind to brain receptors for GABA 100 specific drugs for treating GABA- times more tightly than does GABA related brain disorders. itself Conversely GABA functions simi­ larly to the algal peptides in stimulat­ Receptor recognition of an environmental signal. In this lab experiment, abalone larvae capable of undergoing developmental ing the metamorphosis of the abalone metamorphosis have recently settied, and are browsing upon, a red larvae. algal surface. The larval surface receptors controlling the events of metamorphosis have been activated by contact with unique peptides at the alga's surface. Insects, Leg Design, Walking Robots

research teain at Oregon State Univer­ This research effort, which also sity has studied the leg motion of included Oregon State mechanical insects to help lay the foundation for engineer Stephen Albright, is funded A developing the next generation of by an experimental program within walking robots and remote-control NSF's engineering division that seeks moving equipment. According to engi­ out creative and novel engineering neer Eugene Fiehter, who collaborated ideas not being exploited (see chapter on the study with his wife, entomolo- 2 for more description). gistBecky Fiehter, "Insects are magnifi­ At Oregon's University of Portland, cent models for walking machines" scientists have taken a different ap­ because of their variety of walking proach to understanding the chal­ styles and the types of surfaces they lenges of controlling complex machin­ travel on. Surfaces insects walk on ery. The Portland team, headed by range from smooth to bumpy, vertical Michael C. Mulder and senior re­ to horizontal, and solids to webs. Some searcher Neldon Wagner, used a two- insects walk slowly, while others run legged walker that can balance only rapidly and jump many times their while moving. The walker relied on uuuy iciigui. an innovative gyroscope-like device to This type of versatility must become keep its balance, as well as a multiple part of the design of walking robots if computer system and sensors to mea­ machines are to achieve the capabili­ sure its position and adjust for varying ties of animals. Smdying spiders or terrain. A special hydraulic engine other web-walking insects, for exam­ shifted weight from one leg to the ple, could teach important lessons on other as needed, according to com­ how inspection machines might crawl puter instructions. between the walls inside a nuclear The multiple computers, known as reactor building or how robots could a parallel processing system, allow the climb the steel frame of a building walker to make several decisions under construction. Present walking about moving swiftly and simultane­ machines have had some success as ously more akin to the action of die engineering models, but their move­ human brain than computers which ments are limited. process information step by step. while other researchers have ana­ In practice, a sensor similar in Ixmc- lyzed the gait of insects to investigate tion to a gyroscope detects how far the how their feet may be used as sensors, walker is leaning over; other sensors there have been no previous detailed in the legs and "feet" monitor the studies of the way insect legs move or angle of joints and the hardness of the how their leg structure limits possible ground. The information is fed back movement. The insect study, an on­ 500 times a second to a computer, Robotics. Michael Mulder (right) and Neldon Wagner are seen with the going project, is conducted by record­ which compares the acmal position of two-legged robot they designed at ing movement on film, video recorder, the robot to a computer model and Oregon's University of Pordand. and computer vision systems. A com­ makes adjustments for die difference puter compares the movements actu­ by regulating balancing fluid in the ally taken by the animal with tlieoreti- legs of the walker Rather than aiming cal limits assumed by engineering to create the perfect walking robot, the mechanics. The researchers have mea­ research team views the walker as a sured leg segments, identified types of means to learn more about sensor- joints, and studied the way adjacent based control of complex machines. joints are arranged. Infants Imitate Adults from Day 1

nfant imitation of adult behavior has According to Meltzoff, the findings long been recognized as playing a demonstrate that "from the earliest crucial role in the social and cognitive stages, even before they acquire lan- development of children. But until guage, infants are exquisitely sensitive recently, scientists believed that infants to adult actions, and [this] indicates the could not imitate facial gestures until profound influence that these observa- they reached about one year of age. dons can have on the infant's sub- Developmental psychologist Andrew sequent behavior" A'; Meltzoff and his colleagues at the University of Washington demonstra­ ted, however, that babies who were only 12 to 21 days old mimicked such gestures in adults as sticking out a tongue or protruding the mouth or lips. The youngest baby to mimic die gestures was only 42 minutes old. The research team also found that infants ranging from 14 to 24 months could recall and imitate an adult activ­ ity an entire day after observing the action. Infants who watched adults dismantle and reassemble a dumbbell- shaped toy mimicked the action a day infant imitation. Photograplis later, even though they had never from videotape recordings sliow that infants only two to before touched the toy three weeks old imitate the mouth movements of adults. National Science and Technology Week

cross the country during early April Commented Safrit, "Complex scien­ 1987, thousands of schools, commu­ tific equipment combined widi mod­ nity groups, science organizations, ern photographic and silkscreening A museums, and government agencies processes have given artists the ability devised creative ways to focus atten­ to capture nature's inherent beauty tion on the role that science and and creatively display the 'art of sci­ technology play in daily life. Begun in ence.' " The exhibition of winning 1985 by NSF, National Science and artwork, co-sponsored by NSF and the Technology Week seeks to increase the New York Academy of Sciences, has pubUc's awareness about science, en­ travelled throughout the United States. gineering, and mathematics and to encourage young people to consider Art exhibitor. Seong Kim at the Bronx High School of Science careers in these areas. in New York turned the bone structure of the human hand A special feature in 1987 was "The into a work of art with "Hand: The Ultimate Tool." Art of Science" competition, in which high school seniors nationwide contri­ buted paintings, photographs, and o illw r srtw^c pect of science or technology Among the winners was Seong Kim, from the Bronx (NY) High School of Science. His ink drawing depicted the outiine of a hand, showing every bone, in the process of sketching the outline of another skeleton-like hand. Wendy Brill at Westlake School in Los Angeles contributed a hand-tinted photograph of open-heart surgery; Ellen Dare Sajrit at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham won for her silkscreen printing that depicted die cell structure of plant Art of science. Ellen Dare Safrit at the North Carolina stems. The silkscreens were based on School of Science and Mathematics used microscope cell photographs diat Safrit had taken photographs of plant stems to create "Botanist's through a light microscope. Cathedral," a photographic silkscreen print. She was an exhibitor in the Art of Science competition. First Volume of Einstein Papers Published

ore than 30 years after his death, Princeton University Press has pub­ Please forgive a father who is so hshed the first volume of Albert bold as to turn to you, esteemed Einstein's papers. The papers track the Herr Professor, in the interest of M his son. thoughts of Einstein as a young man I shall start by telling you that through 1902, and include letters de­ my son Albert is 22 years old, that tailing his early views about physics he studied at the Zurich Poly- and the beginnings of his thoughts technikuffl for 4 years, and that about relativity theory Other letters he passed his diploma examina­ are an account of Einstein's fruitless tions in mathematics and physics search for a university position — a with flying colors last summer. search that finally led him to accept a Since dien, he has been trying job at the Swiss patent office, where unsuccessfidly to obtain a posi­ in his spare time he was to develop tion as Assistant, which would his Special Theory of Relativity enable him to continue his edu­ cation in theoretical and experi­ The documents, commented sci­ mental physics... ence historian Gerald Holton, portray My son therefore feels pro­ "a mind sharpening its tools, a young foundly uidiappy with his pre­ man of 22 beginning to ask fundamen­ sent lack of position, and his idea tal questions, an intellectual giant." that he has gone off the tracks Publication of the volume was made with his career and is now out of possible in part by a $750,000 grant touch gets more and more en­ from NSE A projected 40 volumes of trenched each day ... it is you to Einstein's papers will be published whom I have taken the liberty of over die next few decades. turning with the humble request to read his paper ... and to write him, if possible, a few words of encouragement, so that he might recover his joy in living and working. If, in addition, you could se­ cure him an Assistant's position for now or the next autumn, my gratitude would know no bounds.

Hermann Einstein to Prof. Wilhelm Ostwald, 1901

Einstein statue at the National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC

19 "3-2-1 Contact" Goes to Antarctica

n the fall of 1987, crew members from a major science show on tele­ vision visited the coldest continent and filmed major program seg­ ments. The show was "3-2-1 Contact," seen on public TV and produced by the Children's Television Workshop in New York City "Contact" is aimed at young people (ages 8 to 12) and par­ tially funded by NSF. During the show's visit to Antarctica, the four crew mem­ bers stayed at NSF's McMurdo Station, with a further trip to the geographic South Pole. They filmed segments on such topics as the antifreeze properties of antarctic fish; ongoing studies of the local seal population; the geology and tic landscape; and the monitoring of 3-2-1 Contact in Antarctica. The TV crew poses in front of ozone levels in the upper atmosphere. Shackleton's Hut, where explorers rested during their investigations The visit will result in a week's worth of Antarctica in the early 1900's. 3-2-1 is supported in part by NSF. of antarctic stories scheduled to air on PBS in die fall of 1988. In addition to die "3-2-1" visit. Cable Network News (CNN) also filmed major program segments in Antarctica in late 1987.

Penguin research. Debra Shapiro, cast member of 3-2-1 Contact, feeds penguins in preparation for a diving study. At right is Scripps Institution zoologist Gerald Kooyman. Life Saver

n NSF Small Business Innovation Re­ The special drill was supplied by search (SBIR) grant was instmmental in vVDMAC, a spinoff of Flow Technology developing a high-pressure water drill Company of Kent, Washington. Flow that helped save a life in October 1987. Technology, a minority-owned firm, World attention was focused on received an NSF grant in 1980 for 18-month-old Jessica McClure, trapped research on the high-pressure water inside a well in Midland, Texas. When drill, a tool with a novel design that other oil-drilling equipment—includ­ had at first been greeted with skepti­ ing a diamond drill—failed to rescue cism. While further development and her, a special water-powered drill was financing were required to commer­ rushed to the scene. The drill, which cialize the drill, the NSF-funded re­ sprays a fine, high-pressure jet of water search initiated the innovative technol­ at 2,900 feet per second (two to three ogy and encouraged the company to times the speed of a bullet), slices continue its efforts. through rock quickly by eroding the Flow Technology has received other surface. In just two hours, the drill had SBIR grants in the field of abrasive cut a hole two feet in diameter through metal cutting, surface materials, and diree feet of extremely hard caliche robotics. The company has leveraged limestone rock, where the baby was this research support to market com­ trapped in die well shaft. An hour later, mercial products. the child was free. For more on SBIR grants, see chapter 3.

Life-saving equipment. An ultrahigh- pressure pump and jet lance, similar to what is shown here, powered the water) et rock-cutting system used to free Jessica McClure from a well in Midland, Texas. NSF was instrumental in early funding of the research that produced the ultrahigh-pressure nozzles and related technology used in the rescue. Second photo shows pump that is inside large box. CHAPTER

INTO THE 1990's

amral curiosity—the unwavering In the U.S. Congress, the Senate and instinct to know how and why—is the House of Representatives estab­ often the driving force behind basic lished a joint, bi-partisan Caucus on research in science and engineering. Competitiveness to formulate new But from Isaac Newton's discovery of legislation. Among two new private the universal law of gravitation to the groups, the Council on Competitive­ wonder of the Wright brothers' trium­ ness examined issues ranging from phant liftoff at Kitty Hawk, the smdy of ways to decrease die trade deficit to science and engineering has done increased support for NSF; the Council more than merely satisfy the intellea. on Research and Technology, a group Efforts in science and engineering whose members include universities improve our economic competitive­ and private research firms, began to ness with other countries, provide study national R&D policy better health care for the nation, and For its part, NSF embarked on a joint form die basis of our national defense. effort with the National Governors' Against this backdrop, the mission Association and the Conference Board, of the National Science Foundation is a national organization of business indeed a challenge. For among all groups. Together they examined the federal agencies, it is the Foundation's way economic competitiveness is charge to promote science and engi­ perceived at the state level by industry neering in general and support basic universities, and state officials. This research across all fields and disci­ activity had two components: a na­ plines. tional survey, followed by regional In 1987, NSF focused on several discussion forums. new issues and continuing concerns: The survey identified several areas • Economic Competitiveness. in which the United States must in­ In 1987, the need for the United States crease its investment in order to to compete in the world marketplace remain competitive. These include received new recognition. Revolution­ science and mathematics education, ary findings in superconductivity university/industry cooperative ven­ research highlighted the vital link tures, and greater commercialization between science and technology in of research findings. Moreover, these creating new and competitive prod­ investments should be long-term, the ucts. Moreover, mounting trade defi­ survey report said. cits with foreign nations, concern over inroads made by Japan and other countries in producing new technol­ ogies, and a shrinking supply of Amer­ ican college students pursuing science careers spurred action by the Presi­ Present and future tools. dent, private groups, and Congress. Supercomputers will continue to be valuable scientiflc tools. This Cray supercomputer is at the University of Illinois.

22 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 23 Along with these efforts, NSF also launched a pilot project to strengthen communication links with states. Inidal efforts focused on four states in particular; Michigan, New Jersey, Arkansas, and Utah. Focusing on die state level has provided better understanding of state policies and activities supportive of science and engineering research and education, and identified points of common interest widi NSE The states initiative also gave NSF a first-hand look at how the states are working with State partner. In April 1987 New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean universities and industry to link re­ spoke at a regional conference at the AT&T Bell Laboratory in search and education with their plans Holmdel, N J., on the role of science and technology in economic for economic development. This initi­ competitiveness. ative is described furdier in chapter 2. Also at the state level, NSF continued its Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), begun in 1979 to aid states that lack large resource bases for research. A recent EPSCoR grant to die University of Alabama at Huntsville supported breakthrough research in supercon­ ductivity (see "Highlights" section). • Growing Emphasis on Inter­ disciplinary Research. Some of the most significant problems in basic research are at the boundary between established disciplines. For example, advances in biotechnology materials research, and information science depend on scientists and engineers with a variety of disciplinary skills, and Presidential visit. President Reagan watches robotics demonstra­ research environments that encourage tion at the NSF-supported Engineering Research Center at Purdue new types of collaborations. Recogniz­ University. ing this, NSF extended the number of its Engineering Research Centers, Purdue welcome. At Purdue University's Engineering Research which stress an interdisciplinary ap­ Center, the President shakes hands with Henry Yang, Dean of proach, to 14 as of late 1987 (See Engineering. chapter on centers and groups). In addition, NSF initiated a new centers program in biology; awards totalling $10 million for laboratory equipment resulted in "mini-centers" for biology at 20 campuses. And the Foundation began a program called Opportunities for Research in Computational Science and Engineering. This effort encour­ ages the use of advanced computing techniques in collaborative research Employed doctoral scientists by field and sex: 1985

Men among mathematicians, engineers, Computer (total = 341,900) physicists, chemists, and other scientists. • Expanding Human Re­ sources. Important parts of NSF's mission are to encourage young people in science education and to help ensure that talented women and members of minority groups are exposed to science and engineering careers and attain positions commen­ surate with their abilities. Faced with current faculty retirement rates* and the continuing decline of 22-year- olds — the main group from which future scientists emerge — increased participation by women and minori­ ties may be a key way to avoid a future shortfall of scientists and engineers. To assess the current status of women, minorities, and disabled persons in the sciences and develop long-range plans to advance their opportunities, the federal Office of Science and Technology Policy** ap­ pointed a new interagency task force in FY 1987. Members of the Task Force on Women, Minorities, and the Hand­ icapped in Science and Technology are from NSF and other federal agen­ cies concerned with R&D issues, private business, academia, profes­ sional associations, and nonprofit groups. They will report on their findings on or before December 31, Minorities as a percent of employed 1989. scientists and engineers: 1986

*A large segment of faculty will reach retire­ Percent ment age during the next five years, espe­ 0 1 2 3 4 5 cially in civil and electrical engineering, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 physics, mathematics, and economics. See Black 1 NSFHighlights No. S7-HQ, Recent Doctorate Asian' Faculty Increase in Engineering and Some 1

Science Fields available from NSF, Division Native of Science Resources Studies, 1800 G St. NW American 1 Washington, DC 20550. Hispanic^ 1 **OSTP is headed by the President's Science Adviser. Physically Disabled^ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1

( ) 1 2 3 4

Mn 1986, about 27 percent of all Asian scientists and engineers were not U.S. citizens. 'Inciudes members of all racia! groups. 'Includes members of all raciaMethnic groups.

Source: Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering, Jan. 1988, NSF 88-301 ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 Another group, the Congressionally appointed Committee on Equal Oppor­ tunities in Science and Engineering (CEOSE), currently advises NSF on v^ays to boost the participation of minorities, women, and disabled people in scientific and technical careers. In a 1986 report, CEOSE praised many ongoing and new NSF efforts to promote equal opportunity including awards in engineering for disabled, minority and women re­ searchers; Visiting Professorships for Women; and grants for minority re­ searchers and minority institutions. At the same time, CEOSE recommended that Congress reevaluate the need for a number of programs that NSF discon­ tinued in the early 1980's, including Working woman. In­ Student Science Training programs. creased participation by women and minorities in basic research may be We must signiflcantly increase crucial to avoiding a minority participation in sci­ future shortfall of scientists and engineers. ence and engineering. And we must do so not just for reasons Future scientist of equity, although equity is at work clearly a fundamental concern. The reasons are just as much related to national need and the challenge to our economic competitiveness. —John H. Moore, NSF Deputy Director (speech to White House Conference on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Sept. 1987)

During 1987, NSF also bolstered its long-term commitment to science education. For example, the Founda­ tion launched a major new effort to upgrade the science curriculum from kindergarten through grade 12. At the college level, NSF began a program to

26 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION give students, while still under­ veloping biotechnology industry and graduates, the opportunity to conduct taught us how to design high-speed research in science and engineering. supercomputers. And research dating Projects involving women, minority back to 1911 paved the way for the smdents or persons with disabilities recent technological breakthrough in are given high priority for support. superconductivity And another NSF initiative in 1987, The challenge for NSF is twofold. At "Awards for Creative Engineering," a time when the need for basic re­ gives research grants to engineering search is greater than ever, funding for undergraduates and recent graduates academic R&D may have to double based on creative ideas submitted in over the next decade just to maintain a research plan, rather than judging activities at current levels. Increased tiiem solely on their academic record. funding, ongoing NSF support of See chapter 2 for more on these and collaborations between universities other human resources efforts. and industry continuing international Biotechnology—another face of science in the 1990's. Here a tobacco plant's • Continuing Issues. Boosting cooperation and exchange of ideas, genetic makeup was altered by introduc­ support for basic research remains the and the sharing of expensive equip­ ing a firefly gene into the plant's DNA. Foundation's key priority In the 1970's ment at universities may help smooth basic research gave us a rapidly de­ the road ahead for campus research.

Science as fun—early exposure in the classroom

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 27 CHAPTER 2

HUMAN FIESOURCES AND EDUCATION

Education is the great Amer­ efforts in this area may never have ican adventure, the largest pub­ been more urgent: the American lic enterprise in the United Council on Education has termed States, the country's most im­ declining college enrollments among portant business. Blacks a "national crisis," and the gains — Mary McLeod Bethune of women in science and engineering over the past 15 years now appear to costing the scientiflc and technical be slowing, according to a special education of our nation's young issue of NSF's ikfosa/c magazine, "Edu­ people is one of the National Science cation and the Professional Work­ Foundation's major responsibilities. force."* Although NSF funds graduate-level Some NSF responses to the nation's education, supporting students who human resource and educational will become Ph.D. scientists and needs include these activities: engineers, the Foundation also has programs at the elementary secondary PRECOLLEGE EDUCATION and undergraduate levels. These efforts help to strengthen the quality There once was a time when the of instruction in the sciences and absence of a high school diploma and mathematics. basic skills was not an obstacle to In addition, NSF is committed to employment in certain occupations. increasing the number of women and Now those occupations are disappear­ minorities in science and engineering ing. Employment in the modern world careers, a goal that may be crucial to increasingly demands basic literacy in science and mathematics. Yet nearly 30 ness with other countries. NSF data percent of the nation's high schools show that employment of scientists offer no courses in physics, 17 percent and engineers grew three times as fast none in chemistry, and 70 percent as total U.S. employment over the past none in earth or space science. decade, yet the proportion of college The vast numbers of high school sm­ seniors who majored in the sciences dents take few mathematics or science is smaller today than it was in the courses. In comparative tests in sub­ 1970's. Efforts to attract a larger share jects such as geometry U.S. students of women and minorities in science were outscored by diose of other classes and careers may help to com­ pensate for a projected shortfall of mosaic, Spring 1987, Vol. 18, No. 1 (See scientists and engineers. article on "Women's Progress," by Betty M. As part of a federal interagency task Vetter, p. 2) force set up in 1987, NSF has studied the role in science of women, Early Learning Co. minorities, and people with dis­ abilities, considering new ways to advance their opportunities. NSF

28 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Early learning about science

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 29 nations and often placed last. One recent international study* found that U.S. elementary and high school students, especially girls, know less about science than their counterparts did in 1970. Moreover, they lag behind British and Japanese pupils in physics, chemistry and biology On display. Seventh- and In short, too much of the population eighth-grade students from is unprepared to function productively Lincoln Park Community in our increasingly complex and tech­ School in Somerville, Mas­ nological world. A survey conducted sachusetts show off their science project at Lesley for tireNS F in 1986** found diat large College. Lesley is one of several numbers of Americans do not under­ colleges and universities that stand basic scientific terms such as have received NSF grants to "molecule" and "radiation." As NSF improve middle school science Director Erich Bloch has commented, and mathematics teaching. "What is at issue itere is not lack ox interest; it's lack of opponunily More explicitly it is a lack of quahty in the institutions on which we depend." Curriculum Grants The shape of things. Portland In its continuing effort to improve schools nationwide as they collect and State University's Marjorie that quality, NSF's Directorate for enter information on a central com­ Enneking (center) discusses Science and Engineering Education puter, which enables them to compare ways to teach geometry with announced in 1987 a new program to and compile within days data from prospective middle school greatly expand and upgrade science across the country math teachers Sandra Sump (left) and Anne Ryan (right). education in grades kindergarten to 12 A novel feamre of the program is over the next four years. The new NSF that each of the four-year curricula program, which began with three cur­ grants is matched by publishers who ricula grants totalling $6.6 million, work with the schools to develop and emphasizes student participation in test new teaching maLerials, Uien tiain science experiments and seeks to teachers to use them. The early involve­ relate lessons from other subjects — ment and commitment by publishers language, arts, and mathematics — to help to ensure that the course plan science. designed by researchers will actually For example, instead of demanding be adapted for everyday use in the diat young children memorize facts classroom. Pubhshers, which include about acids, one of the NSF curricula the National Geographic Society and grants encourages students to learn the Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company the concepts by studying acid rain, of Dubuque, Iowa, will devote 5 collecting rain in their backyards and percent of their revenues from sales measuring its acidity In conjunction of inted curr to teacher with the National Geographic Society training and support. this grant supports children at 4000 Hands-on experience. Amy Barber, a Improving Middle School middle school math and science teacher, *The International Association for the Teaching discusses a science project with a Evaluation of Educational Achievement, student. They are attending a special located at Columbia Teachers College in New NSF also awarded grants to nine evening program at Lesley College in York City, based these findings on research universities and colleges to improve Cambridge, Massachusetts. done in 1983 and 1986. programs to prepare middle school **See Science and Engineenng Indicators— teachers in science and mathematics. 1987 (National Science Board, 1988). The goal of this NSF program is to foster a close collaboration among

30 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION science professionals, university facul­ ty and school personnel in developing model courses for training elementary, middle, and secondary school science and mathematics teachers. Each of the nine projects includes special features. For example, the NSF grant to Lesley College, a college for women, focused on attracting women to teaching careers in mathematics and science. And a grant to Oregon's Portland State University developed a model to prepare math and science teachers in urban schools. Private Sector Partnerships Private sector partnerships. A high school teacher and an To improve science and mathema­ industry scientist explore polymer chemistry at an NSF- tics education in grades kindergarten sponsored summer workshop at the DuPont Company to 12, this program encourages partner­ Experimental Station in Wilmington, Delaware. ships between business/industry The program has three main ac­ school systems, and other educational tivities: a six-week course upgrades institutions. The overall aim here is to die skills of high school science demonstrate ways in which commu­ teachers assigned to teach chemistry nity concerns can be translated into but lacking a strong background in the positive action to improve the quality field. Another summer course pre­ of science and math education in pares middle and senior high school American elementary and secondary teachers to use demonstrations and schools. This program seeks to gener­ laboratory equipment in chemistry ate novel approaches and models in courses, helping to enliven and under­ such areas as teacher enhancement, score the lessons students learn in teacher preparation, education net­ lectures. A third course updates the works, research in teaching and learn­ knowledge of experienced high ing, instructional materials develop­ school chemistry teachers in selected Math teacher New Hampshire's Timothy ment, informal science education, and topics. Howell won a Presidential Teaching applications of advanced technologies. Award in 1984. Summer Programs for Chemistry Teachers Updating the skills of experienced teachers and strengthening the science background of new faculty can spark new enthusiasm for science teaching. Through special summer programs at five sites,* the NSF-initiated and sup­ ported Institute for Chemical Educa­ tion (ICE) seeks to improve chemistry teaching at the middle and high school levels.

* The University of Arizona at Tucson, the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley the University of Wisconsin at Madison, the University of Maryland at College Park, and the University of California at Berkeley.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 31 PYI. Comj Investigat( Thelma Ef

rvIlnOiity V Houston (1 former NS physicists, ers for the Second ph Smith, a p statistics a California, former NS Fellow

34 NATION fold aim: helping women to further recent award winners; widi her grant, their science or engineering careers she opted to spend 1987 at Johns and encouraging other women to Hopkins University Greenwood, pursue such careers. Mathematician whose specialty is the study of random Priscilla Greenwood, the only woman processes (a branch of probability and Florida State meets Harvard. A special in a department of 80 at the University statistics) gave lectures and collabo­ NSF grant for women scientists of British Columbia, was one of the rated on research with Hopkins faculty enabled Jill S. Quadagno, a sociology professor at Florida State University, to spend six months at Harvard Minority Research University Initiation. A graduate student in the solid-state electronics laboratory at Howard University holds a high-speed optical shutter made from silicon carbide.

Visiting scientist. Juana V Acrivos, a professor of chemistry at San Jose State University, was awarded an NSF Visiting Professorships for Women grant to spend a year in the chemical biodynamics laboratory at the Univer­ sity of California, Berkeley. Her disciplinary area is solid-state chemistry.

Research opportunities. Student researchers conduct experiments in the laser spectroscopy laboratory at Howard University. They are fijnded under NSF's Minority Research Initiation program.

Astronomical visit. Alice L. Newman, a member of the technical stafif of the Aerospace Corporation in Los Angeles, has broadened her research experience during a one-year stay at Cornell University's Department of Astronomy. The visit was made' Research Improvement in Minority Institutions. At the University of possible by an NSF Visiting Professor­ Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, NSF-supported mathematics stafif and ships for Women grant. researchers work on the AUiant computer 35 Sea change. An NSF grant gave Ellen R. Dniffel, a marine chemist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, the opportunity to spend a year at the University of California at Santa Cruz.

• In 1987 NSF announced the first Researchers at Howard University's two grants under its Minority Research MRCE in'Washington, D.C. will investi­ Centers of Excellence (MRCE) pro­ gate materials important in telecom­ gram, a new initiative to address the munications, defense, and industrial continuing shortage of minority scien­ applications. At Meharry Medical tists and engineers in fundamental College, the MRCE will establish a research. In addition to supportiitg NfiTIONRL mo er!!la r hiolol Of"/ re­ qualified scientists, the MRCE's also search center focusing on three areas: seek to attract talented minority stu­ smdies of DNA reproduction critical to dents to careers in science and en­ viral infection and mutations, enzyme gineering through scholarships and studies diat may provide a better T€CHn6logv new research opportunities. understanding of fat metabolism, and upgrading of a neurobiology labora­ UU€€K '87 tory The Meharry center will provide scholarships and research programs nPRIL5-11 for high school students as well as Write to: NSTW: do National Science undergraduates. Foundation. Wasilington, DC 20550

36 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION In an effort to boost research at careers in these areas. Amajor compo­ suggested teaching activities with schools that offer few advanced de­ nent of NSTW 1987, held April 5-11, hands-on experiments for students; grees, NSF funds several activities. For was the distribution of 130,000 educa­ science and mathematics teachers example, the Predominantly Under­ tion packets, one to every elementary were trained to use the packets effec­ graduate Insdtudons Program sup­ and middle/junior high school in the tively at pilot workshops across the ports research at institutions that country The packets contained country awarded no more than 20 science and engineering doctorates in fields sup­ ported by NSF during the past two years. The Research in Undergraduate Institutions initiative funds scientists at these institutions who work in depart­ ments that do not offer the doctoral degree. And Research Opportunity Awards enable science and engineer­ ing faculty to collaborate with NSF- funded investigators at better- equipped research universities. Finally, diere is an experimental program called University/Industry/ Government Partnerships for Quality Engineering Personnel. The emphasis here is on incorporating major ele­ ments of engineering practice into engineering curricula, enabling stu­ "Today" applauds tomorrow's scientists. NBC "Today" weather reporter Willard dents to be taught by adjunct faculty Scott congratulates winners of the New York science fair at the AT&T Infoquest with a practical engineering orienta­ Center in New York City. The contest was one of many events linked to National tion. In many cases, the partnership Science and Technology Week 1987. provides university smdents with industrial or other facilities and equip­ ment used by the practicing engineer

OUTREACH TO THE PUBLIC National Science and Teclmology Week In parallel with NSF's array of awards and fellowships to upgrade science education and research in schools and universities, the Founda­ tion also supports activities diat boost the public's awareness of science. Among these activities is National Sci­ ence and Technology Week (NSTW). The goals of NSTW are twofold: to raise public awareness of science, engineering, and mathematics, and to encourage young people to seek

Spreading the word. Some 130,000 teaching kits—as well as posters and "how to participate" brochures—helped bring attention to National Science and Technology Week 1987.

ANNUAL REPORt FISCAL YEAR 1987 37 Other NSTW activities: The New resources available to their leadership, York Academy of Sciences coordinated and their strong commitment to a national "Art of Science" competition pursuing excellence in research and for high school seniors (see "High­ education. lights"). In Texas, a science and This project enabled NSF to establish technology festival highlighted the contact with key people and organiza­ contributions of local research corpo­ tions in each of these states, discuss rations and universities. And nation­ mutual concerns, exchange informa­ wide, children in more than 600 tion and ideas, and focus attention on schools kicked off the week by releas­ national needs in research and educa­ ing 250,000 balloons widi attached tion for science and engineering. The weadier cards. Data from the nation­ project also offered a first-hand look wide experiment indicated wind and at how the states are working with weather patterns and were sent in a universities and industry to link re­ postlaunch packet to participating search and education with their plans schools. for economic development. The effort In addition, the beauty and variety is expanding to other states, and close of life on earth and the complex issues ties have developed between NSF and surrounding its survival were the the National Governors' Association. focus of a travelling exhibit first made Museum Programs available during NSTW The exhibit, entitled "Diversity Endangered," was It was in 1970 diat NSF made the produced by the Smithsonian Travel­ first grant for a different kind of ing Exhibition Service, with support museum, one where people would from NSE learn by exploring, touching, ex­ periencing, and trying to explain. National Science & Technology Week Today, after years of NSF support, activities will increase awareness of the centers such as the San Francisco vital role science and science education Exploratorium have become the play in improving our economic com­ standard for science museums petitiveness, and our quality of life. throughout the world. NSF-funded Today science is not a part of the basic museums have even entered the curriculum in many U.S. eieiiientary formal teaching business — for exam­ schools. We're working to correct this. ple, the Lawrence Hall of Science in — Erich Bloch, Director National Science Foundation Berkeley, California developed mate­ rials for Boy Scout and Girl Scout States Initiative leaders to teach outdoor biology In view of the increasing importance NSF provides seed money for a of cooperation and cost sharing—and variety of new science museum pro­ recognizing the growing role of the grams. At the St. Louis Science Center, states in supporting science/engineer­ NSF funds have helped develop a ing research and education — the science playground to teach children Foundation is working to strengthen about motion, energy light, sound, communication with state govern­ and die natural environment. The ments. A recent effort—initiated by physics of motion can be explored NSF's Office of Legislative and Public through such devices as a friction Affairs — began with a pilot project in slide, gravity hoop, and the familiar four states: Arkansas, Michigan, New roller coaster ride. Children leam Jersey and Utah. These states were about energy by exploring watermills chosen for their geographic represen­ and the subject of water power; playing tation, their diverse economies, the with kaleidoscopes teaches them range of research and educational about the nature of light.

38 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION The friction factor In this exhibit, two balls race down a circular track; one is partially filled with sand and the other is solid. Because of internal friction, the sand-filled ball soon stops accelerating and the solid ball always wins the race.

I Setting up exhibit materials at the Milwaukee Public Museum

Richard Hoyt

Gears and gizmos. At the St. Louis Science Center, visitors learn how gears drive six different assemblies, including a clock, giant puppet, and laser-etched disk.

A touching experience. Children pet a reptile at "Animals in Action," an activity at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California at Berkeley

Strings attached. Teachers use wiffle balls and string to demonstrate the gravitational force between the earth and moon. They are participating in the Franklin Institute's Teacher Overnight Science Program in Philadelphia, PA.

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 39 In addition to providing monetary percent dropout rate, Mr Escalante support, NSF helped establish the first transformed his Hispanic students association of diese science centers into some of the top calculus students (the Association of Science- in the country and helped turn Gar­ Technology Centers), so that informal field High into a magnet school for educators could share their ideas and science and math. The program stars learn from one another As a result, Edward James Olmos, Emmy award- science museums today roudnely winning star of the Miami Vice televi­ collaborate on projects and ensure sion show. "Stand and Deliver" is that travelling exhibits reach millions being aired in both English and across the United States. Spanish as part of PBS's American Playhouse series. (It was also released Television by Warner Brothers as a feature film NSF also provides key support for in die spring of 1988.) several television science series. During 1987, NSF gave the award- winning science program NOVA a special grant for an hour-long show on Supernova 1987A, the most important stellar explosion of its kind since the time of Galileo (see "Highlights" section). NSF also supported the filming of "Stand and Deliver," a Public Broad­ casting System (PBS) drama that chronicles the real-life success of Jaime Escalante and his nationally acclaimed mathematics program at Math teacher recognized. NSF supported the filming of "Stand and Garfield High School in Los Angeles. Deliver," a drama that chronicles the real-life success of teacher Overcoming crime, poverty and a 50 Jaime Escalante (right), from Los Angeles' Garfield High School. Escalante, played hy Miami Vice actor Edward James Olmos (left), helped his students become some of the top calculus students in the country, turrdng Gar£e!d into a magnet school for science and mathematics.

ijll lifiiiSI*.:

Edward James Olmos, portraying mathematics teacher Jaime Escalante, holds an award as he is surrounded by students. Dynamic duet. Mathwoman (Beverly Mickins) and Robert (Luisa Leschin) are two of the many characters who deliver messages about mathematics to children on Square One TV. The daily series for 8 to 12-year-olds began in 1987.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 41 NSF continues to fund Reading Rainbow, die PBS series that intro­ duces children to books through book reviews that combine reading aloud and displaying illustrations from the text. NSF support helped to produce five programs devoted to science books and science topics. NSF also funds one of PBS's latest educational efforts, Square One TV, designed to promote a greater enthusiasm for mathematics among the nation's third to sixth graders. This group may be crucial to reach; studies indicate that while most children enjoy aridimetic through grade three, their interest wanes starting in the fourth grade as tiiey are exposed to long division, compound fractions, and other more complicated functions. By middle school, students may already be turned off on mathematics. During a typical Square One epi­ sode, a rock group weaves square numbers into the lyrics of a zany song; a parody of a soft drink commercial delivers a lesson about subtraction; 3-2-1 Contact Co-host Debra Shapiro visits New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine to learn how a building arch is designed and and the sign maker at Harry's Ham­ constructed. This television show is supported in part by NSF and is burger Haven teaches the viewer aimed at 8 to 12-year-olds. about decimals. Each half-hour show ends with an episode of "Mathnet," in which lead characters use math and problem-solving tecilniques to solve mysteries such as "The Problem of the Trojan Hamburger" Preliminary com­ ments from more than 3500 children around the country helped shape the format and content of this program. NSF also helped fund The Ring of Truth, a six-part series diat gave a personal view of science through the eyes of noted physicist and science writer Phillip Morrison and his wife Phyllis Morrison, a distinguished science educator The series first aired on PBS during die fall of 1987.

Contact visit. David Quinn and Kaori Tomita, from television's3-2-7 Contact, visit the Skiji Fish Market in Tokyo to learn about the different kinds of fish that make up a typical Japanese diet.

42 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION special Outreach Programs As part of its annual national tiaining conference, WISE sponsors a day-long In 1978, Joan Humphries, an Equal Oppormnity Manager at NSF, and program for talented 9th- and 10th- grade girls in the Washington, D.C. Oceola Hall of NASA established an interagenq? committee for women area. The group also presents three national awards recognizing the out­ sciendsts and engineers, known as WISE. The purposes of WISE are to standing accomplishments of federally encourage women scientists and employed women scientists and en­ engineers to seek careers and advance gineers. in the Federal Government; to encour­ NSF staff members also participate in the Washington, D.C. chapter of age young girls studying science and Minority Women in Science (MWIS). math to pursue scientific or engineer­ ing careers; and to ensure that excel­ The local chapter, part of a national network established in the 1970's, lence in female scientists and en­ provides a communication and sup­ gineers is recognized. port system for minority women who are researchers, educators, or adminis­ trators in the fields of science and engineering. Since 1980, the D.C. chapter has sponsored "Science Dis­ covery Day," in which junior high school students, their teachers, and parents meet and talk with MWIS Joan Humphries members. Other MWIS activities include: • A workshop for precollege teachers, held annually since 1981; • A speakers' bureau for local educational events and programs; • Ascience fair and provisions for monetary awards and certificates for outstanding science projects. Finally there is outreach to univer­ sity faculties. Foundation staff mem­ bers make a special effort to reach out to their clientele by making presenta­ tions about NSF and its programs, and by conducting proposal development workshops. These may be visits to single institutions, often in conjunc­ tion with other official travel, or more formal coUoquia/workshops, spon­ sored by a college or university acting Ring of Truth. MIT physicist Philip Morrison and his wife Phylis, a science as host for regional institutions. In educator, host this series on science. They are shown here at Thomas Jefferson's 1987 formal regional colloquia were Monticello, during a segment on mapping. presented at institutions in 22 states, followed by informal one-to-one sessions as time permitted.

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 43 CHAPTER 3

DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

hile emphasis and attention in disci­ The arcs, some of which are three plinary research may shift from one times as large as our own galaxy the area to another, the unpredictable Milky Way, are the longest continuous nature of scientiflc investigation re­ feamres ever detected by telescope. quires that support be maintained in Glimpses of the arcs were first sighted all disciplines. Whether it be research a decade ago, but their extraordinarily conducted at the chalkboard by a small uniform structure was observed only group of scientists or at a proton recently with the help of the 157-inch accelerator shared by large teams of (4-meter) reflector telescope at Kitt investigators, NSF-supported efforts Peak and special electronic sensors. At continue to respond to the challenge first scientists thought that the arcs of searching for nev^ knovv-ledge. consisted of newly formed stars ar­ Hand-in-hand with the Foundation's ranged along a curved shock front. commitment to research is increased However, at this writing they think that emphasis on interdisciplinary studies the arcs are images formed by a grav­ and on new forms of collaborations itational lens. In one case, the actual between government, universities, object is thought to be about twice as and industry These themes are far away as the galaxies seen near the evident in NSF-funded research during arc. The lens is probably a cluster of 1987, as described in this chapter galaxies between us and the object. In other research, an astronomer has found evidence that the Milky Way PHYSICAL SCIENCES/ galaxy is part of a flat, oblong MATHEMATICS "supercluster complex" that encom­ passes millions of galaxies and .Astronomy: Arcs and Black stretches one-tendi die distance across Holes the observable universe. While the discovery of the most The supercluster complex is about brilliant stellar explosion since the 1 billion light years long and 150 time of Galileo dominated the year in million years across, according to its astronomy (see "Highlights"), the discoverer. Brent Tully, at the Univer­ results of other NSF-supported re­ sity of Hawaii's Instimte for Astronomy search efforts also made headlines. in Honolulu. Tully has named the For example, scientists using a tele­ structure the Pisces-Cetus Supercluster scope at Kitt Peak National Observa­ Complex, after the constellations in tory in Arizona reported the sighting whose direction it is found. of giant blue arcs, trillions of miles me evidence for the supercluster long, diat encircle at least two distant complex, 100 timesmor e massive than galaxies. any previously known structure, would suggest that, on this immense scale, galaxies are not randomly distributed throughout the cosmos, but are instead clustered in space in a way that is not anticipated by current conventional theories of galaxy formation.

44 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Black hole. In this supercomputer simulation, the round image represents a calculation of the accretion of rotating gas onto a black hole in space. (This supercomputer work was done at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at Champaign, IL.)

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 Genetics of the Mustard Plant A distant cousin to the common mustard plant, Arabidopsis thaliana is creating excitement in the community of scientists who want to understand how genes are regulated in plants and how, in turn, the genes regulate the Self-protection in plants. life processes necessary to the plant. When wounded by It has been difficult to study the insects, some plants molecular genetics of most plants protect themselves from because of the large amount of genetic further damage by material, the large number of DNA triggering a series of chemical events, as shown sequences which are repeated many in this hypothetical model. times, and the long period of time needed to grow plants. Arabidopsis is changing that. First studied at the molecular level by Elliot Meyerowitz and his associates at the California Institute of Technology, Arabidopsis has been shown to have the smallest amount of genetic material of any Protective mechanism. A plant known. (For example, the Colorado potato bettle triggers the tomato plant genome size for wheat is 5,900,000 it is feeding upon to kilobases, compared to 70,000 release proteins that kilobases for Arabidopsis.) Further- inhibit the insect's inore, it has very few repeated DNA digestive enzymes. As sequences, and, best of all, takes only a result, insects are discouraged from eating five weeks to grow from a seed to an more of the plant. adult plant. All of these facts, plus 40 years of genetic information gathered in the past, make it possible for scien­ tists to ask very specific questions and, they hope, get very specific answers. Meyerowitz is continuing the molecular characterization of this Laboratory predator plant by making a complete restriction Crushing leaves with a map of the genome. The genome is hemostat in the lab the genetic material, and a map can be simulates the damage made by the use of enzymes (restric­ caused by insect attacks. tion enzymes) that cut only in very specific areas of the DNA. If enough different restriction enzymes are used, one has specific sign posts which can serve as markers to localize a gene

48 within the genome. Such locahzing is Moreover, in this experiment, the encoding tryptophan synthesis, often a first step to cloning a gene, and specific amino acid required, tryp­ perhaps the same gene mutated in the cloning is often a first step to identify­ tophan, is thought to be a precursor fluorescing plant. The way is open for ing both what it does and how it does for auxin, a plant hormone essendal studying a biosynthetic amino acid it. for normal plant growth. The mutant pathway in plants; understanding how As a larger project, Meyerowitz and plant shows all the expected charac­ the gene encoding the mutated en­ his associates are also studying flower teristics of a plant that lacks auxin, and zyme is regulated and how hormones development in this plant. His as­ it can be essendally rescued by die act in plants; and perhaps gaining sociate on the initial molecular charac­ addition of tryptophan to the medium. insight into the isolation of other kinds terization was a graduate student, An interesdng by-product of this of nutritionally deficient plant mutants. Robert Pruitt. After obtaining his mutadon is the accumulation of a Arabidopsis is a weed. No matter degree, Pruitt became an NSF Plant compound which cannot be converted what we learn or how we engineer it, Postdoctoral Fellow. At this wridng, he into tryptophan because of the muta­ we will probably never use Arabidop­ is at the University of Minnesota and tion and which causes the whole plant sis ?& 2i crop plant or eat it. However, plans to study male sterility in to fluoresce in ultra-violet light. what we do learn about the basic Arabidopsis. In a parallel study in the same genetics and biology of this weed will Other scientists have begun to laboratory, Mary Berlyn, an NSF Visit­ have a great impact on the potential identify and clone genes in Arabidop­ ing Professor, has cloned the gene- for bioengineering food plants. sis. Joseph Ecker at the University of Pennsylvania (also previously an NSF Plant Postdoctoral Fellow) is interested in how plant hormones are synthe­ sized and is using this weed to find out. C. Sommerville of Michigan State has cloned a gene and shown that a one base change in the gene causes Arabidopsis to become herbicide resistant. David Meinke of the Univer­ sity of Oklahoma has created a mutant that can no longer make biotin, a vitamin; he will undoubtedly clone the mutated gene in the near future. One of the most exciting and poten- dally productive pieces of work being done with this organism is that of Gerald Fink, at M.I.T.'s Whitehead Instimte. An NSF Plant Postdoctoral Fellow in his laboratory, Robert Last, has succeeded in creating an Arabidop­ sis plant—an auxotrophic or nutrient- requiring mutant—that will not grow unless a specific amino acid, tryp­ tophan, is added to the medium in Genetics team. At the California Institute of Technology, Elliot Meyerowitz which it is growing. This is exciting (far right) and his research team study plant genetics. because it has been extremely difficult to produce auxotrophic plants. The reasons for this are not known, but many scientists have tried to surmount the difficuldes because of the immense body of knowledge accumulated by studying bacterial auxotrophs.

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 49 Commvuiication Between Cells For years, scientists have studied die flashes of Hght emitted by a variety of biological species. Some marine organisms may emit light to ward off flsh; odier animals may use light to attract a mate or in response to chem­ ical stimulation. But the details of how bioluminescence is triggered have remained a mystery Researchers Kathleen Dunlap and Paul Brehm at the Tufts University School of Medicine in Massachusetts have found new clues to understand­ ing bioluminescence in studying a simple marine organism only two cell layers thick—the coelenterate. Certain cells of diis organism emit short bursts of green light in response to increases in calcium intake. Using a video camera connected to a microscope to record the exact locadon of the dny light bursts, die scientists found diat die first regions of the cells to light up were those in direct contact with nonluminescent cells that produce a small electrical signal when stimulated. When direct contact between the nonluminescent cells and the light-emitting cells was blocked, no light was emitted. Accord­ ing to the researchers, their work is supporting evidence that the connect­ ing structure between the two types of

Plant watch. Researchers examine the Arabidopsis flower to understand gene­ tic behavior First photo shows normal growth; the four white petals, six anthers, and central stigma are visible. Second photo is a mutant flower oiArabidopsis. Genetic manipulations in the laboratory caused the flowers of this plant to consist of many whorls of petals and sepals, without the usual stamens or ovary

Mutation in plants. Arabidopsis thaiiana, which are mutant for tryptophan biosynthesis, fluoresce under ultraviolet light because of the accumulation of an intermediate compound. The nonmutant plant in the background (large dark blue objects) does not fluoresce. The mutant plants (smaU, light blue objects) were isolated by Robert Last, an NSF Plant Postdoctoral Fellow working in the laboratory of Gerald Fink, at MIT's Whitehead Institute.

50 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Luminescent animals. Ttie coelenterate Obelia is cells, known as a gap junction, plays a the organism in which Kathleen Dunlap and Paul crucial role in triggering the flashes of Brehm have been studying the control of light. bioluminescence. Because no electrical voltage change has been detected in the light-emitting cells, scientists believe that it is a chemical signal rather than an electrical one that flows through the gap junction to trigger the light flashes. This research, which provides the first evidence that a chemical passes through gap junctions to stimulate bioluminescence, highlights the im­ portance of chemical signals in com­ munication between cells.

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 51 GEOSCIENCES Polar Programs NSF-supported basic research in die antarctic and arcdc regions explores polar ecology and biology meteoro­ logical processes, climate history, glacial dynamics, regional geology and its global significance, the influence of polar oceans in global weather and climate, and sun-earth interactions. NSF funds and manages the United Shadow on ice. An Em­ States Antarctic Program, which peror penguin casts a stresses science as the principal ex­ shadow on the ice edge of the Ross Sea in Antarctica. pression of U.S. interest in Antarctica, under an internadonal treaty The Foundadon is also the lead U.S. agency on die Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee, discussed later in this secdon. A 1985 report by Bridsh scientists that the stratospheric ozone over Antarctica is depleted by as much as 50 percent during the austral spring has generated intense research in­ terest, including two National Ozone Expeditions to McMurdo Station on the antarctic coast (see "Highlights"). In another NSF-backed antarctic project, atmospheric physicists have been investigating the earth's mag- netosohere. From a soecial transmitter at Siple Station, they send very-low- frequency electromagnetic waves into Expected company. A seal pops up in a hole drilled through the earth's upper atmosphere. These 12-foot-thick ice covering McMurdo Sound near Antarctica. waves follow the geomagnetic field lines that thread the magnetosphere and intercept the earth's surface and ionosphere in polar regions. By analyz­ ing the changes in the waves, detected in the northern hemisphere at Lake Mistissini, Canada, scientists have learned much about the composition of the magnetosphere, as well as the way electromagnetic disturbances may affect communications. In 1987 geologists and paleon­ tologists from four U.S. universities discovered the fossil remains of a 6-foot-tall, flighdess bird, the jaw of a large crocodile, and 50 fossil lobsters.

52 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION The discoveries, made at Seymour Island (a rugged, barren area near die top of the Antarctic Peninsula), support theories that a land bridge connected Antarctica and South America between 40 and 140 million years ago and that contemporary marine organisms, now living in temperate waters, originated in the high latitudes. Overall, field work in Antarctica consisted of 74 research projects at numerous summer-season camps, three year-round stations, and work on board research ships. In arctic research, a team of scien­ tists ttavelled to Greenland in July 1987 to make some of the most sensi­ tive geophysical measurements ever done of the Newtonian gravitational constant and to test a new hypothesis diat a fifth, yet undiscovered, force may exist in the universe. The experi­ ment was designed to verify earlier measurements that indicate a variation of the gravitational constant with distance. Laboratory measurements of gravity are generally limited to lengths of a few inches. The scientists used a gravity meter, which was lowered into an existing 6700-foot hole bored into the Green­ land ice sheet to measure the gravita­ tional constant, commonly called the "big G" by physicists. After lowering the meter to 5000 feet, the researchers Arctic research site measured, in 300-foot intervals, Finally two major reports issued by changes in the force of gravity at NSF in 1987 underscored the impor­ different depths. The discovery of tance of polar research: gravitational variations would have a • The Role of the National Science significant impact on several branches Foundation in Polar Regions was of modern physics and would require prepared by a National Science Board the recalculation of the masses of committee chaired by Rita R. Colwell, planets and stars. Director of the Maryland Biotechnol­ ogy Instimte and Professor of Micro­ biology at die University of Maryland, College Park. The report includes contributions from 47 experts in science, research policy, and logistics. The 15 recommendations highlighted in die report are intended to aid the Foundation in fulfilling its respon­ sibilities as lead agency for basic research in the polar regions.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 53 • The Interagenq^ Arctic Research Policy Committee, composed of repre­ sentatives from the National Science Foundation and 11 other federal agencies, has laid out a plan (required by the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984) for federal support in arctic research over die next five years. Implementation of the plan will pro­ vide sciendfic and engineering knowl­ edge required for national security rational resource development with minimal adverse impacts, and im­ proved understanding of regional and global climate change. The Commit­ tee's recommendations are outlined in the United States Arctic Research Plan published by NSF. Atmospheric Research Since the early days of sailing, when it was called the "graveyard of ships," the area off Cape Hatteras has been recognized as a region where winter storms often intensify very rapidly A large field experiment called the Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment (GALE) was centered on the Atlantic Coast of North Carolina; one of its goals was to investigate the reasons why rapid storm intensification occurs at this location. During the experiment a recurrent region of banded clouds and precipitation was identified and found to be almost stationary' over the Gulf Stream. This phenomenon is attributed to large heat and moisture fluxes from the warm water of the Gulf Stream to the colder, overlying air Indeed, the magnitude of these fluxes is compara­ ble to what would be received from the sun on a cloudless day in summer nru^t.rr ;^„1;—*; <-*u: l:„»„;u,, Stwiiii lEjtcijiSlt}' levels. ThcSc i^ijliji-5^5jdcd levels were iiieasuied lilC iUli illipiiCtil.iWli Wi Liiiu ieCiiGLiiC'U- by National Weather Service radar at Cape Hatteras on 6 March tion of heat and moisture is the subject 1986, at 10:21 E.S.T. (see "a") and at 12:31 E.S.T. (see "b"). Color of ongoing research. It is clear, how­ codes 1 and 6 indicate the lightest and the heaviest precipitation, respectively. The prefrontal and the Gulf Stream rainbands are ever, diat the intensity of diis persistent labelled R and GSR, respectively. The circles centered on Hatteras rainband, as revealed by radar, indi­ are range markers at intervals at 50 nautical miles from the cape. cates rainbands could play an impor­ tant role in the intensification of winter storms on the East Coast.

54 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION In other atmospheric research, three complete ice cores from a subtropical region, the Dunde Ice Cap in the northeastern secdon of the Quinghai-Tibetan Plateau, were re­ trieved by a joint US-Peoples Republic of China expedition during the sum­ mer of 1987. Water samples and frozen ice cores in prisdne condition vv^ere returned to the Byrd Polar Research Center at the Ohio State University and to China's Lanzhou Institute of Glaciol­ ogy and Geocryology Preliminary micropartical, oxygen isotope, and conductivity analyses of die samples indicated a strong likelihood that each ice core contains the first glacial-stage ice to be recovered from a nonpolar location. The detailed high-resolution paleoclimate record contained in these cores could be significant in calibrating the rich and diverse written record of historical climate in the Chinese region. Finally, in the summer of 1987, scientists from the University of Il­ linois, using modern Lidar equipment, were working near Spitsbergen, in the Arctic Ocean. There they discovered a "hole" in the sodium layer near an altitude of 145 miles. The hole could be caused by adsorption on the ice crystals of noctilucent clouds (those that shine at night). Similar reactions of chemicals with winter ice crystals in Antarctic stratospheric clouds are thought to be responsible for the ozone "hole" over that continent (see "Highlights"). Research on the arctic phenomenon continues at diis writing. Earthquake Research Scientists from 11 U.S. universities have been conducting scientific exper­ iments in a hole being drilled at Cajon Pass near the San Andreas fault in California. There they have been

Earthquake research. At Cajon Pass, In the earthquake-prone region of the San Andreas fault in California, scientists have drilled a hole deep enough to sample the earth's crust and monitor the forces that may give early warnings of an earthquake.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 55 creating a deep-earth observatory to As part of NSF-funded research, shore of West Antarctica dated the monitor the earthquake-prone area teams of scientists were quickly dis­ formation of ice sheets there to 8 over the next several decades. The patched to the California site. There million years ago, and showed that drilling project, handed principally by they assessed such influences as the contrary to some theories, the sheet NSF through an effort called Deep quake's effect on power and water has remained intact without melting Observation and Sampling of the lines, the occurrence of (and the for nearly 5 million years. Eardi's Continental Crust (DOSEC), ability to extinguish) earthquake- In contrast, drilling off Queen Maud enables researchers to sample the related fires, and the stability of build­ Land in East Antarctica, separated by a earth's crust near zones where forces ings. In addition, public briefings on mountain range from the west land crush and stretch rock. Deformation earthquake issues were co-sponsored mass, revealed that ice formation there of that crust may be one early warning by NSF and held in San Francisco, began much earlier, about 37 million sign of an earthquake, and the drilling Washington DC, and Pasadena. years ago. And the discovery of diatom project could help to improve predic­ NSF-supported research is also fossils, microscopic algae diat can live tions of these natural disasters. underway to learn from recent earth­ only in sunny waters, indicates that the The State University of New York at quakes in Chile and New Mexico. eastern ice sheet did not cover the Buffalo is headquarters for a national More than 30 research projects seek entire ocean for more than 20 million center on earthquake engineering new knowledge and a basis for further years. research. Tnis center was established mitigating the effects of earthquakes MiCiOpalcontoiogist Jcttnes R. by Cornell, Princeton, Columbia, and in the United States. And in a coopera­ Kennett, then at the University of Lehigh Universities; the Rensselaer tive agreement with Japan, NSF is Rhode Island, led the expedition along Polytechnic Institute; the City College studying design methods that will help with marine geologist and geophysi­ ofNewYork;andSUNY/Buffalo. Center create masonry structures that are cist Peter Barker of the University of researchers look into ways to mini­ especially resistant to earthquakes and Birmingham in the United Kingdom. mize the loss of lives and property other seismic disturbances. They reported that climate changes in caused by earthquakes. Among the Antarctica can be inferred from de­ problems diey address are seismic risk Ocean Drilling tailed studies of the ocean floor For levels in the eastern United States and The Ocean Drilling Program, an example, melting ice sheets cause potential hazards caused by the fact internationally supported effort to rivers to form; the rivers in mrn de­ that many U.S. structures were not understand more about the earth's posit sand and gravel on the continen­ built with earthquake risks in mind. history through study of the ocean tal shelf Periodically, these deposits As part of its prevention smdies, NSF floor, has found surprising new details fall to the ocean floor, leaving a perma­ also learns from earthquakes when about the geography and climate of nent record of events that occurred they occur — including the one that hit Antarctica. Sea floor sediment accumu­ miillions of years ago. -Whittier, California, in die fall of 1987. lated over a period of 50 million years The Ocean Drilling Program is Although this earthquake was rela­ at the bottom of the Weddell Sea near funded by NSF and several interna­ tively small, it claimed six lives and the South Pole revealed striking differ­ tional partners Qapan, France, United caused property damage estimated at ences in ice formation between West Kingdom, West Germany, Canada, and $125 to $250 million. And researchers and East Antarctica. Two months of the European Science Foundation). detected aftershocks for several days drilling by the research vessel Joides Management is by contract to the Joint after the quake. Resolution also uncovered spores and Oceanographic Institutions QOI) Inc. By studying such events, NSF hopes pollen grains, providing new evidence and subcontracts to Texas A&M Univer­ to learn more about the problems that until about 39 million years ago sity and the Lamont-Doherty Geologi­ caused by larger quakes and better beech trees and ferns flourished in cal Observatory *-U 1^^ ^U:!:*,, .„.f LillvieX Li^llld Li-iC V Liiiiei-tiCJiiiLy CWiii— Antarctica and the continent once had munities in future simations of this a much warmer climate. kind. The Weddell Sea drilling, made possible only after a companion ship towed away icebergs weighing mil­ lions of tons, extracted sediment hid­ den below three miles of icy ocean. Analysis of sediment layers off the

56 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Ice Work. Maersk Master, ice-support vessel for the ship Joides Resolution, tows an antarctic iceberg weighing nearly 12 metric tons.

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 57 COMPUTER SCIENCE Cross-DiscipUnary Research The use of computers in research has become ubiquitous. Computers allow scientists to simulate experi­ ments impossible to perform in the laboratory, and diey serve as cal­ culators for data diat could not other­ wise be analyzed. Recognizing these and other appli­ cations, NSF has launched a new funding program that stretches across all disciplines in encouraging inves­ tigators to use computers in solving research problems. While many univer­ sities already have strong programs in computer research, most do not foster interdisciplinary studies. In addition to emphasizing collaborations among scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and computer specialists, the NSF pro­ gram (called Opportunities for Re­ search in Computer Science) also sup­ Gripper. A simulated ports training of advanced smdents in Hopcroft's research group has three-lingered robot state-of-fhe art computer techniques. developed a modeling system that hand holds an object allows objects to be bulk and modified in a Cornell Univer­ Robot Language quickly and easily. The team has pro­ sity robotics research effort. Robot programming languages — duced an electronic model of a three- ways to describe and manipulate fingered gripper developed by Stan­ complex spatial and temporal relation­ ford University and the Jet Propulsion ships — present both a major intellec­ Laboratory The group also ha.s de­ tual challenge and an opening to new veloped electronic models of vari­ technical and economic frontiers. One ations on the gripper of the most exciting pieces of research Through NSF-funded projects such in diis area is dial of John Hopcroft of as this one, the field of robotics has Cornell University Through a simula­ evolved from a strictly mechanically- tion environment, Hopcroft has de­ based endeavor to a science of repre­ veloped a new system that would senting, manipulating, and reasoning allow a user to design, test, and about physical objects with a com­ evaluate a robotic system before it is puter The mechanical aspects of built. By reducing the amount of kinematics and dynamics are still prototyping time, a fully developed important, but other exciting areas of capability of this sort would signifl­ research are now open. Robotic sys­ cantly accelerate die transformation of tems can be seen as not just a replace­ a robot from an idea into a functioning ment of labor, but as an intelligent production device. interface between perception and action, and as a new form of human/ machine partnership.

58 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Ejqxeriment in Electronic Mail electronic dissemination of NSF poUcy mechanics, including the stability of The primary form of communica­ and program announcements and bridges and the safety of automobiles; and analysis of field theories that tion among scientists and engineers is electronic receipt of proposal informa­ still paper documents. Although the tion and reviews. underlie the fundamental forces of physics. use of electronic mail — messages, Teclinology Transfer: From Another collaboration between reports, and graphics sent via com­ Computer Lab to Industry university and industry involves the puter—speeds communication and In recent years a number of com­ work of University of Utah computer can enhance the work of researchers puter programs developed through scientist Lee A Hollaar, who de­ collaborating on written material, NSF-supported research have made veloped a computerized text-search­ scientists have sometimes faced obsta­ their way from academia to the mar­ ing system. Hollaar's system improves cles in adopting the new methods. ketplace. In some cases researchers upon search programs already on the One obstacle is that the incompatibility have set up companies that collaborate market because it can electronically of different electronic word processing with universities to improve upon and copy the text it locates into other and desktop publishing systems makes market software that might otherwise documents. This feature is particu­ communication between people with never reach its intended audience. larly useful for lawyers, who often different machines or editing environ­ At the University of Illinois, com­ need to cite the wording of a prece­ ments nearly impossible. puter scientist David Kuck and his dent- setting case in court documents. To help improve electronic com­ associates formed Paracomp, a com­ In addition, the system has a special munication among different computer pany that tailors software developed processor, tailored to the search task, systems, NSF launched EXPRES, Ex­ on the campus supercomputer so that that significandy reduces search time. perimental Research in Electronic it can be easily used by businesses and It is also easily expandable, so that Submission. The project seeks to research institutions. The computer extra computing power is available as develop a system that would handle programs have application to weather the size of the text to be searched electronically all aspects of the NSF prediction; airplane design; structural increases. grant proposal process, including document submission and reviewer comments. Once such a model system is developed, researchers hope to extend its use to more general scien­ tific communications. At this writing, NSF supports EXPRES projects at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Michigan. Internally, NSF has implemented a Foundation-wide electronic mail system known as NOTE. The NOTE system has direct connections to die major academic and research net­ works and thus provides enhanced communication not only between employees at headquarters but be­ tween them and grantees and review­ ers in the research community In addition to electronic mail, NOTE provides an electronic bulletin board and online access to NSF manuals and documentation. Some of the present and planned uses of the system include

Technology transfer. NSF supported Lee Hollaar, a computer scientist who developed the computerized text-searching system pictured here.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 59 In 1983, Hollaar set up Contexture fields. In order to address problems Processing generally involves the Inc., a company that handles the encountered in mass producing transformation of raw materials into commercial development, manufactur­ these substances and to bolster univer­ useful, finished objects. One example ing, and licensing of the search system, sity training of people involved in is the transformation of graphite which was developed with NSF funds large-scale production, NSF's engineer­ compounds into composite, light­ at bodi the University of Illinois and ing directorate has a program in weight materials needed for aircraft die University of Utah. According to biotechnology that ties together re­ such as the Voyager spacecraft, which Hollaar, the company immediately search from several disciplines. Topics has circled the globe. And the proces­ developed packaging and completed include, but are not limited to, im­ sing of high-temperature supercon­ tests required by the Federal Com­ proved methods of culturing normal, ducting materials from ceramic com­ munications Commission to take the exotic, and genetically altered cells; pounds (see "Highlights") has become system from the university workbench development of new uses of proteins a major research endeavor to a prototype that could attract poten­ and other biological materials in the The NSF initiative encourages col­ tial users. In addition, based on the design of large biological reactors; laborations with industry because of preliminary research funded by NSF, techniques to separate or purify large the concentration of expertise there, another government agency (the quantities of dilute and impure industry's economic stake in results, Central Intelligence Agency) spon­ solutions of complex substances; and and its available facilities and research sored additional research to expand methods to monitor die metabolism instruments. Collaborations among the search system for its own use. of cells immersed in culture. different disciplines are also im.portant because materials research spans the Engineering-Materials Research full breadth of science and engineer­ Link ENGINEERING ing, including solid-state physics, fluid For the 20 years ending in 1985, NSF New demands for complex materi­ mechanics, and mechanical engineer­ provided funding for 31 of 46 engineer­ als with precisely controlled chemistry ing. ing advances considered the most shapes, and properties have led to signiflcant by representatives of six worldwide competition in manufactur­ Tribology professional engineering societies. ing materials. To help meet this de­ Tribology is the study of surfaces NSF was also cited more often than mand, NSF announced a joint effort by that move or slide against each other any other funding source in research its Directorates for Engineering and Ball bearings and gears in an auto­ papers associated with 10 specific for Mathematical and Physical Sci­ mobile are examples of tribological advances. These advances were in ences; their goal is to strengtiien U.S. components. Scientific research in the such fields as robotics, ceramics, research in materials processing and held of tribology is generally aimed at composite materials, and solid-state related activities. providing a mechanistic understand- circuits.* Engineering research sup­ ported by the Foundation in 1987 continued this distinguished trend, as shown in the examples that follow.

Engineering and Biotechnology Monoclonal antibodies, fhe molecules that destroy specific types of cancer cells and other disease-caus­ ing agents, are just one of the vital biological substances made possible by advances in molecular biology genetics, biochemistry and related

*Source: National Science Foundation Support for Significant Advances in Fundamental Engineering Research, as Shown in Publication Acknowledgments 1965-1985, NSF Program Evaluation Staff, Office of Budget and Control.

Trlbology. This computer-generated model is used to study the contact dynamics and tribological performance of a mechanical face seal.

60 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ing of the phenomena that occur at involved in other types of nerve cell light beam shines a fragment of any of the moving contacts. operations in the brain, including the stored images into the circuit, this With new studies delving into the depth perception. In addition, their action triggers the circuit to search out chemical interacdons at surfaces, the investigations, which suggest that each and retrieve the entire stored image. development of models to predict the nerve cell acts like a computer chip For example, if the crystal stored the behavior of these materials, and re­ containing hundreds of transistors, images of a cat and a dog, shining the lated inquiries, NSF has increased has application to robot vision systems image of the cat's tail would trigger support for its tribology program. and the development of automated the crystal to retrieve die full image of Included in 1987 was a summer in­ television cameras. the cat. According to Anderson, this ternship designed to draw faculty to Odier neuroengineering research type of pattern recognition suggests such research. The program gave has focused on neural networks, the some of the complex actions as­ faculty members who had never complex circuits that scientists design sociated with the brain and human investigated tribology but were ex­ to mimic the sophisticated decision memory perts in related areas the opportunity making of the human brain. Computer to learn about the field. chips and electronic wire are the usual components of these networks, but Neuroengineering now researchers have devised an The brain is fhe oldest and most alternative model: circuits that replace powerful computing machine we wire with lasers and mirrors and use know, and its communicadon system light-sensitive crystals, rather than is far more puzzling than that of the computer chips, to convey information most advanced supercomputer What and make decisions. fundamental processes underlie the Dana Anderson at the University of complexifies of informafion proces­ Colorado at Boulder and fack Fein­ sing in the brain? Researchers look for berg at the University of Southern biological analogues inside assem­ California in Los Angeles collaborated blages of transistors and diodes, on an optical circuit that memorizes electronic components that are the the shape and position of an object. A basis for computer circuitry Converse­ three-dimensional hologram of the ly, networks of electronic circuits that object forms inside a crystal in the mimic the pattern of nerve cells inside circuit, but the image quickly fades the brain are leading to experimental unless the object moves or changes components that may revolutionize position. For example, a Walt Disney computer science. These studies offer animated film run through the circuit, potential advances in computers that known as a Novelty Filter, is visible recognize and respond to human only when the characters move or the speech, in creating more autonomous scenery changes; if Mickey Mouse robots, and in computer vision sys­ temporarily stands still, he disappears tems. To help foster research in this rel­ from the screen. Bacteria under a atively new branch of science, known microscope connected to fhe Novelty as neuroengineering, NSF began a Filter are seen only as they slither back new funding program in FY 1987. and forth across the slide. Widi die help of NSF fiinds, Christof The filter instantly tracks the new Koch and his colleagues at the Califor­ position of objects as they move and Novelty filter. Dana Anderson and Jack nia Institute of Technology study the may have potential applications to Feinberg collaborated on an ingenious new cat's eye to understand how nerve optical computing. optical circuit that memorizes the shape cells in the redna detect motion. Their Anodier experimental circuit built and position of an object. A three-dimen­ research, in collaboration with Tomaso by Anderson relies on laser light that sional image of the object forms in the Poggio at the Massachusetts Institute optical circuit—known as a "Novelty travels through a loop containing Filter" — but the image quickly fades unless of Technology, has uncovered an mirrors and two crystals. One crystal the object moves or the background underlying biophysical mechanism uses the light to optically store a scenery changes, as seen in these two for motion detection that may be variety of simple images; the other photos. crystal acts as an amplifier -When a

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 61 Research in Engineering Design company to suggest design changes — Thoughtful study of the design even if those employees work across process can sometimes correct prob­ the country Engineering students lems in a product before it is manufac­ have tested their original designs for tured, suggest the most appropriate manufactured metal parts on the sys­ materials for its manufacture, and tem, honing the design skills learned dramatically decrease production in class. According to Cudsosky stu­ costs. In addition, computer programs dents have found that their design based on expertise gleaned from style is creatively altered by interaction successful design projects can aid the with the computer design of new products. NSF support Myron Fiering at Harvard University focuses on developing scientific has used computer techniques for methods for engineering desigti and another aspect of engineering design: establishing a formal discipline in this the analysis of classic design failures relatively new area of study to understand how errors can be Beginning with a project for a anticipated and designs made suffi­ design class taught at Stanford Univer­ ciently flexible to survive unexpected sity, engineer Mark Cutkosky and his flaws or stresses. collaborators have developed the Aided by a computer, Fiering and basics of an automated manufacmring his graduate student, Benito Villama- system. The aim of their computerized rin, grouped some 30 flawed designs, system is to keep the designer in daily as well as designs tiiat withstood contact with staff involved in all parts unusual stresses, according to com­ of the manufacturing process, allowing mon themes. The researchers then die manufacturing resources of a began to develop a computer program, specific company to be taken into designed to run on an ordinary per­ account in planning a product. The sonal computer, diat uses die analysis model system also enables others ih a of flawed designs to indicate potential errors in new plans.

Computerized manufacturing. A machine part is drilled on a special platform that senses the forces and torques exerted on the part in all directions. The goal is to gather information from the manufacturing process as it occurs, in order to update or flne-tune the manufacturing knowledge base and to suggest changes in design. This work was done by Mark Cutkosky and his team at Stanford University.

62 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Construction automation: Computerized model of a machine that moves earth. The machine is connected to a microprocessor that allows it to adjust automatically for the weight of the load, type of material, and other day-to-day variations encountered at the construction site. This is an example of work done by Boyd C. Paulson and Raymond Levitt at Stanford University.

Automated Construction tive position of U.S. firms through • Engineers under die direction of Robots digging tunnels, computers research in automated or computer- Irving f. Oppenheim at Carnegie that test design plans, artificial intelli­ integrated construction. Mellon University have explored gence methods for tracking progress In recent years, NSF has awarded methods to automate digging at con­ at the job site: such developments eight grants to investigate use of the struction sites. appear to signal the construction computer in planning, organizing, and • At Stanford University research industry's fumre. If so, U.S. companies building skyscrapers and other large teams directed by Boyd C. Paulson may be losing their competitive foot­ structures. Some examples: and Raymond Levitt considered in­ hold. Although the industry is an • At the University of Texas at strumentation for monitoring equip­ important and lucrative business — Austin, engineers led by Alfred E. ment safety and production. One of American construction companies Traver collaborated with Bechtel, Inc. the Stanford projects, known as "Sight earn more than $380 billion a year and to explore the way pipes could be Plan," sought artificial intelligence employ some 5.5 million workers — selected and fit together at a construc­ methods to design die layout of a productivity of U.S. companies has tion site with the aid of computers and model work site, coordinate workers remained flat and the industry spends a specially designed robot. or robots on the job, keep track of less dian 0.4 percent of sales on • Researchers at the University of supplies, and record and make adjust­ research and development. Japan and Maryland, Virginia Polytechnic Insti­ ments for the continually changing other countries are taking an increas­ tute, and Pennsylvania State University nature of die construction project. ing share of the business. A new have studied various ways to (1) auto­ program begun by NSF's engineering mate activities on construction sites directorate seeks to boost the competi­ and (2) provide an open, interactive data environment for engineering de­ sign of buildings, construction pro­ cesses, and facilities management after construction has been completed.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 63 and die Japanese Institute for New INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES Generation Computer Technology China (ICOT) jointly developed a program In an effort to boost international that allows U.S. scientists and en­ cooperation, NSF sponsors a number gineers to conduct researdh at ICOT. of research activihes and agreements Under die joint agreement, which with other countries. In 1987, for began in 1987, ICOT opens its doors example, NSF sponsored a joint semi­ each year to up to three U.S. scientists nar with China on the subject of selected and supported by NSE advanced ceramic materials, andcipat- ing continued cooperative research in this area. Such joint research allows U.S. scientists to forge ties with their Chinese counterparts in areas of mutual sciendfic interest. Yugoslavia An NSF-sponsored cooperative project in theoretical physics between the University of Zagreb and Purdue University has spurred development of a new theory about nature. The theory postulates a fifth force — the hypercharged force — that acts at short distances against the tug of gravity The theory, with implications that would greatly alter our view of die universe and its origins, has stimulated wide­ spread interest and experimentation in the United States and abroad. India Scientists from Purdue University and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, have joined forces to develop and study high-temperature superconductors (see "Highlights") made of metal oxides. The researchers designed new methods for synthesiz­ ing the oxides; some 30 technical papers on their work have appeared Example of intemational work: Researcher measures nutrient flow in major international journals. in a study of nutrient cycles in a tropical rain forest system. This project took place near the joint border between Brazil, Colombia, Japan and Venezuela. Through a new collaborative re­ search program with Japan, NSF is helping to advance computer research and spur development of the next generation of computers in the inter­ national community The Foundation

64 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION New Intemational Information search. Private investors then take over • Improved catalysts for continuous OfSce during the third and final stage, which flow fermentors, which use microbes In March 1987, NSF established a involves product development, man­ for rapid production of genetically new information and analysis office to ufacturing, and marketing efforts. engineered protein, by Verax Corpora­ monitor technical developments in Products resulting from SBIR- tion of Lebanon, New Hampshire. major areas of the world and to analyze funded research include; Since receiving awards in 1982 from their impact. Eventually this office • Plant-derived insecticides, as the Foundation's SBIR program and plans to distribute — both in print and well as new plant gene-mapping tech­ from the National Institutes of Health, electronically—its information prod­ niques, by Native Plants Inc. (NPI) of the company has increased its size ucts to U.S. scientists and engineers. Salt Lake City NPI raised $64 million from 12 to 87 employees. Examples include some 120 studies on in private investment and increased See also the "Highlights" section of technical advances and policy trends employment from 40 to 450 since this report for another example of in Japan. receiving its first SBIR award in 1980. SBIR support. Also underway is a pilot program (developed with the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce) that involves selected academic, government, and industrial users nationwide. The aim of this study is to determine the most effective format, content, and public distribudon method, as well as appro­ priate user groups, for U.S. govern­ ment reports on foreign science and technology developments. The new office is part of NSF's Directorate for Sciendfic, Technologi­ cal, and International Affairs.

SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS Small businesses involved in scien­ tific and technological innovations often cannot support the research Small business innovation: an irmoculation trial at Native Plants, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah. needed to develop the next generation In this trial of a mycorrhizal plant growth system a symbiotic association between a of state-of-the-art devices. NSF's Small nitrogen-fixing fiingus and the root system enhances growth. Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program funds high-quality research at diese companies. In 1987, NSF awarded 151 "Phase I" grants that provide firms with up to $40,000 for six months to explore innovative research ideas. The most promising projects to emerge from Phase I are awarded up to $200,000 for two addi­ tional years of NSF-supported re-

Verax processor. Another small business effort supported by NSF resulted in equipment such as this processor, which is based upon the development of microporous beads that serve as the growth surface for cells. 65 CHAPTER

I BASIC RESEARCH: CENTERS, GROUPS, ANC

ncreasingly, research relies on expen­ sive and complex equipment. Even NEW EFFORTS mathematics, which once required Reagan Plan only a pencil and paper, now depends I President Reagan's "Quest for Excel­ on computers. One research institu­ lence" speech, delivered to the Con­ tion alone often cannot afford to buy gress in January 1987, oudined a na­ and maintain the facilities and tools tional policy for science and technol­ used in modern research. And as ogy As part of that policy die President studies in biotechnology materials announced an initiative for several research, and other fields cross the new NSF-supported centers for re­ boundaries between disciplines, the search in science and technology The pooling of diverse resources and the President described these centers as sharing of equipment become "new university-based, interdisciplin­ inevitable. ary 'Science and Technology Centers' In some instances, universities, that will focus on fundamental science industry and the federal government that directly contributes to die nation's have shared their scientific and en­ economic competitiveness." gineering talents, as industry and die federal government have jointly New Engineering Research funded campus-based research pro­ Centers grams ranging from small collabora­ This program supports cross-discip­ tions to large facilities widi scores of linary centers focused on the research investigators. and education that are critical to U.S. In supporting major facilities for industrial competitiveness. The pro­ astronomy, atmospheric science, en­ gram is a partnership between acade­ gineering, materials science, physics, mia, industry and government. New Engineering Research and computing, NSF has led the way Center Jacques Pankove, a NSF announced in 1987 the initia­ program manager for for many collaborative research ef­ tion of three new centers at the Univer­ Colorado's Optoelec­ forts. Fiscal year 1987 saw new dis­ sity of Colorado, Boulder/Colorado tronic Computing Systems coveries at some of diese facilities, State (a cooperative effort), the Univer­ Center, was the first to continuation of the new engineering sity of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), demonstrate high-lumines­ research centers established in 1985, cence efficiency in gallium and Duke University The universities arsenide. He also discov­ and a presidential plan to expand will receive up to $46 million in NSF ered and explained greatly the number and role of feder­ funds over the next five years to radiative tunneling in ally funded centers. operate and maintain these campus- semiconductors. based efforts. This brings the comple­ ment of centers to 14. They are clus­ tered in design and manufacturing, optoelectronics, biotechnology and resource utilization.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

The UCLA center focuses on hazard­ ous substance control and will explore emerging technologies to minimize the production of hazardous wastes. Research at die UCLA facility examines the flow of hazardous materials from their origin to their eventual disposal, and considers the impact of releasing toxic materials into the environment. The Colorado center focuses on optoelectronic computing systems to explore the use of light waves, rather than the flow of electric current, to carry information used in computing, signal processing, and artificial intelli­ gence systems. The timely availability of optoelectronic computing and optical devices is expected to improve die nation's competitive position in the communication and information industries. More Colorado work. One group at Colorado's new Engineering Research The Duke University ERC will Center is examining the usefulness of optical neural network systems. A explore fundamental engineering key component under development is this central switch, which uses research critical to emerging car­ ferroelectric liquid crystals. These crystals, developed by an interdisciplin­ ary team at the University of Colorado, easily exceed the switching speeds diovascular technologies. This center of commercially available crystals and have an inherent memory. will focus on research leading to advanced imaging methods and micro­ instrumentation that may help solve electronic technologies to aid in fundamental biological problems diagnosing and treating cardiovascular and eventually affect commercial diseases. biotechnology NSF is accepting proposals for Biological Centers additional Biological Facilities Centers In mid-September 1987, NSF an­ nounced support of $10 million for 20 institutions are expected to show a campus centers conducting research willingness to share center costs and in various aspects of biology The to make a commitment to maintain a purpose of the Biological Facilities facility after the tenure of the NSF Centers Program is to provide sophis­ award. ticated instrumentation to biological reseach centers investigating challeng­ Center on Energetic Materials ing problems in biotechnology This At the New Mexico Institute of will encourage researchers from Mining and Technology NSF helped diverse biological disciplines to share establish a center for the study of state-of-the-art equipment and to work so-called energetic materials — explo­ joindy to solve complex problems sives, propellants, and flammable requiring insight from different scien­ chemicals — and the hazards as­ tific perspectives. Two of fhe 20 awards sociated with using them. Founded focus on the development of unique under NSF's Industry-University Symbolizing the heart of biotechnology: double helix of DNA molecule

68 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Cooperative Research Program, the • High-Strength Steels, X-Rays At the University of Wisconsin, Research Center for Energetic Mater­ for Micro Circuits researchers have been looking at a ials is working closely with industry to At Harvard University and the Mas­ technology that could shrink the answer questions about the manufac­ sachusetts Institute of Technology smallest features of a computer chip ture of energetic materials, dieir scientists have developed promising down to one-quarter to one-tenth of performance in particular applica­ new high-strengdi steels that may have their present size. The smaller size tions, and safe methods for transport critical applications in aircraft landing circuits would permit smaller and and storage. The five-year, $500,000 gear and helicopter rotors. Existing faster computer chips with more NSF start-up grant for the center steels normally have adequate tensile compufing power, an especially valu­ complements support from other strength and toughness but are prone able asset in building supercomputers. federal agencies and from industry to corrosion from humidity a problem Known as X-ray lithography, the After the first five years, the center will that figured in several recent catas­ method uses intense beams of X-rays be supported solely by industry trophic helicopter crashes. Research­ (from the Aladdin Synchrotron sponsors. ers at the MIT and Harvard MRLs Source) to outline sharply the micro­ scopic patterns on computer chips Materials Research hiitiatives analyzed changes in microstructure and chemistry diat could improve the and to build up intricate integrated • More Funds for quality of commonly used steels. As a circuits — some as small as one ten-mil­ Superconductivity result, the investigators created steels lionth of a meter In contrast, beams To help spur the further develop­ that are less britde and susceptible to of visible light that currently can make ment of new high-temperature super­ corrosion. The second generation of integrated circuits outline patterns not conductors (see "Highlights"), NSF these materials was produced by allocated an additional $1 million to Carpenter Steel Company and is three of die Materials Research expected to show even greater Laboratories (MRL's) it funds —those promise. at Northwestern, Stanford, and die University of Illinois at Urbana-Cham­ paign. Superconductors, materials ±at lose all resistance to electric current below a certain temperature, have enormous potential applications in power transmission lines and as potent magnets used in medical imag­ ing, particle accelerators, and transpor­ tation systems. The recent discovery of higher temperature superconductors offers promise that some of diese materials may not require a costly cooldown to more than 400 degrees below zero Fahrenheit in order to operate. The MRL's have taken up the challenge of understanding the com­ plex and subde science underlying the synthesis, processing, and behavior of these new and intriguing compounds.

Material growth. Photograph shows pure lanthanum copper oxide grown on a platinum seed—a project of MIT's Materials Research Laboratory. The crystal has a layered structure that forms the basis for high-temperature superconducting materials such as lanthanum barium copper oxide.

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 69 much smaller than one-millionth of a meter The Wisconsin Center for X-Ray Lithography recently formed a consor­ tium with businesses to pool resources and share profits in improving the X-ray method, which is already under intense investigation in Japan. The Wisconsin Synchrotron Radia­ tion Center is supported by NSF's Division of Materials Research, while the X-ray lithography research has been supported by the Division of Electrical, Communications, and Sys­ tems Engineering. • New Materials Research Groups In 1987, NSF established four new Materials research-engineering project. The lower part of this enlarged photograph shows a gi aiing with vertical bars one micron Materials Research Groups; research at apart and a cross line 0.2 micron wide. The cross line is etched by the newest campus-based groups X-rays from the Aladdin light source at the University of Wisconsin. includes: at the University of California, Upper part of photo shows a farther enlargement of boxed area at San Diego, a stady of the microscopic bottom. properties of magnetic materials; at Brown University analysis of factors that make materials susceptible to deformation and fracture; at Montana State University efforts to understand the basic properties of new types of semiconductors; and at the University of Michigan, development of a method to strengthen glassy polymers. Advanced Scientific Computing Recognizing that advanced com­ puters are an integral resource for making new discoveries, NSF estab­ lished five National Supercomputer Centers in 1985 and 1986. The follow­ ing year, Cornell University received die International Business Machine's (IBM) most powerful supercomputer to date. One feature of diis machine is that it contains six processors, each of which can tackle a separate computing problem or operate in parallel on the same problem. The new supercompu­ ter is being applied to research in medicine, physics, geology biology astrophysics, and other fields that require large amounts of computa­ tional calculations. Materials research: studying the effect of a magnetic field on metals of various shapes

70 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Research advances are also being made at other NSF-supported super­ computer centers. At the University of Illinois, electrical and computer en­ gineer Karl Hess, an NSF grantee, spent much of his time searching in die laboratory for new types of semicon­ ductors, materials whose electrical properties make them ideal for com­ puter chips. But when die university's supercomputer came online, Hess found that simulated experiments on the computer screen told him as much as costly and time-consuming labora­ tory experiments did, and they per­ formed the work more accurately NSF grantee Freeman Gilbert, a geophysics professor at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, has used the campus supercomputer to com­ pare his models of die deep structure of the earth widi actual data. If the results of his simulated experiments match measurements obtained from drilling and earthquake activity Gil­ bert and other geophysicists may have mapped the invisible — the center of the earth. (See also "Mapping the Earth's Interior," in the next section of this chapter.)

Supercomputer upgrade. Programmer Homer Smith rests on computer screen showing graphical representations of mathematical equations generated via the Cornell supercomputer, an IBM-based device. In 1987 the Cornell system was upgraded to a more advanced IBM supercomputer

Most powerful mainframe. The IBM 3090 Model 600E supercomputer, recently installed at Cornell University, provides up to 60 percent more computing power than IBM's largest previous model.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 71 At Carnegie Mellon University, Gregory McCrea and his colleagues OTHER ACTIVITIES relied on a supercomputer to model Mapping the Earth's Interior the effects of smog over Los Angeles The ultimate goal of earth sciences and the effectiveness of different is to understand the structure, compo­ methods to reduce air pollution. sition, origin, and evolution of die Computer simulations by the research earth. During the past two decades, group showed that some suggested the success of the plate tectonic theory techniques to lower pollution in the has revolutionized earth sciences. We city actually increased die problem in now have a coherent framework for outlying areas. understanding many of our planet's Research Networking features: the global distribution of In a parallel effort widi supercompu­ mountain chains, volcanos and earth­ ter research, NSF created NSFNet, an quakes, major fault systems, the pro­ umbrella group of computer networks duction of new crust at ocean ridges, designed to improve scientiflc com­ and the building and migration of munication and m-ake advanced com_- continents. puting capabilities more accessible. In In recent years, great advances have 1987, a new network joined die NSFNet occurred in various techniques for group; NSF awarded a three-year, $1.8 imaging the interior of the earth, using million grant to begin NorthwestNet, data from seismic arrays. One of the which links major research insdtutions most exciting is seismic tomography. in the northwestern United States with It combines measurements of earth­ the five NSF Supercomputer Centers. quake waves from many seismic sta­ The hnk was needed because of the tions with sophisticated computer absence of academic supercomputers modeling to construct three-dimen­ in that region. sional images of the earth's interior. Odier members of NSFNet diat Seismic tomography is based on the came on board in 1987 include aca­ same principles as the medical tech­ demic networks and regional net­ nique of Computerized Axial Tomo­ works in New York, Texas, Michigan, graphy (better known as the CAT the San Francisco Bay area, and the scan), which uses X-rays. Seismic Southeast. The Southeast network tomography, however, measures the uses a computer-based routing system velocity of waves generated by earth­ developed by Proteon, Inc., to connect quakes or explosions that travel 16 universides in 12 states and the through the earth. Seismic wave District of Columbia to the major velocity is affected by the density of supercomputer centers. The Proteon the material that die waves are travel­ system gives other universities in the ling through. They travel faster in 12 states access to the network, known denser, colder material than in less as SURANet (for Southeastern Univer­ dense, hot, or molten material. sides Research Association Network), through a combinadon of smaller state and local networks. By die end of FY 1987, NSF had linked some 125 campuses to its research network.

72 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION HIGH BANDWIDTH DATA NETWORK (1.5 mbits/sec)

LEGEND: ® MCI DXC SITE o MCI SITE A REGIONAL NETWORK OPERATION CENTER A SUPERCOMPUTER CENTER —^SUPERCOMPUTER CENTER NETWORK —•REGIONAL NETWORK

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 73 The seismic waves are also affected by the orientation of the crystals that make up the earth, and they move faster or more slowly as they pass through regions where significant crystal orientation exists. One such zone is in the earth's mantle. There the rock is so hot that, over geologic dme, it flows and deforms much like a fluid. The crystals within the rock become oriented with fhe flow and thus affect the measured seismic velocides as earthquake waves pass through the region. Seismologists from 54 universides have now formed a nonprofit corpora­ tion. Incorporated Research Institu­ tions for Seismology IRIS is funded by NSF to implement cridcally needed nadonal facilities for support of seis­ mological research in the coming quarter-century Among its objectives is a global array of at least 100 modern, permanent seismic stations, com­ plemented by a large (1000-instru- CAT scan. In this computerized 3-D map of the velocity of earthquake ment) moveable array for finer-scale waves inside the earth, dark areas indicate waves that move more slowly resolution. The signals recorded from than do those elsewhere. These waves are travelling through hotter regions these seismic stations will help in of the earth's core. developing three-dimensional tomo­ graphic images of the earth. Using the principles of seismic tomography and the new generation of earthquake recording stations, scientists can make CAT scans of the earth to map die composition and flow of material throughout its interior And, for die first time, they can get a view of the inner workings of the earth's dynamic structure.

Astronomy Centers Among the important facilities funded by NSF and shared by scores of researchers are astronomical obser­ vatories. Ranging from optical tele­ scopes that peer out from dome- shaped covers on distant mountain- tops to ground-level parabolic anten­ nas, these instruments record the

74 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION details of faint galaxies, comets, and other pieces of the heavenly puzzle. • The Nadonal Optical Astronomy Observatories (NOAO), headquar­ tered in Tucson, Arizona, include three facilities. Two of these, although serv­ ing different functions, are near neigh­ bors. The National Solar Observatory has observing facilities for solar re­ search in New Mexico and Arizona, while die Kitt Peak National Observa­ tory provides access to optical tele­ scopes and clear viewing on an Arizona mountaintop. The third facility the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observa­ tory in Chile, is our country's only national astronomy center in die Southern Hemisphere. Cerro Tololo made headlines in 1987 when it cap- mred some of the first pictures of Supernova 1987A, the brilliant stellar explosion (see "Highlights" secfion) visible only soudi of the equator Observations at Cerro Tololo continue to track the remnants of the giant explosion, providing one of the first detailed comparisons betvv^een fhe evolufion of a massive star and as­ tronomical theory • More than a half-century ago, sciendsts discovered that certain stars and other sources in the sky emit radio waves in addition to the light visible to the human eye. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, has facilities or observatories tuned to these radio frequencies in West Virginia, Arizona, and New Mex­ ico. Radio wave observations at the New Mexico site—an array of 27 dish-shaped antennas that move on railroad tracks —aided astronomer

National Radio Astronomy Observatory's millimeter wave telescope (front and back views), located on Kitt Peak National Radio Astronomy Observatory's 140-foot radio telescope at Greenbank, West Virginia

Susan Simkin and her colleagues in major facilities, such as aircraft, super­ discovering the largest galaxy in the computers, Doppler radars, and atmo­ universe, Markarian 348, which mea­ spheric sounding systems. sures 1.3 million lightyears across (see A recent project involving an NCAR "Highlights" section). scientist has resulted in a break­ s The Nadonal Astronomy and through in the recognition of long-sus­ Ionosphere Center operates the pected relationships betv^-een sunspots world's single largest radio tele­ and the weather The breakthrough scope — an antenna 1000 feet in diame­ arose out of die quasi-biennial (27 ter that has a radio signal collecting months) oscillation, or QBO, of tropi­ area of 18 and 1/2 acres — near Arecibo, cal stratospheric winds and the 11-year Puerto Rico. solar cycle. The effect has been isolated by a collaboration of Harry Van Loon, Atmospheric Research from NCAR, and Karin Labitzke from The National Center for Atmo­ the Free University in Berlin. A consis­ spheric Research (NCAR), in Boulder, tent pattern of Solar Cycle-QBO Colorado, engages in research on a changes in atmospheric circulation, variety of topics, including atmo­ North Atiantic storm tracks, and the spheric chemistry, atmospheric mildness or severity of winters in the dynamics, climate change, cloud Eastern United States has become physics, magnetospheric physics, apparent. Following furdier research mesoscale convective systems, numer­ to understand the mechanism in­ ical modeling of weather systems, and volved, it should be possible to im­ solar physics. Scientists at NCAR coop­ prove long-range seasonal forecasts erate and collaborate frequently and significantly enthusiastically with university scien­ tists, for whom NCAR also provides

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opBJop3 'japjnog ut qajeasay auaqdsouuv JOJ raju33 iBUopEN aqj jo sjajjBubpBaH INSTRUMENTATION NEWS Ocean Sciences: Mass Spectrometer In order to analyze trace elements found in materials collected during upcoming geoscienee projects, NSF's Ocean Sciences Division has an­ nounced plans for an Accelerator Mass Spectrometer This ultrasensitive spectrometer, which uses magnetic fields to separate chemical com­ pounds according to their mass, would reduce by a thousand the amount of seawater needed to detect trace materials. Trace materials have become power­ ful tools for describing die history and dynamics of oceans. Analyzing the concentration of these materials in seawater provides information on long-term mixing and circulation in the deep ocean, on upwelling of currents, and on air-sea exchange of carbon dioxide. Installation. Technicians install preamps on the CLEO II drift chamber in Cornell's Electron Storage Ring (CESR). Cornell Electron Storage Ring CESR, die only NSF-supported insttument for elementary particle physics research, has been undergoing a comprehensive upgrade of its stor­ age ring and detectors. The upgrade will allow CESR to perform the most precise experiments possible within its energy range. Research at CESR emphasizes the study of quarks, fundamental particles that bind together to form protons and neutrons. Several new combinations of quarks were discovered at the Cornell site, which draws research groups from 13 universities and coUeRes.

CESR Work. Homer Neal, Jr, a Cornell undergraduate, installs photodiodes on cesium iodide scintillator crystals. Neal is the son of a former National Science Board member

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ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 79 Telescope Technology Larger mirrors mean greater light- gathering abihties for optical tele­ scopes and higher-resolution pictures of distant galaxies. But large mirrors are difficult to cast. Roger Angel at the University of Arizona is trying to develop large, lightweight, stiff mirrors that can be carefully controlled for tem­ perature. Working under die univer­ sity's football stadium. Angel and his collaborators are assembling a huge rotating oven in which they hope to cast mirrors that are up to 8 meters (308 inches) in diameter By spinning the entire oven as the glass is melting and flowing into a special honeycomb mold, a rough parabolic curve is automatically cast into the mirror's top surface. This avoids months of tedious and wasteful grinding usually needed to achieve the shape. In addition, the thin honeycomb mold serves to stiffen the mirror, making it less likely to sag or warp under its own weight. The innovations of Roger Angel and his research team do not end with casting. To cut down on polishing time and to make the final mirror surface more precise. Angel has experimented with computer-controlled polishing

small tools to achieve the large curva- mre needed. Angel uses a single tool whose shape is adjusted by computer Innovative design. Special rotating furnace designed by University of several hundred times a second. These Arizona's Roger Angel creates the rough parabolic curve in telescope methods are expected to garner mirrors that ordinarily takes months of polishing to achieve. enormous savings in the manufacture of telescopes.

80 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Instrumentation Survey In 1987, NSF released die results of its second national survey on the need for instruments and instrumentadon in academic research.* Conducted in 1985, the sur\'ey was designed to gather nadonal statistics on the num­ ber, age, cost, and condition of re­ search equipment in the computer and physical sciences, and in engineer­ ing fields, and compare the data to findings from a similar NSF study in 1982. NSF found that in 1985 more depart­ ment chairs in computer science and die physical sciences said that available research equipment was "excellent" (increases from 2 to 13 percent and 4 to 12 percent, respectively). However, the proportion of engineering depart­ ment heads reporting "excellent" equipment declined from 9 to 5 percent between 1982 and 1985. In both of those years, about half of the chairpersons in engineering cate­ gorized equipment as "insufficient" for investigators to conduct their research. The report noted the increasing importance of federal funds in pur­ chasing research equipment in com­ puter science: government funds bought 43 percent of such equipment in 1982 and 52 percent in 1985. At die same time, departmental expenditures to maintain or repair computer science equipment soared by 114 percent from 1982 to 1985. Smaller increases were found in engineering (37 percent) and the physical sciences (9 percent).

* National Survey of Academic Research Instruments and Instrumentation Needs. National Science Foundation, fall 1987 CHAPTER 5

AmRDS

• Alan T. Waterman Award. Named for NSF's first director, this award is presented each year by the Foundation to an outstanding science, mathema­ tics, or engineering researcher who is 35 years of age or younger and has had a doctoral degree for not more than five years. For the first time since it was estab­ lished 12 years ago, the award in 1987 went to an economist, Lawrence H. Summers of Harvard University A major portion of Summers' research has focused on the namre of un­ employment and how it can persist in competitive labor markets. Summers has also analyzed the effects of taxation and the impact of alternative tax policies on the nation's present and future wealth. In commenting on Summers' work, a colleague noted: "In Lawrence H. Summers each field of research in which he worked, he combined important analytic insights with imaginative • Vannevar Bush Award. The Na­ econometric research. Our profession tional Science Board, NSF's governing is already much richer for the contribu­ body, grants this prestigious award to tion he has made during the past... individuals who have made outstand­ years, and we look forward to the ing lifetime contributions to the nation contribution he will make in the years in science, engineering, and technol­ ahead." ogy The award is named for the en­ A measure of the high regard that gineer and World War II science others in his field hold for Summers administrator who prepared the presi­ is his appointment as full professor at dential report recommending estab­ Harvard within a year of receiving his hshment of the National Science Ph.D. degree there. NSF selected Foundation. Summers from among 110 highly qualified nominees to receive die Waterman Award, which includes a medal and NSF support for up to $500,000 for three years of research and advanced smdies.

82 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION In 1987, the Vannevar Bush award In 1985, Packard co-chaired a White went to David Packard, co-founder of House Science Council panel that Hewlett-Packard, one of the nation's examined the status of U.S. research first science-based high technology universities with respect to social and companies. Packard established his economic policy The panel's smdy* pioneering company (along with his known as the Packard-Bromley report, former classmate, William Hewlett) in has been widely cited. One of its 1939. Headquartered in Palo Alto, recommendations for encouraging California, Hewlett-Packard achieved government-university-industry coop­ its reputation as an international eration was the creation of science and manufacturer of measurement and technology centers for basic research; computation products, clearing this idea later became part of the ground for other technology-based Reagan Administration's FY 1988 companies in the area now known as budget proposal. Silicon Valley More recently, Packard As NSB chairman Roland Schmitt has served as a member of the White noted in announcing the Bush Award, House Science Council, as Deputy "David Packard realized, almost half a Secretary of Defense, and as chairman century ago, that the prosperity of this of die President's Blue Ribbon Com­ country and all its citizens depends on mission on Defense Management. the imaginative uses of its science, engineering, and technology base. He Martin Pomerantz is not only a builder of high-technol­ ogy enterprise, he is also a prime Pomerantz is director of the Bartol exemplar of the conviction that the Research Foundation in Newark, Dela­ value of science and technology can ware at this writing. His research at the best be measured by the extent that South Pole focused on cosmic rays, they serve the public good." solar-terrestrial interactions, astro­ • Distinguished Public Service physics, and the physics of die sun. Award. This award, for distinguished Hugh F. Loweth, a major contributor service to science and engineering, is to U.S. science policy since the 1950's, one of the highest conferred by the also received the NSF Distinguished Foundation. In January 1987, the Public Service Award. After serving honor went to astronomer Martin A three decades in the U.S. Bureau of the Pomerantz during a ceremony held at Budget and the Office of Management Amundsen-Scott Station, South Pole. and Budget, Loweth was recognized He was recognized for his leadership for "extraordinary leadership, initia­ in the design and conduct of multi- tive, and outstanding contributions to disciplinary research at the U.S. South the federal government and to the Pole Station, his understanding of the unique characteristics of the South Pole as an observation site, and his David Packard ability to attract qualified scientists to conduct research there. *A Renewed Partnership, Report of the White House Science Council, Panel on the Health of us. Colleges and Universities (Feb. 1986)

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 83 The accomplishments of the staff difficult for new students to grasp but members, who operated 96 drilhng a basic tool in the sciences and en­ expeditions between 1968 and 1983, gineering. Pittas, who coaches a sm­ include new understanding of how dent team for math competitions, was the sea floor spreads and new informa­ selected by the Woodrow Wilson tion confirming the plate tectonics National Fellowship Foundation to theory on the formation of continents. attend its 1985 summer institute in The Scripps drillship dug 1092 holes matiiematics. at 624 sites, penetrating the ocean's —Adriano M. Gonzalez, a 30-year- crust to a depth of more than 3240 old high school science teacher in feet. Studies of natural ocean trenches Austin, Texas, also received the 1987 using the drillship provided new clues award. Although Gonzalez has taught into the origin of large-scale earth­ for only six years, he has already spent quakes. many hours in the classroom. By day • Bloch receives award. In Decem­ he teaches chemistry honors chemis­ ber 1986, NSF Director Erich Bloch try and anatomy and physiology at received from_ the Council of Scientific Holmes High School; by night Gon­ Society Presidents its award for sup­ zalez teaches biology and physics in port of science. Mr. Bloch was cited an evening school. He also is a summer for his contributions to the improve­ school teacher Among his many Hugh Loweth ment of science and engineering edu­ activities, Gonzalez coaches students cation and to the exchange of scientific for the Texas academic decathalon, trains them for the Scholastic Aptitude support and strengthening of U.S. information within the United States Tests (SATs), and is a school adviser science and engineering programs." and abroad. In addition, the Council for the National Science League and In particular, the award noted, noted that Mr Bloch has given high the National Science Olympiad. Loweth saw as early as the 1950's priority to industrial competitiveness, According to Gonzalez, his goal is Antarctica's significance as a natural working to increase the number and to get students involved and deeply research laboratory, and he helped to quality of graduates in science and committed, thus making them more formulate what became the U.S. Antarc­ engineering and encouraging fuller competitive for future science work in tic Research Program. His early em­ use of the talents of women and high school, college, and life. Said phasis on die need for major research minorities. Gonzalez, who was voted outstanding instruments for scientific progress led s Presidential Awards for Excel­ high school science teacher in 1985 to the establishment of NSF's national lence in Science and Mathematics and chemistry teacher of the year in research centers in astronomy and the Teaching. Each year two outstanding 1987: "I strongly believe that I do not atmospheric sciences, the Materials high school or middle school teachers succeed unless my students do, and Research Laboratories, and the earth­ from every state, the District of Colum­ they do!" quake engineering program. bia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories The schools where award winners • Meritorious Public Service receive this award, intended to encour­ teach benefit directly; NSF provides Award. During 1987, Erich Bloch gave age high-quality teachers to enter and them with grants of 15000, to be used this award to the staff of the Deep Sea remain in the field. NSF established under the awardee's direction to im­ Drilling Project at the Scripps Institu­ the award, in cooperation with the prove science and education courses. tion of Oceanography in San Diego. White House and scientific and profes­ Examples of innovation in use of the Specially Cited wasiVi.iV.A Pet&rson, "in sional organizations, m 1983- Among grant money abound. Among the crea­ recognition of his long and dedicated the 1987 winners: tive projects from past presidential. service as Chief Scientist, Program —Panayiotis Pittas is a teacher and awardees are the following: Director, and Principal Investigator of chairman of the mathematics depart the Deep Sea Drilling Project at Scripps ment at Heritage High School in Institution of Oceanography" Lynchburg, Virginia. He was cited for his innovative use of microcomputers in teaching calculus, a branch of advanced mathematics sometimes

84 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 85 — Installation of a videolaser disk engineering prizes. Included were the player—with computer and satel­ Nobel Prize, MacArthur fellowships, lite dish receiver—for science NSF's own Waterman Award, 12 en­ students all over Wyoming, where gineering honors, and prizes in 10 Michael Pearson of McCormaek scientific disciplines. Junior High School in Cheyenne The report, available from NSF's has established a satellite teleconfer­ Office of Budget, Audit, and Control, ence center also shows that 23 percent of fhe prize — Introduction of a mathematics winners had received NSF funding for manipulatives program at Indian their graduate or postdoctoral studies. Trail Junior High School in Olathe, Kansas, where Charlotte Keith AWARDS TO NSF STAFF spices her math instruction with pattern blocks, color squares, Director's Equal Opportunity geoboards, tangrams, and attribute Achievement Award logic blocks. This award by the NSF Director Other awardees have used their 15000 recognizes employees who have NSF grant to leverage generous match­ demonstrated an exceptionally high ing donations from companies in the commitment to the concepts of equal private sector: opportunity They have done so by —Doris Johnson, of St. Louis Park promoting equal opportunity within High School in Minnesota, in­ the Foundation, as well as in the scientific and engineering communities. terested Honeywell enough to In late 1987 this award went to invest $10,000 toward establishing Roosevelt Calbert, for the dedication and maintaining a science resource and commitment he has shown in (1) center at her school. —At RolUng Hills High School in California, John McGehee raised matching funds from local aero­ space and high-tech companies to develop and equip an electronics/ instrumentation unit for the high school physics course. • Major Scientiflc Prizes: The NSF Link. A study released by NSF in the fall of 1987 shows that 58 percent of the winners of prestigious national research prizes in the last 10 years received some form of financial sup­ port from NSF for their prize-winning work. Moreover, most of the winners consider the Foundadon their major source of research funding. Sources of Financial Support for Winners of Research Prizes (NSF 87-87) looks at the funding histories Roosevelt Calbert of440 winners of 55 basic science and

86 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION developing the research capabilities of young minority investigators, and (2) enhancing the scientific research capabilities of minority institutions. Calbert is program director for three NSF programs that he helped launch: Minority Research Initiation, Research Improvement in Minority Institutions, and Minority Research Centers of Excellence. Performance Management and Recognition System Award To receive this Director's Award for Unusually Outstanding Service, NSF employees must have clearly distin­ guished themselves as top performers whose achievements could not have been attained without unusual plan­ ning, effort, and expertise. Jane T. Stutsman with NSF Director Erich Bloch The recipient of the 1987 PMRS Director's Award was Jane T. Stutsman, Head of the Program Analysis Section of the Office of Budget and Control (OBAC). The award was based on her exemplary effort in support of presen­ tations to senior NSF staff. Congress, and the general public. This included all budget-related testimony before Congressional appropriations and authorization committees, and presen­ tations to the National Science Board on planning and the budget. She has also served as Executive Secretap^ of the Director's Action Review Board (DARB) and the NSB Committee on Programs and Plans. In addition to this honor, Stutsman also received a doctoral degree in 1987. Her doctorate in public adminis­ tration is from the University of Southern California.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 87 CHAPTER

OPERATIONS, ORGANIZATION, NSF PEOPLE

OPERAnONAL NEWS Electronic Bulletin Boards Setup New Procedures to Investigate Charges of Misconduct in NSF's Division of Science Resources Research Smdies (SRS) established die Remote Bulletin Board System, a service offer­ At the request of NSF's Direaor, and ing up-to-date electronic information in light of occasional reports of fraudu­ on financial and human resources for lent research funded by both federal science and engineering activities. The agencies and private groups, the Found­ service contains comprehensive statisti­ adon has developed procedures to cal tabulations, briefs on current smdies, handle charges of miscondua in NSF- and SRS publication announcements. supported research. In brief the agency The system is available to anyone with will make careful inquiries into all a personal computer and modem by allegations. If a problem is found, NSF calling (202) 634-1764. For assistance in may reprimand investigators or instim­ accessing the system, call (202) 634- tions, withhold grants for a set period 4250. of time, or terminate current awards. The Division of Grants and Conuracts However, the new regulations em­ (DGC) has set up an electronic bulletin phasize diat the primary responsibility board to aid discussion on grants and for preventing, detecting, and investigat­ general grants policy among grantees ing miscondua lies not with the Found­ and NSE The bulletin board will be used ation but widi the institutions that to post notices of interest and serve as receive NSF grants. a forum for sponsored research admin­ Updating Animal Welfere Policy istration. For additional information, contaa the DGC Policy Ofnce at (202) Guidelines for using vertebrate 357-7880. animals in NSF-supported activities have been revised to clarify (1) the types Grant Brochure Revised of activities allowed in animal research, Grants for Research and Education in (2) procedures to obtain approval for Science and Engineering (GRESE) was diose activities, and (3) recent amend­ issued in FY 1987. GRESE revises and ments to die public law upon which replaces Grants for Scientific and NSF policy is based (the Animal Welfare Engineering Research as die principal Act of 1966). The recent changes aim brochure to be used for guidance in to assure compliance with require­ preparing unsolicited proposals to NSE ments for the humane use, care, and The publication number (NSF 83-57) is treatment of laboratory animals. unchanged. For a copy of GRESE, contact NSF's Forms and Publications Unit at (202) 357-7861.

88 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS New Offices New Assistant Director for In June 1987, NSF established the Geosciences Office of Undergraduate Science, En­ Robert W Corell became Assistant gineering, and Mathematics Education. Director for Geosciences on June 29, The new office serves to coordinate die 1987. Dr Corell came to NSF from the diverse efforts of NSF directorates in University of New Hampshire, where he encouraging undergraduate education served as director of the Marine and Sea in science, madi, and technology—a Grants Programs. His research activities key Foundation mission. NSF also are associated with the Instimte for the appointed a steering committee to help Smdy of Earth, Oceans, and Space. oversee die planning and operation of Corell succeeds William J. Merrell, who undergraduate activities for the fumre. left to become president of Texas A&M An office to administer a new NSF University at Galveston. program also started operations in FY 1987. The Science and Technology Research Centers program is a result of the Reagan Administration's pro­ posal for several such centers. (See earlier chapter) The program will make its first grants in FY 1989. Reorganization in Computer Directorate A number of reorganizations took place in die Computer and Information Science and Engineering direaorate, in order to improve program balance and better represent current and new research directions. In March 1987, die networking and communications re­ search activities of die Division of Robert Corell Advanced Scientific Computing moved into die newly established Division of Networking and Communications New Engineering Division Research and Infrastmcmre (NCRI). Affected programs are NSFNet, EXPRES, The former Division of Fundamental and Networking and Communications Research in Emerging and Critical Research. Engineering Systems is now two divi­ sions: the Division of Fundamental Research in Critical Engineering Sys­ tems and the Division of Fundamental Research in Emerging Engineering Technologies. Both are in die Director­ ate for Engineering.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 89 SENIOR FOUNDATION AND BOARD OFFICIALS, FY1987 OTHER NSF PEOM^ Following is a cross-section of Founda­ tion jobs and fhe people who fill them in a noteworthy manner

WILLIAM A. ANDERSON

Program Director Earthquake Systems Integration Program Division of Critical Engineering Systems Directorate for Engineering

Tenure at NSF: 1976 to present

William A. Anderson came to NSF from Arizona State University where he was a professor in die Department of Sociol­ ogy. He has had a long-term interest in the impacts of natural hazards and considerable experience in tiiis area. From 1966 to 1969 he was Field Direaor Erich Bloch John H. Moore for die Disaster Research Center at die NSF Director NSF Deputy Director Ohio State University. While there, Anderson conducted field studies after major disasters in locations such as Canada, Australia, El Salvador, Alaska, and other parts of die United States. When he first came to die National Science Foundation, Anderson joined a = directorate then called Research Applica­ tions for National Needs (RANN). At that time RANN staff handled research ac­ tivities in earthquake engineering — one of the disaster areas in which Anderson had a strong interest. In his present position, Anderson is part of an interdis­ ciphnary team concerned widi earth­ quakes and other natural hazards. The Earthquake Systems Integra­ tion Program is concerned with research and related activities (such as informa­ tion dissemination) to improve the basis for actions taken to mitigate, prepare for, and recover from earthquakes. In addi­ Roland W Schmitt Charles E. Hess tion to his regular program activities, National Science Board National Science Board Anderson has served on the federal Council on Environmental Quality and as a member of the Working Group on Eardiquake Hazards Reduction, U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy. In 1982 he spent four montiis on detail from_ NSF serving with the Office of

90 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Alice Hogan maintains an "expert" Administration for eight years. High­ network of researchers who have experi­ lights of this association include work ence in working with the Chinese. She with the satellite program and dme at also visits active projects in China sea on the ship Oceanographer with U.S. whenever possible. Her effectiveness in and Chinese scientists. The latter was the site monitoring and progratn negotia­ first major U.S. government-sponsored tions is strengthened by proficiency in oceanographic project with China. the Chinese language and a sound Free time is devoted to long­ knowledge of the culture. With this distance cycling, gardening, scuba background and her close coordination diving, and skiing. At NSF, Hogan also widi other programs at NSR Hogan reserves time for involvement in ac­ ensures that quality science and mutual tivities designed to encourage die benefit come from research supported participation of women and minorities with our Chinese counterparts. in science and engineering. Hogan also manages a cooperative program involving scientists of the DEH-I HSIUNG United States and Taiwan, which has a prosperous economy and a large cadre Contingencies and Crisis Management, Program Analyst Bureau of Refugee Programs, U.S. De­ of U.S.-educated scientists. Hogan recog­ partment of State. nized this potential strength and, over Office of Budget and Control the last year, successfully redirected the Background/other interests: Office of the Director thrust of this program, which now B.A. in Sociology, University of Akron benefits from higher visibility and has Tenure at NSF: 1984 to present M.A. in Sociology, Kent State University greater value to the United States from Ph.D. in Sociology, Ohio State University a scientific perspective. Special aclilevements: Racquetball and guitar are but two of Alice Hogan often represents NSF In Deh-I Hsiung's four years at NSF, she William Anderson's many outside in­ at seminars and symposia on China and has made significant contributions, both terests. she is increasingly recognized as a within and outside the Office of Budget principal advisor to the Foundation's and Control (OBAC). As OBAC's pro­ ALICE C. HOGAN senior management on matters pertain­ gram analyst for the Mathematical and ing to China and Taiwan. Physical Sciences Directorate (MPS), she helps plan and prepare budget justifica­ Program Manager for the U.S.-China Background/other interests: Cooperative Science Program tions to the Office of Management and Alice Hogan's interest in Asian studies Budget and the Congress. When not Division of International Programs has been lifelong and marked by many crunching numbers, Hsiung arranges Directorate for Scientific, Technological travels, including an early high school gourmet excursions to ethnic restau­ and International Affairs exchange visit to Malaysia and a three- rants for an ever-widening group of MPS month visit to China in 1978. Her formal rotators and their guests. education at Cornell and Michigan Born outside of London, Hsiung Tenure at NSF: 1986 to present focused on Asian studies. was raised in Oxford, England, earning Special achievements: Before joining NSF's international both B.A. and M.A. degrees in mathema- Alice Hogan is the Foundation's key division, Hogan worked with the Na­ dcs at Oxford University. In addition, she person for management of bilateral tional Oceanographic and Atmospheric received an M.S. degree in management science activities with China under from the Massachusetts Institute of NSF's U.S.-China Cooperative Science Technology Program. This program remains one of Although raised outside of China, the largest and most complicated of U.S. she is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, and intergovernmental agreements in sci­ maintains close ties with family in ence and technology. For Hogan, the job mainland China as well as in Taiwan, presents a management challenge witii England, and the United States. She has many complexities. These range from also lectured at Chinese academic required use of the Chinese language to institutions on computer-aided manage­ staying current on technical and policy ment decision making. matters touching upon the interests of As a charter volunteer to NSF's most federal science mission agencies, Equal Employment Opportunity Coun­ several nonprofit entities, and NSF's cil, she helped develop strategies to disciplinary research programs. correct underrepresentation of Asian Americans at die Foundation.

All photos in this section are by Mort Broffman.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 91 of new instruments and technology for Frost travelled to McMurdo Station, ocean sciences. Antarctica, in October 1963, to conduct Clark brings to his job a sound a survey of field and support equipment understanding of the multi-disciplinary and to establish an inventory system for ocean science community combined this equipment. For his service, he with high performance standards. These received the Antarctic Medal and was are key qualities in a job where he must honored by having a geographic feature accept a high level of risk in the projects named for him. "Frost Spur" is a moun­ he chooses to fund. tain ridge located in the Dufek Massif of An example will illustrate Larry's Antarctica. innovative approach to getting the most In 1970 Frost transferred to Ad­ out of the program's dollar One of his ministrative Services to work on NSF's projects involves using outdated NASA contractor and grantee property pro­ communications satellites. The NSF-sup­ grams. In his position as NSF Contractor ported researcher on this effort operates Property Officer, Frost has been respon­ out of central Florida in order to have sible for oversight and inventory control a radio-free environment. He controls of all government-owned real and the operations of several satellites dtat personal property in the custody of were launched by NASA in the late iNctr o cvjiiU-acujici aiici^iaiiicco. rnjoiiiao Deh-I Hsiung is active on the board of 1960's. Although past their NASA use, management responsiblity for all land, directors for the local MIT alumni these satellites provide data and voice buildings, and equipment associated organization. During tax season she inay communication for ships at sea and for with four National Centers, eight re­ be found at a free tax clinic, where she antarctic operations. All this is done at a search vessels, the Michigan State Univer­ volunteers to prepare tax forms for fraction of the cost for commercial sity Cyclotron, and the antarctic pro­ low-income individuals. services. The instruments have provided gram. valuable learning opportunities for LARRY CLARK Charles Frost has saved the Founda­ scientists to integrate their field opera­ tion millions of dollars over the years tions with computers and laboratory by acquiring excess government equip­ Program Manager activities ashore. ment for use at the National Research Ocean Technology Program Otlier interests: Centers. His acquisitions include air­ craft, ships, computers, tank trucks, fire Directorate for Geosciences Larry is a licensed pilot. He once oper­ trucks, ambulances, and even 130 miles ated a seafood market on Cape Cod. He of railroad track for the Very Large Array Tenure at NSF: 1981 to present has three children and is active in school of telescopes located outside of Socorro, and church affairs. Special adiievesneiiis: numerous leases, use permits, and other Larry Clark joined NSF in 1981 from the CHARLES W FROST JR- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. agreements for land to be used by NSF contractors for a variety of ongoing He was the first program manager for Contractor Property Officer scientific research projects — among the Ocean Technology program, estab­ lished to accelerate the rate of adaptation Division of Administrative Services Directorate for Administration

Tenure at NSF: 1959 to present Special achievements: In December 1959, Charles Frost trans­ ferred from the Office of the Interna­ tional Geophysical Year (IGY) to the Office of National and International Affairs in NSF. For several years he was the Communications Officer for the U.S. Antarctic Research Program and later became the Logistics Officer, ensuring that supplies, equipment, and personnel arrived on time for the seasonal antarctic programs.

92 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION them the National Solar Observatory, the of Toxic Substances of the U.S. Environ­ Very Large Array, and the Very Long mental Protection Agency as Senior Baseline Array Visiting Research Fellow at the Monitor­ ing and Assessment Research Centre in Background/other interests: London, and as Research Ecologist at Charles Frost grew up in Rhode Island Oak Ridge National Laboratory's En­ and now lives in Arlington, VA. He is a vironmental Sciences Division. In 1987, sports enthusiast and fan of both the he edited and published four volumes Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics. on long-term environmental research He serves on the board of his church and development requested by the and sings in its choir He is also a "Big President's Council on Environmental Band" buff who owns a complete collec­ Quality Draggan is certified as a Senior tion of Glenn Miller records, including Ecologist by the Ecological Society of 75 "Original" Blue Bird 78 RPM record­ America. ings. Draggan is with the Polar Coordina­ In June 1988, Charles Frost com­ tion and Information Section of NSF's pletes 39 years of government service, Division of Polar Programs. His work 29 of them at the National Science Hairston also manages NSF's review and there focuses on implementing U.S. Foundation. comment on proposed legislation and responsibilities under the Antarctic on other federal agencies' testimony or Treaty and enforcing and strengthening SANDRA HAIRSTON legislative reports — a function in which U.S. legislation on the protection and time pressures are often extreme. conservation of the antarctic environ­ Secretary (Stenographer) Sandi Hairston handles with unruf­ ment. In 1987, Draggan became the first fled aplomb these disparate duties and Office of the General Counsel NSF staff member to winter in Antarcfica, pressures. She never loses her calm at McMurdo Station on Ross Island. demeanor and quick, quiet smile. She During his 11 months there he drafted Tenure at NSF: 1978 to present is the kind of person colleagues and reports on safe performance of research Special achievements: friends know they can depend upon. at U.S. antarctic stations and on die Office automation is changing the Other interests: behavioral aspects of human isolation. traditional job of secretary Sandra When she's not sewing or reading (her Background/other interests: Hairston has shown how a thoroughly favorite hobbies), Sandra Hairston likes Sidney Draggan enjoys photography, competent person can take advantage of to dabble in home improvement pro­ carpentry, and bicycling. He received his those changes, adding content to her job jects or tinker with her car She has B.A. in biological sciences from City and value to her contribution. raised three children and is the Clerk in College of New York and his Ph.D. in Sandi Hairston began her career at her church. She is a busy woman both ecology from Rutgers University. NSF as a program secretary in the inside and outside the office. Division of Chemistry and served there for seven years in positions of increasing SIDNEY DRAGGAN importance. In 1985 she joined the Office of the General Counsel, where she has again been promoted and taken Polar Coordination Specialist, Antarctic on additional duties. Her formal tide Division of Polar Programs masks the complexity and variety of die Directorate for Geosciences tasks she now performs and reveals nothing of the calm and cheerful profi­ ciency with which she does them. Tenure at NSF: 1978 to present In addition to what remains of Special achievements: traditional secretarial support for as Dr Sidney Draggan is an ecologist who many as five lawyers and one paralegal joined the Foundation's Division of assistant, Hairston has important respon­ Policy Research and Analysis in 1978. He sibilities in die Foundation's ethics and served there as analyst of environmental conflict-of-interests program. She man­ and human health policy issues of ages the filing of public financial disclo­ interest to the federal government. His sure reports by senior NSF officials and special interests are in the control and participates in the review of filed reports. testing of toxic substances. Before joining NSF Draggan served as Ecologi­ cal Effects Team Leader with the Office

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 93 CHARLOTTE AUGHENBAUGH within MPS. In both instances she handled her dual roles skillfully, effi­ Administrative Officer ciently and cheerfully Among the many citations and Directorate for Matltematical and awards that Aughenbaugh has received Physical Sciences at NSF is the Meritorious Service Award —the second highest honor Tenure at NSF: I960 to present conferred on a Foundation employee. Special achievements: Other interests: Charlotte Aughenbaugh joined the Throughout her long career at NSF, Foundation in I960 in what was then the Charlotte Aughenbaugh has been active Directorate for Scientific Personnel and in both the Credit Union and Employees' Education. Since 1968 she has been Association, serving in many positions, promoted through various positions in including president of the latter group. the research directorates to her present Whedier in office or not, it is Charlotte job, which she has held since 1975. to whom people turn for ideas and Because ofher long tenure in adminis­ assistance. She is also an accomplished As a federal employee for more trative positions and her outstanding gardener as well as an avid traveler and than 2u years, Slieriy Scott has been abilities, program and support staff collector of such items as antique quilts. employed by the Department of Health, throughout the Foundation often seek Her frequent participation in auctions, Education, and Welfare (now Depart­ her professional counsel and advice. bazaars, and garage sales has been ment of Health and Human Services); She copes with this considerable drain curtailed somewhat in recent months as Departinent of Justice; Federal Trade on her time with customary diplomacy she has helped her husband build a Commission; Department of Housing and good humor home in the mountains of Pennsylvania. and Urban Development; and the Secu­ For almost two years during 1982 Aughenbaugh also has two married rities and Exchange Commission. and 1983, Aughenbaugh served as daughters, a son, and a dog to keep her Scott has been an active member of Administrative Assistant to the National occupied during her free time. the NSF Employees Association, serving Science Board's Commission on Precol­ in such offices as Secretary and Vice lege Education in Mathematics, Science, SHERRY SCOTT President for Cooperative Activities. She and Technology, while simultaneously is one of the original members of NSF retaining her full-time position in die Administrative Officer Local 3403, American Federation of Directorate for Mathematical and Physi­ Government Employees, and produc­ cal Sciences (MPS). For six months in Division of Cross-Disciplinary Research tion manager for that union's NSF 1987 she held the position of Administra­ newsletter, the Retort. tive Officer for the new Office of Science Other interests: and Technology Centers, again in addi­ tion to her full-time responsibilities Sherry Scott is married, has two chil­ Tenure at NSF: October 1970 to present dren, and lives in Washington. She does Special achievements: volunteer work for the blind as a reader Among Sherry Scott's significant con­ and as an escort; she is also a volunteer tributions to NSF are die development in the critical care unit of a local hospital. and coordination of the Proposal Review At NSF she takes the time to be sure that and Management Tracking System (from all birthdays of her fellow staff are proposal to award) for the Engineering celebrated with a cake—which she Research Centers. The Centers program often makes herself is an innovative and highly visible NSF effort, and Scott is responsible for day-to-day administrative duties — from budget administration to personnel actions —for the Centers. Many of the NSF programs diat Scott has served over the years have involved new operational procedures; her persistence and creativity have aided development of these initiatives.

94 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION PARIA J. CLARK Background/other interests: Background/other interests: Originally from Swarthmore, PA, Darla John Yellen received his B.A. in English Administrative Officer Clark moved to northern Virginia in from Hobart College (1964) and his 1956. Residing close to her two brothers Ph.D. in anthropology from Harvard Resource Center Manager and parents, she now lives in Burke, VA, (1974). He has done archaeological Office of Legislative and Public Affairs where she enjoys animals, gardening, research in East Africa and has been a boating, and tennis. Her favorite vacation pioneer in the field of enthnoarchaeol- Tenure at NSF: I960 to present spot is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. ogy (the study of how living peoples use artifacts dtat will later become ar­ Special achievements: JOHN YELLEN chaeological material), focusing upon Darla J. Clark came to the Foundation the !Kung Bushmen. He has published directly out of high school in I960. In Program Director for Anthropology a book. Archaeological Approaches to fact, part ofher senior-year requirement Division of Behavioral and the Present, and many professional for graduation was a part-time working articles. He is also an avid birdwatcher assignment with NSE That assignment Neural Sciences has become a career spanning almost Directorate for Biological, Behavioral, 30 years of dedicated federal service. and Social Sciences Clark started at NSF as a clerk-typist. At the dme, the Foundadon was under the leadership of Alan T. Waterman, Tenure at NSF: 1977 to present NSF's first Director Now, eight directors Special achievements: later, Clark has the dual role of Adminis­ The anthropology program has grown trative Officer/Resource Center Manager under John Yellen's direction into one for fhe Office of Legislative and Public of the largest and most complex in the Affairs. Foundation. Yellen has overseen fhe When the development of resource development of two major initiatives: centers began to take hold at NSF in support for systematic (usually museum- 1986, Clark applied her skills to creating based) anthropological collections and a center that could handle the critical support for archaeometric laboratories. and time-sensitive functions of legisla­ The laboratory program reflects ar­ tive and public affairs. Her knowledge chaeologists' need to maintain state-of- of both the internal and external work­ the-art expertise in dieir ability' to ings of the Foundation is valuable in measure the age of artifacts. helping the office accomplish its mis­ Archaeologists deal with sensitive sion. In addition, for well over 15 years materials in their research, since many Clark has balanced her administrative of the artifacts are national treasures. duties with service on many Credit Yellen has worked with Mexican and Union and Employee Association African authorities to maintain U.S. committees. researchers' access to archaeological sites while assuring that the host govern­ ments' concerns are met. John Yellen took a sabbatical from his Foundadon duties in 1982 to conduct archaeological research in Botswana, where he excavated a Stone Age site and continued his studies of changes among the local Bushmen peoples. Some of his results were published in Science magazine in 1985. While in Africa, Yellen worked with his wife Alison Brooks, also an an- thropoligist, and they brought their two young children to share the experience.

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 95 CHAPTER

CONCLUSION

he breakthroughs in superconductivity research cited earlier in this annual report symbolize the importance of basic research supported by die Na­ donal Science Foundadon. The poten­ tial economic and technological payoffs from die discovery of new high-temperature superconductors are great, but the findings came only after years of laboratory work steadily funded by NSE Similarly, some of the clearest photographs and most impor­ tant studies of the spectacular super­ nova explosion of 1987 were made possible by an NSF-supported obser­ vatory that opened with little fanfare on a Chilean mountaintop in the early 1960's. In 1687, Isaac Newton published a landmark book that revolutionized science. Now, some 300 years later, NSF looks forward with new vigor to continued support of high-quality research that—like Nevvton's master­ piece — challenges the scientific com.- munity and may even change our world.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 97 APPENDIX

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION STAFF z\ND NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD MEMBERS (FISC/\L YEAR 1987)

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Assistant Director for Computer and Information Science and Engineering, STAFF C. Gordon Bell Executive Officer, (as of September 30, 1987) Charles N. Brownstein Director, Division Advanced Scientific Director, Computing, (Acting) Erich Bloch Melvyn Ciment Deputy Director, Director, Division of Computer and John H. Moore Computation Research, Senior Science Advisor, Peter A. Freeman James E Hays (toAugust31,1987; MaryE. Clutter) Director, Division of Information, Robotics General Counsel, and Intelligent Systems, Charles Herz Yi-Tzuu Chien Deputy General Counsel, Director, Division of Microelectronic Robert M. Andersen Information Processing Systems, Bernard Chern Director, Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, Raymond E. Bye, Jr. Director, Division of Networking and Communications Research and Controller, Office of Budget, Audit, and Control, Sandra D. Toye Infrastructure, Stephen S. Wolff Director, Office of Information Systems, Assistant Director for Engineering, Constance K. McLindon Nam R Suh Director, Office of Science and Technology Deputy Assistant Director for Engineering, Centers Development, Carl W Hall Alan I. Leshner Head, Office for Engineering Infrastructure Assistant Director for Biological, Behavioral, Development, and Social Sciences, William S. Butcher David T. Kingsbur>' Director, Division of Cross-Disciplinary Executive Officer, W Franklin Harris Research, Marshall M. Lih Head, Office of Interdirectorate Research Director, Division of Engineering Science Coordination, in Chemical, Biochemical, and Iherrnal Thomas S. Quarles Engineering, Director, Division of Behavioral and E. M. Sparrow Neural Sciences, Director, Division of Engineering Science Richard T. Louttit in Electrical, Communications, and Director, Division of Biotic Systems and Systems Engineering, Resources, Allen R. Stubberud John L. Brooks Director, Division of Engineering Science Director, Division of Cellular Biosciences, in Mechanics, Structures, and Materials (Acting) Bruce Umminger Engineering, Director, Division of Molecular Win Aung Biosciences, Director, Division of Fundamental James H. Brown Research in Critical Engineering Systems, Director, Division of Social and Economic (Acting) Science, Michael R Gaus Roberta B. Miller Director, Division of Fundamental Research in Emerging Engineering Technology, Frank L. Huband Director, Division for Science Base Development in Design, Manufacturing, and Computer-Integrated Engineering, Michael J. Wozny

98 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Computer graphics: simulations of everyday objects through a technique known as ray tracing

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 99 Assistant Director for Geosciences, Assistant Director for Scientific, Technological, NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD Robert W Corell and Intemational Affairs, Executive Officer, Richard J. Green (addresses as of Sept. 30, 1987) Kurt W Sandved Executive Officer, Richard R. Ries Director, Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Terms Expire May 10, 1988 Eugene W Bierly Direaor, Office of SmaU Business Research Director, Division of Earth Sciences, and Development, WARREN J. BAKER, President, California Ian D. iVIacGregor Donald Senich Polytechnic State University, San Luis Director, Office of Small and Obispo, CA Director, Division of Ocean Sciences, ROBERT E GILKESON, Chairman of the Execu­ M. Grant Gross Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Donald Senich tive Committee, Philadelphia Electric Co., Director, Division of Polar Programs, Philadelphia, PA Peter E. Wilkniss Director, Division of Industrial Science and CHARLES E. HESS (Vice Chairman, National Technological Innovation, Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Science Board), Dean, College of Agricultural Donald Senich Sciences, and Environmental Sciences, University of Richard S. Nicholson Director, Division of Research Initiation California at Davis, Davis, CA and Improvement, (Acting) Executive Officer, CHARLES L. HOSLER, Vice President for Re­ Joseph G. Danek M, Kent Wilson search and Dean of Graduate School, Director, Division of International Pennsylvania State University University Director, Division of Astronomical Sciences, Programs, Park, PA Laura E Bautz John R Boright WILLIAM E MILLER, President and Chief Director, Division of Chemistry, (Acting) Director, Division of Policy Research and Executive Officer, SRI International, Menlo Kenneth F. Hancock Analysis, Park, CA Director, Division of Materials Research, Peter W House WILLIAM A, NIERENBERG, Director Emeritus, (Acting) Scripps Institution of Oceanography Director, Division of Science Resources University of California at San Diego, Adriaan M. de Graaf Studies, Lajolla, CA Director, Division of Mathematical William L. Stewart Sciences, NORMAN C. RASMUSSEN, McAfee Professor of Assistant Director for Administration, Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Judith S. Sunley Geoffrey M. Fenstermacher Director, Division of Physics, Technology, Cambridge, MA Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, ROLAND W SCHMITT (Chairman, National Gerard M. Crawley Brenda M. Brush Science Board), Senior Vice President and Assistant Director for Science and Engineering Director, Division of Financial Chief Scientist, General Electric Company, Education, Management, Schenectady, NY Bassam Z. Shakhashiri Kenneth B. Foster Executive Officer, Director, Division of Grants and Contracts, Terms Expire May 10, 1990 Peter E. Yankwich William B. Cole, Jr. Head, Office of College Science PERRY L. ADKISSON, Chancellor, Texas A&M Director, Division of Personnel and Instrumentation, University System, College Station, TX Management, Robert F. Watson ANNELISE G. ANDERSON, Senior Research Margaret L. Windus Fellow, The Hoover Institution, Stanford Head, Office of Undergraduate Science, Director, Division of Administrative University, Stanford, CA Engineering, and Mathematics Education, Services, CRAIG C, BLACK, Director, Los Angeles County (Acting) Robert E. Schmitz Museum of Natural History Los Angeles, CA Robert F Watson RITA R. COLWELL, Director, Maryland Head, Office of Studies and Program Biotechnology Institute, and Professor of Assessment, Microbiology, University of Maryland, William H. Schmidt Adelphi, MD Director, Division of Teacher Preparation and Enhancement, Arnold L, Strassenburg Director, Division of Materials Development, Researcb, and Informal Science Education, George W Tressel Director, Division of Research Career Development, Terence L. Porter

100 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION THOMAS B. DAY, President, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA JAMES J. DUDERSTADT, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI K. JUNE LINDSTEDT-SIVA, Manager, Environ­ mental Sciences, Atlantic Richfield Com­ pany, Los Angeles, CA KENNETH L. NORDTVEDT, JR., Professor of Physics, Montana State University Bozeman, MT

Terms Expire May 10, 1992 FREDERICK F BROOKS, JR., Kenan Professor of Computer Science, Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC E ALBERT COTTON, WT Doherty-Welch Foundation Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Director, Laboratory for Molecular Structure and Bonding, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX MARY L. GOOD, President, Engineered Materials Research, Allied-Signal Corporation, Des Plaines, IL JOHN C. HANCOCK, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Technology, United Telecommunications, Inc., Westvirood, KS JAMES B. HOLDERMAN, President, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC JAMES L. POWELL, President, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA FRANK H.T RHODES, President, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY HOWARD A. SCHNEIDERIMAN, Senior Vice President for Research and Development and chief Scientist, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, MO

Member Ex Officio ERICH BLOCH, Director, National Science Fu-st computer programmer Augusta Ada Byron, Countess of Foundation, Washington, DC Lovelace and daughter of the poet Lord Byron, devised * * * computer programs for an early mechanical computer Most scholars consider her to be the first computer programmer THOMAS UBOIS, Executive Officer, National Science Board, National Science Founda­ tion, Washington, DC

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 1 01 APPENDIX

PATENTS AND FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1987

PATENTS AND INVENTIONS RESULTING FROM ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY NSF

During fiscal year 1987, the Foundation received 147 invention disclosures. Allocations of rights to 48 of those inventions were made by September 30, 1987. These resulted in dedicadon to the public through publication in 11 cases, retention of principal patent rights by the grantee or inventor in 37 instances, and transfer to other government agencies in 2 cases. Licenses were received by the Foundadon in 54 patent applications tiled by grantees and contractors who retained principal rights in their inventions.

FINANCIAL REPORTFOR FISCAL YEAR 1987 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

Research and Related Activities Engineering: Chemical, Biochemical, Appropriation Thermal Eng $ 28.42 Mechanics, Structures, Fund Availability Materials Eng 25.09 Fiscal year 1987 Appropriation $ 1,406.15 Electrical, Communications, Unobligated balance available, start Systems Eng 22.58 of year 1.48 Design, Manufacturing, Adjustments to prior year accounts ... 4.47 Computer-Integrated Eng 14.28 Fiscal year 1987 availability $1,412.10 Emerging Engineering Technologies 15.74 Obligations Critical Engineering Systems 24.68 Cross-Disciplinary Research 32.29 Biological, Behavioral, and Social Sciences: Molecular Biosciences 44.17 Subtotal, Engineering $ 163.08 Cellular Biosciences 53.79 Geosciences: Biotic Systems and Resources 58.30 Atmospheric Sciences $ 93.46 Behavioral and Neural Sciences 43.32 Earth Sciences 49.92 Social and Economic Science 31.16 Ocean Sciences 133.74 Instrumentation and Resources 28.57 Arctic Research Program 8.09 Subtotal, Biological, Behavioral, Subtotal, Geosciences $ 285.21 and Social Sciences $ 259.31 Mathematical and Physical Sciences: Computer and Information Science and Engineering: Mathematical Sciences $ 59.92 Computer and Computation Astronomical Sciences 85.05 Research $ 1904 Physics 116.98 Information, Robotics, and Chemistry 93.84 Intelligent Systems 17.02 Materials Research 108.87 Microelectronic Information Subtotal, Mathematical and Processing Systems 11.61 Physical Sciences $ 464.66 Advanced Scientific Computing 43.05 Scientific, Technological, and International Affairs: Networking and Communications Industrial Science and Research and Infrastructure 9 82 Technological Innovation $ 16.78 Cross-Disciplinary Activities 16.32 International Cooperative Subtotal, Computer and Scientiflc Activities 10.45 Information Science and Policy Research and Analysis 1.85 Engineering $ 116.86 Science Resources Studies 3.76 Research Initiation and Improvement 10.94 Subtotal, Scientific, Technological, and International Affairs $ 43.78

102 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Program Development and Obligations Management $ 77.77 Research Career Development 27.27 Subtotal, obligations $1,410.67 Materials Development, Research, and Informal Science Education .. 29.48 tJnobligated balance available, Teacher Preparation and end of year $ 1.26 Enhancement 30.49 Unobligated balance lapsing $ .17 Studies and Program Assessment ... 2.20 Total, fiscal year 1987 availability Undergraduate Science, Engineering, for Research and Related and Mathematics Education 9.50 $1,412.10 Activities Subtotal, obligations $ 98.94 Unobligated balance available, end U.S. Antarctic Program Activities of year .06 Appropriation Unobligated balance lapsing .05 Total, fiscal year 1987 Fund Availability availability for Science and Fiscal year 1987 appropriation $ 117.00 Engineering Education Unobligated balance available, start Activities $ 99.05 of year .08 Adjustments to prior year accounts ... .20 Fiscal year 1987 availability $ 117.28 SOURCE: Fiscal Year 1989 Budget to Congress- -Justification of Estimates of Appropriations Obligations U.S. Antarctic Research Program $ 12.62 Operations Support 76.96 Major Construction and Procurement 27.70 Total, fiscal year 1987 availability for U.S. Antarctic Program Activities $ 117.28

Special Foreign Currency Appropriation

Fund Availability Fiscal year 1987 appropriation $ .70 Unobligated balance available, start of year .02 Adjustments to prior year accounts ... .04 Fiscal year 1987 availability $ .76

Obligations Special Foreign Currency $ .72 Unobligated balance lapsing .04 Total, fiscal year 1987 availability for Special Foreign Currency Program $ .76

Science and Engineering Education Activities Appropriation

Fund AvaUablity Fiscal year 1987 appropriation $ 99.00 Unobligated balance available, start of year .03 Heat transfer patterns on a circular tube Adjustments to prior year accounts ... _ .02 Fiscal year 1987 availability 99.05

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 103 Table 1. Biological, Behavioral, and Social Sciences, Table 4. Geosciences, Fiscal Year 1987 Sciences, Fiscal Year 1987 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Millions)

Number of Number of Awards Amount Awards Amount Atmospheric Sciences 610 S 93.46 Molecular Biosciences 673 $ 44.17 Earth Sciences 773 49.92 Cellular Biosciences 824 53.79 Ocean Sciences 838 133.74 Biotic Systems and Resources 743 58.30 Arctic Research 97 8.09 Behavioral and Neural Sciences 810 43.32 Total 2,318 $285.21 Social and Economic Science 491 31-16 Instrumentation and Resources 319 28.57 Total 3,860 $259.31 Table 5. Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Fiscal Year 1987 (Dollars in Millions) Table 2. Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Fiscal Year 1987 (Dollars in Millions) Number of Awards Amount Mathematical Sciences 1,339 $ 59.92 Number of Astronomical Sciences 287 85.05 Awards Amount Physics 563 116.98 Computer and Computation Chemistry 1,118 93.84 Research 272 $ 19.04 Materials Research 873 108.87 Information, Robotics and Total 4,180 $464.66 Intelligent Systems 237 17.02 Microelectronic Information Processing Systems 155 11.61 Advanced Scientiflc Computing 44 43.05 Table 6. Science and Engineering Education, Networking and Communications Fiscal Year 1987 Research and Infrastructure 80 9.82 (Dollars in Millions) Cross-Disciplinary Activities 62 16.32 Total 850 $116.86 Number of Awards Amount Research Career Development 155 $27.27 e 3. Engineering, Fiscal Year 1987 Materials Development, Research and (Dollars in Millions) Informal Science Education 152 29.48 Teacher Preparation and Enhancement 286 30.49 Number of Studies and Program Assesment 23 2.20 Awards Amount Undergraduate Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Education 347 9.50 Chemical, Biochemical, and Thermal 528 $ 28.42 Total 963 $98.94 Mechanics, Structures, and Materials 473 25.09

Systems Engineering 369 22.58 Design, Manufacturing, and Computer- Integrated Engineering 195 14.28 Emerging Engineering Technologies ... 192 15.74 Critical Engineering Systems 335 24.68 Cross-Disciplinary Research 73 32.29 Total 2,165 $163.08

104 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Table 7. Scientific, Technological, and Table 8. U.S. Antarctic Program, Fiscal Year 1987 Intemational Affairs, Fiscal Year 1987 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Millions)

Number of Number of Awards Amount Awards Amount U.S. Antarctic Research Program 146 $ 12.62 Industrial S&T Innovation 227 $16.78 Operations Support 17 76.96 Internat'l. Coop. Sci. Activ 461 10.45 Major Construction and Procurement . 4 27.70 Policy Research and Analysis 29 1.85 Total 167 SI 17.28 Science Resources Studies 41 3.76 Research Initiation and Improvement . 86 10-94 SOURCE: Fiscal Year 1989 Budget to Congress-Justification Total 844 $43.78 of Estimates of Appropriations (Quantitative Program Data Tables).

Night sky

ANNUAL REPORT. FISCAL YEAR 1987 1 05 APPENDIX

ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPERSONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1987

(addresses effective as of September 30, 1987)

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR COMPUTER AND INFORMATION Advisory Committee for Engineering SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Science in Mechanics, Structures, and Materials Engineering Alan T. Waterman Award Committee Karl N. Reid E. E Infante Advisory Committee for Computer and Dean, College of Engineering, Architecture and Dean, Institute of Teclinology Computation Research Technology University of Minnesota John E. Hopcroft Oklahoma State University Minneapolis, MN Joseph C. Ford Professor of Computer Science Stillwater, OK Committee on Equal Opportunities Cornell University Advisory Committee for Critical in Science and Engineering Ithaca, NY Engineering Systems Sliirley M. McBay Advisory Committee for Information, Dwight A. Sangrey Dean for Student Affairs Robotics, and Intelligent Systems Department of Civil Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Jack Schwartz Carnegie Mellon University Cambridge, MA Courant Institute Pittsburgh, PA National Science Foundation New York University Advisory Committee for Emerging Advisory Council New York, NY Engineering Technologies Lois Rice Advisory Committee for Microelec­ Elsa M. Garmire Senior Vice President tronic Information Processing Systems Director Control Data Corporation Peter Will Center for Laser Studies Washington, DC Hewlett Packard Laboratories University of Southern California President's Committee on the National Palo Alto, CA Los Ajigeles, CA Medal of Science Robert H. Cannon, Jr. ENGINEERING GEOSCIENCES Professor and Chairman Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics Stanford University Advisory Committee for Engineering Advisory Committee for Atmospheric Stanford, CA Herbert H. Richardson Sciences Deputjf Chancellor and Dean of Engineering Task Force on Women, Minorities, and Margaret Kivelson Texas A&M University the Handicapped in Science and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics College Station. TX Technology University of California, Los Angeles Co-Chairs John W Lyons (Vice Chair) Los Angeles, CA Jaime Oaxaca Director, National Engineering Laboratories Advisory Committee for Earth Sciences President National Bureau of Standards Arthur R. Green Wilcox Electric, Inc. Gaithersburg, MD Exxon Production Research Company Kansas City MO Advisory Committee for Design, Manu- Houston, TX Ann Reynolds focturing, and Computer-Integrated Advisory Committee for Ocean Sciences chancellor Engineering Brian T. Lewis California State University System Stuart G. Miller Department of Oceanography Long Beach, CA Corporate Research and Development University of Washington Schenectady, N'Y Seattle, WA Advisory Committee for Engineering BIOLOGICAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND Advisory Committee for Polar Programs Science in Chemical, Biochemical, and John E. Hobbie SOCIAL SCIENCES Thermal Engineering The Ecosystems Center Charles A. Eckert Marine Biology Laboratory Advisory Committee for Biological, Department of Chemical Engineering Woods Hole, MA Behavioral, and Social Sciences University' of Illinois Peter Raven Urbana, IL Director, Missouri Botanical Garden Advisory Committee for Engineering St. Louis, MO Science in Electrical, Communications, and Systems Engineering Bruce A. Eisenstein Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Drexel University Philadelphia, PA

106 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION MATHEMATICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENTIFIC, TECHNOLOGICAL, AND SCIENCES INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Advisory Committee for Astronomical Advisory Committee for Industrial Sciences Science and Technological Innovation Hugh M. Van Horn Alfred Brown Department of Physics and Astronomy Consultant University of Rochester Washington, DC Rochester, NY Advisory Committee for International Advisory Committee for Chemistry Programs Marl; S. Wrighton J. Thomas Ratchford Massachusetts Institute of Technolog)' Associate Executive Officer Department of Chemistry American Association for the Advancement of Cambridge, MA Science Advisory Committee for Materials Washington, DC Research Advisory Committee for Science Alexei A. Maradudin Resources Studies Department of Physics (no chair named as of 9-30-87) University of California Irvine, CA Advisory Conmiittee for Mathematical Sciences Donald J. Lewis Department of Mathematics University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI Advisory Committee for Physics Homer A. Neal University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI DOE/NSF Nuclear Science Advisory Committee Ernest Henley Department of Physics University of Washington Seattle, WA

SCIENCE AND ENGLVEERING EDUCATION

Advisory Committee for Science and Engineering Education Instrumentation: At the University of Illinois at Chicago, a faculty Gerald Holton member plots a graph in the animal laboratory. Jefferson Physics Laboratory Harvard University Cambridge, MA, Margaret MacVicar, (Vice Chair) Dean, Undergraduate Education Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA

ANNUAL REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1987 107 Other NSF Publications of General Interest

About the National Science Foundation (brochure) NSF Bulletin (pubhshed monthly except in July and August) Publications of the National Science Foundation Grants for Research and Education in Science and Engineering Guide to Programs NSF Films (booklet) Mosaic Magazine NSF Directions (bimonthly newsletter) Single copies of these publications are available from Forms and Publications, NSF 1800 G Street, N.W, Washington, D.C. 20550 (202) 357-7861.

FY 1987 Annual Report Principal writer: Ron Cowen Design and Typesetting: Jusdn Associates

108 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION 1

MOSAIC

The National Science Foundation is charged to help stretch and redefine research frontiers. It must also communicate with the scientists, engineers, administrators, educators, and students at work along those frontiers. Part of that job falls to the magazine Mosaic, a uniquely readable and reliable account ot current work and thought in the vast array of research areas with which NSF is concerned. Mosaic has shown itself to be valuable to those who perform, teach, study, or otherwise care about scientific and engineering research. It is also generally available. To receive a sample copy, write: Distribution, Mosaic (527), NSF, Washington, D.C. 20550.

antarctic lournelii antarctic OF THE twcembw 13BB Nstjonal Science UNITED J v y\j U L 111 STATES

The Antarctic Journal of trie United States, established in 1966, is published quarterly (March, June, September, and December) with a fifth annual review issue by the Divi­ sion of Polar Programs of the National Science Foundation. The Journai reports on U.S. activities in Antarctica and related

UJ Terrestrial biology in Antarctica activities elsewhere, and on trends in the cc since the International U.S. Antarctic Research Program. For a cur­ LU I rent review of U.S. antarctic activities, use the form on this card. D O

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