Santa Clara County Reps Announce Nearly $2M in Federal Funding for STEM Research at San Jose State University

SAN JOSE, CA - Today, U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) - Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee - along with her colleagues, U.S. Representatives Anna Eshoo (CA-16), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), announced that San Jose State University (SJSU) and its Research Foundation will receive a total of $1,930,421 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support seven STEM research projects.

"Investing in STEM research is essential for America's future, and we're proud to see federal dollars making their way to San Jose State University to help advance cutting-edge health, scientific, and environmental research. We have no doubt that the research projects conducted by local students and faculty will have positive impacts for our regional and national economies. We remain committed to ensuring our communities are best prepared for future challenges," said Reps. Lofgren, Eshoo, Khanna, and Panetta.

"These federal awards - totaling nearly $2 million - strengthen San José State University's position at the forefront of cutting-edge research across multiple STEM disciplines. From innovative marine molecular studies to groundbreaking AI literacy programs, our faculty and students are advancing critical science. This funding enables us to continue our important work in mental health, geological mapping, and neurological therapies, among other areas. We are deeply grateful to our Congressional delegation for their unwavering support of research efforts through federal funding," said Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San Jose State University.

The Members announced the following grants:

• $485,955 for the SJSU Research Foundation from the NSFto study ocean ecosystems in innovative ways that both advance marine molecular research and provide professional development opportunities for early career ocean researchers.
• $480,000 for the SJSU Research Foundation from HHS to improve health education and training programs - with a goal to improve the quantity and quality of mental and behavioral health professionals.
• $284,165 for the SJSU Research Foundation from the NSFto study underwater volcanic eruptions to help predict and prevent hazards.
• $200,000 for the SJSU Research Foundation from the NSFto support the CollaborAIte program, which aims to enhance AI literacy among STEM faculty and underrepresented minority students.
• $171,824 for the SJSU Research Foundation from the NSFto better understand the San Andreas Fault System and its effects on the San Francisco Bay Area using a novel combination of geological mapping, light detection and ranging data, and computer models.
• $161,977 for the SJSU Research Foundation from the NSFto upgrade lab equipment in physics classrooms, with a specific focus on broadening participation in STEM broadly (as the project is supported by the Hispanic-Serving Institutions program)
• $146,500 for SJSU from HHS to discover new therapies for neurological disorders using closed-loop deep brain stimulation.

The NSF and HHS funding comes from the FY24 consolidated appropriations package.

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