Central Michigan University has become a space grant institution.
The new designation enables CMU to apply for new research funding through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in addition to possible collaborations with NASA researchers and to gain access to equipment like satellites.
Contrary to what the average star-gazer might think about the federal agency, NASA research projects go well beyond their mission of trying to safely land a man on the surface of mars or building rovers and rockets.
"What a lot of people don't realize is NASA is also into all other types of research," said David Weindorf, vice president for research and innovation at Central Michigan University. "They research every part of humanity, things like geosciences, atmospheric sciences, human physiology, environmental quality assessment."
CMU is home to several departments that have ongoing research projects which are now eligible to collaborate with NASA, according to professor Tao Zheng, a professor of geography and environmental studies and one of the faculty members who assisted in the application process to help CMU gain space grant status.
Zheng said the work of CMU's John Allen, a professor in the department of earth and atmospheric sciences, is one example of a potential collaboration with NASA.
"Allen has done a lot of research about tornado forecasting and long-term forecasting on climate change's impact on tornadoes, and other extreme weather," said Zheng during and interview with WCMU.
Tonya Domina, a professor in the department of fashion, interior design & merchandising, has conducted research that analyzes the textile performance of spacesuits used by astronauts in an effort to understand how the human body responds in outer space.
During the application process, Weindorf said he identified about a dozen faculty members who either have current ties with NASA or are well positioned to align with NASA research projects. But becoming a space grant institution will not only enable professors the opportunity to access NASA resources.
"I’m also very excited for the opportunities students who will get funded to participate in NASA research and I think that is even more exciting," said Zheng.
Becoming a space grant institution also raised CMU's national profile, said Weindorf, and will likely attract more students to Mount Pleasant.
"Students today are looking to use technology in new and innovative ways," said Weindorf. "They want to be a part of these new experiences. Whether it’s artificial intelligence or deep data science analysis. There’s so many different things that again touch on the different aspects that NASA’s involved in."
CMU is the 12th university to join the Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC), the statewide group of institutions who are eligible to receive NASA resources. In 2025, CMU has been asked to host the MSGC conference in Mount Pleasant.
"It's going to be a great chance for us to showcase the university statewide," said Weindorf.
