After a highly competitive process, Dr. Natalie A. Cartwright, research assistant professor in mathematics in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics within the University of Vermont's College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) has been awarded one of only twenty-one nationwide grants in the Young Investigators Research Program (YIP).

Dr. Cartwright’s three-year grant, totaling approximately $300,000, will be used to investigate ultrawideband electromagnetic pulse propagation through the ionosphere.

The YIP program provides a total of $6.3 million dollars in funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). "I am honored to be selected as an award recipient," Cartwright said, "and I appreciate the support the AFOSR provides researchers in the theoretical sciences."

Ms. Cartwright received her BS degree in Business Administration from UVM in 1993 – graduating Cum Laude and making the Dean’s List every semester. She achieved this academic distinction on top of her athletic prowess as a full scholarship member of the UVM cross-country running and cross-country ski teams.

After five years of national and international competition in Nordic skiing, Ms. Cartwright came back to UVM, receiving her Masters degree and Ph.D in Mathematics in 2000 and 2004, respectively.

Dr. Cartwright's research will look at the high-frequency, low-power characteristics of ultrawideband/short-pulse signals, which she believes offer promising features to reduce, if not eliminate, the trade-off in current remote sensing systems between penetration distance and image clarity. The applications of this new technology include remote sensing of terrestrial objects from satellites as well as the detection and imaging of tumors.

"Cartwright is highly deserving of this award," said Dr. Kurt Oughstun, professor of engineering and consultant on the grant, "which augments this important research area at UVM."

YIP proposals addressed AFOSR major areas of interest such as: aerospace and materials sciences, chemistry and life sciences, mathematics and information sciences, and physics and electronics.

"AFOSR is proud to participate in the President's National Competitive Initiative by supporting the exciting research of these 21 outstanding scientists and engineers," said Dr. Brendan B. Godfrey, AFOSR director. He added, "The AFOSR Young Investigator Research Program will grow to at least 50 grants over the next 3 years."

The YIP program supports scientists and engineers who have received Ph.D. or equivalent degrees in the last five years. The objective is to foster creative basic research in science and engineering, enhance early career development of outstanding young investigators, and increase opportunities for young investigators to recognize the Air Force mission and related challenges in science and engineering.

For more information on AFOSR YIP, contact Vicki Stein, Chief of Technical Communications, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, by email at vicki.stein@afosr.af.mil or by phone at 703-696-7797.