Future technologies & enabling plasma Processes

RESEARCH

Building plasma science and engineering (PSE) research capacity in AL, including Low-Temperature Plasma (LTP) and space plasma science, in academic institutions and partners

INTERNSHIPS

Supporting undergraduate and graduate education, training, and research opportunities, and encouraging and enabling access to plasma physics

K-12 OUTREACH

Creating new educational and outreach resources and plans for  K-12 students and teachers, promoting plasma science and engineering (PSE) and general STEM

Ftpp initiative

The NSF EPSCoR Future Technologies and Enabling Plasma Processes (FTPP) is a 10-member university and industry consortium. The project leverages Alabamaโ€™s laboratory and space plasma science expertise to contribute scientific knowledge, technologies, and workforce to Alabamaโ€™s aerospace, manufacturing, advanced materials, medical, bioscience, and agricultural sectors.

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Lead Institution: The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Principal Investigator: Dr. Gary P Zank
bama map
NSF EPSCoR Map

โ†’ This image presents the collaboration among the partners.

events

What is plasma?

Plasma is a state of matter consisting of a collection of ionized particles, electrically neutral atoms, and molecules. It makes up more than 90% of the observable universe and underpins several high-tech manufacturing industries. Familiar forms of plasma include the sun, stars, lightning, neon signs, television screen displays, welderโ€™s torches, and rocket exhaust.

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NSF EPSCoR FTPP

Building research, education, economic, and workforce capacity through discoveries in space & lab plasma physics and creating innovative technologies.

ISWC is bringing students from around the world together to learn about space weather, experience new places, and dive into immersive learning through engaging lectures and handsโ€‘on projects as they explore new ideas together.๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿš€

Intern Spotlight: Katherine Shipman is excited to visit a new country, learn from different perspectives, and represent UAH while taking part in a global learning experience.๐Ÿ›ธ

โœจRead the full story โ€” link in bio!โœจ

#nsffunded #ftpp #alabamaphysics #cspar
๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ UAH Space Science graduate students Zeping Jin, Yiming Jiao, and Prashant Baruwal each led first-author studies on solar wind physics: Jin analyzed proton heating across interplanetary shocks, Jiao investigated turbulence changes using Parker Solar Probe data, and Baruwal studied the evolution of solar wind fluctuations using coordinated Solar Orbiter and Wind observations. 

โžก๏ธ Read more with the article linked in our bio!
NSF EPSCoR FTPP was proud to be represented at the Heliophysics Coalition Congressional Fly-in in Washington, D.C. by Laura Provenzani, FTPP Education, Outreach, Engagement, and Proposal Coordinator, alongside UAH Space Science graduate students Syed Raza and Madelyn Noll.

The group joined scientists, educators, and students from across the country in meetings with Congressional offices to advocate for continued investment in heliophysics, space weather research, STEM education, and the future scientific workforce.

Heliophysics research helps protect and advance critical technologies that impact daily life, including satellite communications, GPS, aviation, power grids, and space exploration. ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ We are so proud to represent The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR on the national stage while supporting the future of space science and STEM leadership.
Day two of the 2026 FTPP Annual Meeting was incredible! Yesterday was filled with student and postdoc research presentations, career talks from guest speakers, panel discussions, and student awards. It was another great day of learning and connecting with our FTPP team! ๐Ÿš€ #nsf #nsffunded #ftppal
Day one of the 2026 FTPP Annual Meeting is in the books! It was a great day of connecting, sharing research, and strengthening collaboration across our FTPP network. Excited for another great day ahead! ๐Ÿš€ #nsfepscor #ftpp #alabamaspacegrant
Weโ€™re proud to recognize three outstanding FTPP staff members: Laura Provenzani, Dr. Lingling Zhao, and Dr. Vinoy Thomas, for their recent awards and honors! ๐ŸŽ‰

Their achievements reflect the dedication, innovation, and excellence of the FTPP team, and we are extremely proud of their hard work!

๐Ÿ”— Visit alabamaphysics.com to read the full article!

NSF EPSCor ftpp

About the cooperative agreement

FTPP involves a partnership comprising nine universities and a research corporation in Alabama and is funded through Cooperative Agreement OIA-2148653 by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through a Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Track-1 five-year grant within the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR)*. The FTPP project is overseen by the Alabama EPSCoR Steering Committee.

* Disclaimer: The opinions, findings, and conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

vision

Alabama becomes a world-renowned hub for PSE (Plasma Science Engineering) by developing transformative future technologies (such as advanced materials, food safety and sterilization, space weather prediction) and building foundational plasma science research and industry with a skilled workforce.

Mission

FTPP will build research, education, economic, and workforce capacity in pursuit of making foundational discoveries in space and laboratory plasma physics and create future societally transformative technologies in the State of AL, utilizing Alabamaโ€™s statewide expertise in plasma science and technology.