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

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INTERNSHIPS

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

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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

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Ftpp initiative

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

FTPP,alabama physics,plasma,plasma research,nsf,nsf epscor,internships,NSF EPSCOR FTPP,alabama,physics
Lead Institution: The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Principal Investigator: Dr. Gary P Zank
bama map
NSF EPSCoR Map

→ This image presents the collaboration among the partners.

events

Articles

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, welder’s torches, and rocket exhaust.

@alabamaphysics
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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.

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Big news from UAH🚀💙! A recent plasma physics review coauthored by Dr. Zank has received the IEEE Best Paper Award! This recognition highlights groundbreaking research and the incredible work coming out of the Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR). Read the full article in our bio! #UAH #CSPAR #SpacePlasma #PlasmaPhysics #IEEE #STEMExcellence #ResearchMatters #DrZank #PhysicsNews #HuntsvilleAL
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Big news from UAH🚀💙! A recent plasma physics review coauthored by Dr. Zank has received...

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We’re thrilled to share that the manuscript “Investigating Plasma Waves in the Earth’s Magnetosphere” has been selected as Editor’s Choice in the Journal of Plasma Physics! 👏 Special Congratulations to Jamiah, an undergraduate student at Oakwood University, for her outstanding contributions to this research. Her dedication and passion for space science are truly inspiring! 🔬 Dive into the research in the Link in the Bio!
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🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We’re thrilled to share that the manuscript “Investigating Plasma Waves in...

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🌟 Tomorrow’s PSE Leaders continues! 🌟 Join us for the latest webinar featuring Dr. Kallol...

FTPP had an amazing time at NARSEF 2025 at UAH!🚀 We led an IMAP event, called “What Do You See?”, where students explored creativity’s role in STEM by turning a simple line into unique designs. ✨ 🌟 HIGHLIGHTS: ✅ 138 guests, including 98 student participants. ✅ Engaging discussion on open-mindedness & Innovation. ✅ Students enthusiasm for research & STEM. We love seeing young minds think outside the box! 🧠💡 #stem #NARSEF2025 #IMAP #creativity
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FTPP had an amazing time at NARSEF 2025 at UAH!🚀 We led an IMAP event,...

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Hey IMAP!’ was a blast! 🚀💡 Future scientists got the chance to chat with Dr....

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Curiosity knows no limits! 🚀✨ Had an incredible time with the ‘Hey IMAP!’ activity where...

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🚨 DEADLINE ALERT! 🚨 Time is running out! ⏳ Applications for the Summer 2025 FTPP...

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Curiosity sparks Discovery! 🔥🌟 Had an awesome time with the Hey IMAP activity! Having PHD...

🌍 Where can a STEM internship take you? How about to Germany AND your dream career! Apply now: alabamaphysics.com 🚀
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🌍 Where can a STEM internship take you? How about to Germany AND your dream...

🌟📚 From South Africa to the stars! Discover how Tumisho Gabanangata’s experience at the International Space Weather Camp expanded his knowledge of space physics and opened doors to new opportunities. 🚀 Your journey in space science starts here! 🔗 Link in bio to learn more and apply today.
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🌟📚 From South Africa to the stars! Discover how Tumisho Gabanangata’s experience at the International...

🌟 Your future is waiting! Discover how Ash Colman turned her RIPP Internship into a stepping stone to Auburn’s Graduate School. 🎓 Don’t miss your chance to apply and create your own inspiring story! 🔗 Link in bio to learn more and apply!
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🌟 Your future is waiting! Discover how Ash Colman turned her RIPP Internship into a...

Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? 🚀Meet Emmanuel Ramogi, who completed the Corporate Internship Plasma Training (CIPTA) program!🥽 “The research I conducted and the professional relationships I built during the program helped me secure my current position at Evonik,” he says. “Without this experience, I would not have had the same level of exposure to cutting-edge research or the opportunity to work at such an esteemed institution.” 📅 Applications are open now! Don’t wait—your story starts here! 🫶 🔗 Want to read more? The Link is in the bio!!
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Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? 🚀Meet Emmanuel Ramogi, who...

🫵Are you curious about our FTPP Internships? ✨ Check out the newest article in our bio about Kaitlyn Hemauer’s adventures through the ISWC Internship and her journey through South Africa! Don’t forget applications are live! So go apply!!🌟 Link is in the Bio! 🎓
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🫵Are you curious about our FTPP Internships? ✨ Check out the newest article in our...

🤩FTPP is Excited about our internship opportunities and wants YOU to apply! Yes, You!🫵 ➡️ Check out the website in our bio to learn more. About our internships: • RIPP: Regional Introduction to Plasma Physics - 9-week paid summer research internship program at an FTPP institution. • CIPTA:Corporate Internship Plasma Training in Alabama - 10-week paid summer internship program at an Alabama private company. • ISWC: International Space Weather Camp - Summer camp with University course credit, all-expense paid internship, including international travel to Germany. • SE REU: South Eastern Research Experiences for Undergraduates - Funded/Paid program for HBCU students to participate in quality REU programs at an FTPP partner institution.
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🤩FTPP is Excited about our internship opportunities and wants YOU to apply! Yes, You!🫵 ➡️...

🎓CALLING ALL STEM UNDERGRADUATES AND GRADUATE STUDENTS🌟 Your time is now! Applications are LIVE for our four amazing summer internships programs. Advance in your career, develop deeper skills, and connect with industry experts. Spread the word!!! ✅LINK IS IN THE BIO #STEMInternships #FutureLeaders #FTPPInternships #FTPPAL #nsffunded
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🎓CALLING ALL STEM UNDERGRADUATES AND GRADUATE STUDENTS🌟 Your time is now! Applications are LIVE for...

From writing letters to IMAP to creating art with 'Communicating in Color' and exploring the '4 States of Matter', STEAMfest 2024 had us hands-on with science and creativity! Who knew learning could be this fun?✨ #NSFfunded #PlasmaPhysics #FTPPAL
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From writing letters to IMAP to creating art with 'Communicating in Color' and exploring the...

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a hugely successful 1st Annual International AL Plasma Physics Conference (AIAPC) – ‘AI-Informed Plasma Physics: the Opportunities’! We enjoyed insightful discussions, new connections, and a fantastic turnout in Huntsville. Your enthusiasm made it all possible, and we can’t wait to see you next year! #AIAPC #PlasmaPhysics #Huntsville #FTPPAL
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for a hugely successful 1st Annual International AL...

FTPP Named Program of the Year!🌟 UAH’s NSF-funded Future Technologies & Enabling Plasma Processes (FTPP) has won the 2024 256Today Innovator Award! Congratulations to Dr. Gary Zank and the team for advancing plasma science and driving new industries in Alabama! 🚀✨ #Innovation #PlasmaScience #256Today #alabama #nsffunded
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FTPP Named Program of the Year!🌟 UAH’s NSF-funded Future Technologies & Enabling Plasma Processes (FTPP)...

Calling all UAH students 📢 We are looking for a part-time Marketing and Outreach intern to join our team. For more information and to apply, visit Handshake.com (Job 9323234)
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Calling all UAH students 📢 We are looking for a part-time Marketing and Outreach intern...

Sarah Dalessi, a UAH Space Science PhD student, presented a poster on FTPP outreach initiatives at the 11th International Fermi Symposium 🤩✨💙 We are proud of our talented and dedicated students, and it’s gratifying to see the positive impact our efforts have on the community 🌎 #nsffunded #physics #NASA
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Sarah Dalessi, a UAH Space Science PhD student, presented a poster on FTPP outreach initiatives...

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Join us as we look into the heart of Plasmy for a recap of our...

🚀 Alabama’s Plasma Science Breakthrough! 🚀 NEW ARTICLE! - Linked in our bio A decade-long, $40 million NSF investment is propelling Alabama to national prominence in plasma science and engineering. With pioneering research at @uahuntsville with other FTPP partner universities, Alabama is set to become a Southeastern hub for plasma innovation, creating high-tech jobs and transformative technologies. “Plasma science and engineering has the potential to transform many areas of modern society,” says Dr. Sandra Richardson, section head for the Research Capacity and Competitiveness Section in the Office of Integrative Activities at the U.S. National Science Foundation. #NSF #PlasmaScience #Innovation #STEM #AlabamaScience #EPSCoR #nsffunded
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🚀 Alabama’s Plasma Science Breakthrough! 🚀 NEW ARTICLE! - Linked in our bio A decade-long,...

🚀Little Rock, AR! Who’s ready to explore space?🌌 Join us at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub on July 26, 2024, for a FREE Space STEM workshop! Open for 1st to 12th graders, dive into hands-on activities and exciting lessons in space science. Workshop Schedule: 1st to 6th Graders: 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM 7th to 12th Graders: 2:45 PM – 4:00 PM For more info / tickets, visit alabamaphysics.com/space-stem-day 🌟
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🚀Little Rock, AR! Who’s ready to explore space?🌌 Join us at the Arkansas Regional Innovation...

Shoutout to our FTPP Marketing and Outreach Intern, Deonna Banks. “I’m eager to develop expertise in marketing and coordination,” she says. “I believe this opportunity could provide me with invaluable experience essential for aspiring administrators.”✨🪐 👉 Read about her role and story with the article linked in our bio! ‌ Deonna will be doing an Instagram story takeover on our account (@alabamaphysics) for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), Boule and Undergrad Summit 2024. Check back in from July 6-11 to learn more!
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Shoutout to our FTPP Marketing and Outreach Intern, Deonna Banks. “I’m eager to develop expertise...

Exciting News! 🎉 Sujan Prasad Gautam, FTPP graduate student at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, has published a new article! 🌟 Read the highlight from the link in our bio ➡️
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Exciting News! 🎉 Sujan Prasad Gautam, FTPP graduate student at The University of Alabama in...

Happy Friday! ✨ Check out some photos of a strong geomagnetic storm that made the northern lights (aurora borealis) visible in Huntsville, Alabama this past month. The pictures were taken by one of our graduate students. We hope your weekend is just as spectacular! 🎨🌌
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Happy Friday! ✨ Check out some photos of a strong geomagnetic storm that made the...

FTPP Made National News‼️ We are thrilled to announce that our cooperative agreement and alabamaphysics.com website have been featured in The Washington Post! A huge thanks to our amazing faculty, researchers, students, staff, and NSF for making this possible. Check out the full article in our bio! Keep shooting for the stars! ✨🚀 #FTPPAL #AlabamaPhysics #thewashingtonpost #physics #research #nsffunded
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FTPP Made National News‼️ We are thrilled to announce that our cooperative agreement and alabamaphysics.com...

Looking back on an amazing week at the FTPP Annual Meeting: ✨👀✨ Three days packed with enlightening presentations, captivating posters, and esteemed guest speakers. Our students showcased remarkable work, and we had the privilege of engaging with Dr. Sandra Richardson, Head of NSF’s RCC and Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. The future shines brilliantly for FTPP! 🌟 #ftppal #nsffunded #aka #research #alabama
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Looking back on an amazing week at the FTPP Annual Meeting: ✨👀✨ Three days packed...

Under the spell of the Eclipse, Huntsville, AL shines bright again this weekend! 🌞 Grateful for our incredible community at @uahuntsville, our dedicated graduate students, and generous sponsors, @imapspacemission and @shield_dsc. Here’s to more beautiful days ahead! 🌟 #FTPPAL #huntsvillealabama #eclipse
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Under the spell of the Eclipse, Huntsville, AL shines bright again this weekend! 🌞 Grateful...

Who’s pumped for the upcoming eclipse? 🤩🌕☀️ Join us at @uahuntsville’s Charger Union (breezeway) on April 8th for an epic eclipse experience! Our Graduate Students are gearing up with some exciting eclipse activities. Be part of the 90% totality magic right here in Huntsville, AL!🌒 Save the date: 🗓️ April 8, 2024 🕛 12 - 3 PM 📍 4705 Holmes Ave NW, Huntsville, AL 35899 🔗More info in the link in our bio
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Who’s pumped for the upcoming eclipse? 🤩🌕☀️ Join us at @uahuntsville’s Charger Union (breezeway) on...

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We had a BLAST 🚀 at Columbia Elementary last week. Our UAH graduate students hosted...

From a ‘nerdy kid’ in the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Dean of Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), Dr. Edward Thomas Jr. recognizes the influence of black physicists on his journey🚀 As a lead investigator for FTPP, he emphasizes the strength of diversity in advancing plasma research. Read the full article with the link in our bio➡️
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From a ‘nerdy kid’ in the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Dean of Auburn University...

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The countdown is on! 🕒 Don’t let time slip away – apply for the FTPP...

✨Dive into the latest insights! Explore a world of knowledge with our recent articles, featuring the brilliant minds of the FTPP Partner Leads—Co-Investigators shaping the future of Future Technologies & Enabling Plasma Processes... Plus much more! 🗞️Check out our news here with the link in our bio!
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✨Dive into the latest insights! Explore a world of knowledge with our recent articles, featuring...

Spotted Kendall at Tulane University during CUWiP! 🌟 A former ISWC (International Space Weather Camp) intern, she showcased her SANSA research with an impressive poster. We are so proud of you, Kendall! 💙 #CUWiP #cuwip2024 #FTPPAL #nsffunded
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Spotted Kendall at Tulane University during CUWiP! 🌟 A former ISWC (International Space Weather Camp)...

🔍 Spread the word!✨ FTPP is offering paid student research summer opportunities for the Summer of 2024. Dive into the details and discover firsthand experiences from past students. 📚💡 Applications are OPEN! ➡️ Link is in our Highlights #ResearchOpportunities #FTPPAL #STEM #nsffunded
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🔍 Spread the word!✨ FTPP is offering paid student research summer opportunities for the Summer...

We have launched a NEW SERIES! Tomorrow’s PSE Leaders! 🚀 Check out the first of our bimonthly webinar series with the brilliant Dr. Eleanor Williamson as she dives into "Quantifying color: using a spectrometer to diagnose gas density within a plasma." 🔬The link is in our bio to explore the world of cutting-edge research! #PSELeaders #WebinarSeries #ScienceInnovation #AlabamaPhysics #FTPPAL #nsffunded
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We have launched a NEW SERIES! Tomorrow’s PSE Leaders! 🚀 Check out the first of...

Grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for FTPP at The Huntsville Rotary Club! Thank you to Rotarian D. Scott McLain for the invite. Here's to the exciting journey ahead! 🚀 #FTPP #RotaryClub #huntsvillealabama
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Grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for FTPP at The Huntsville Rotary Club!...

New year, new opportunities! 🎉⏳ Make your resolution count by joining our summer internship programs. The countdown is on to kickstart your career! Link to apply is in our bio ➡️ #NewYearNewGoals #InternshipOpportunity #ftppal #nsf #nsffunded
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New year, new opportunities! 🎉⏳ Make your resolution count by joining our summer internship programs....

🌟 Calling all STEM Undergraduate and Graduate Students! 🌟 Your opportunity awaits! Applications are now LIVE for our four phenomenal summer internship programs. Advance in your field, develop your skills, and connect with industry experts... Spread the word and apply today! ➡️ LINK IN BIO ✨🚀 #STEMInternships #FutureLeaders #FTPPInternships #FTPPAL #NSFfunded
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🌟 Calling all STEM Undergraduate and Graduate Students! 🌟 Your opportunity awaits! Applications are now...

Meet Syed Ayaz, CIPTA 2023 intern at FTPP and Ph.D. student at UAH, as he shares his story about breaking barriers in space science! From Waziristan to cutting-edge research, his journey is an inspiration to us all! 💙 LINK IN BIO for the full article 🔗 #SpaceScience #nsffunded #nsf #ftppal
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Meet Syed Ayaz, CIPTA 2023 intern at FTPP and Ph.D. student at UAH, as he...

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2023 Annular Solar Eclipse at UAH #solareclipse #solareclipse2023 #annulareclipse2023 #uah

⭐️✨What an incredible Saturday it was last weekend✨⭐️ We’re still buzzing with excitement and gratitude for all of you who joined us at our Solar Eclipse Viewing event. A special thanks to UAH CSPAR and @imapspacemission who also helped make it all happen 🫶 Stay tuned for some fun upcoming STEM events! #STEM #solareclipse #uahuntsville #FTPPAL #nsffunded
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⭐️✨What an incredible Saturday it was last weekend✨⭐️ We’re still buzzing with excitement and gratitude...

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 14th as we gather on the UAH campus to witness the magic of a partial solar eclipse. 🌒✨ Expect a day filled with thrilling eclipse activities, a solar viewing tent, Galileoscopes with sun funnels, and an unforgettable experience with solar viewers 🌟 🗓️ October 14th, 2023 🕥 10:30 am - 1:30 pm 📍The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Charger Union breezeway/lawn, 4705 Holmes Ave Huntsville, AL 35899 🔭 Don't miss out on this celestial spectacle! We can't wait to see you there! 🤩👀 #FTPPAL #SolarEclipse #IMAP #NSFfunded
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Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 14th as we gather on the UAH campus to...

Join us for the @uahscience Women of Science: Distinguished Speaker Series at the Planetarium, U.S. Space & Rocket Center! 🔬 The first guest speaker is Dr. Risa Wechsler, an astronomer from Stanford University. The event is FREE, secure your spot on Eventbrite with the link in our bio! 🗓️October 24th, 2023 🕔5:00 pm - 8:00 pm 📍INTUITIVE® Planetarium at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL #WomenInScience
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Join us for the @uahscience Women of Science: Distinguished Speaker Series at the Planetarium, U.S....

Unlocking the Sun's Scorching Secret! 🔥☀️ Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe Join Forces to Crack the 65-Year-Old Mystery 🌟🔬 See what our Director, Dr. Gary P. Zank, as well as other FTPP researchers who collaborated on this effort, had to say about this discovery. Link in our bio for the @europeanspaceagency press release! #SpaceScience #space #ftppfunded #ESA #ftppal #sun #NASA #parkersolarprobe #solarorbiter
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Unlocking the Sun's Scorching Secret! 🔥☀️ Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe Join Forces to...

Auburn University & FTPP graduate student, Katherine Sierra, finds passion for food science, listeria prevention 🔬⭐️ Read the new article, linked in our bio, to follow her amazing journey. Despite only mastering English two years ago, Katherine's dedication to her craft led her to read peer-reviewed papers to enhance her scientific vocabulary. Photos: Courtesy Auburn University
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Auburn University & FTPP graduate student, Katherine Sierra, finds passion for food science, listeria prevention...

Mentoring interns has benefits for the mentors and their organizations. ⭐️Want to know how? Read our newest article, linked in our bio ➡️
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Mentoring interns has benefits for the mentors and their organizations. ⭐️Want to know how? Read...

FTPP Grad Student, Adam Smith, from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, publishes a new article in the @springernature Journal. “Many of the problems our society faces could be solved with new materials, which makes these types of neural networks a game changer in the field of material science, ” according to Adam. 🔗 Check out article on our website, linked in bio, for more information! #ftppal #nsffunded #newmaterials #UAB
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FTPP Grad Student, Adam Smith, from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, publishes a new...

Curious about our FTPP interns' summer adventures? 📲 Check out the news on our website (linked in our bio) for in-depth articles highlighting each internship and our students' incredible experiences! #FTPPAL #interns #alabama #nsffunded
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Curious about our FTPP interns' summer adventures? 📲 Check out the news on our website...

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 Alabama’s statewide expertise in plasma science and technology.