Eight Recipients Around The World Are Conducting Research Projects In Search Of Solutions

The Lindbergh Foundation is awarding eight Lindbergh grants to individuals around the world who are conducting research projects dedicated to finding innovative solutions to our global environmental problems.

"The Lindbergh Grants program is an investment in people. We take great pride in the work of the researchers we support. By backing individuals who use scientific and educational innovations to address important environmental issues around the world we are putting balance into action," said Foundation Chairman, John King, King Schools. "It's gratifying to see the hard work and dedication of the researchers we support, knowing their work will benefit the world around us for generations to come." Applicants apply to one of 14 categories the Lindbergh Foundation offers. The eight grants awarded in 2009 were in the following categories.

Aviation/Aerospace

Randall Fishman (pictured below)  of Cliffside Park, N.J., will test whether planes can fly on electricity instead of gasoline. His project is titled, "Using Electric Propulsion In a Two-Man Aircraft to Make Extended Flight Economical and Pollution Free."

Agriculture

Tanya Cheeke-Icoz from Portland State University in Portland, Ore., will evaluate if and how the dramatic increase in the use of genetically modified plants affects the vital soil of the world's farms. Her project is titled, "Evaluating the Effects of Genetically Modified Plants on Beneficial Fungi in the Soil Ecosystem."

Richard Osiyo from MOI University in Eldoret, Kenya, will conduct a research project entitled, "Training Kenyan Farmers to Integrate Rice and Fish Farming to Increase Production and Reduce Harmful Run-off in the Lake Victoria Basin."

Conservation - Animal, General (land, air, energy, etc.), Plant or Water

Dr. Chad Kinney of Colorado State University in Pueblo, Colo., will explore how to clean up sewage using natural processes instead of expensive technologies or dangerous chemicals. His project title is, "Using Earthworm Composting to Reduce Manmade Contaminants in Wastewater Bio-solids Destined for Land Application."

Tricia Miller from The Pennsylvania State University in Recto, Pa., will research one of the concerns afflicting the generation of wind power - its effect on birds. Her project is titled, "Modeling Migratory Flight Characteristics of Golden Eagles to Avert Potential Conflicts with Wind Power Development in the Appalachian Flyway."

Sean Sloan from The University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia, will research what economic forces encourage a valuable change in land use in developing countries. His project title is, "Combining Satellite Imagery and Census Data to Show How Socio-Economic Development Encourages Forest Regeneration in Panama."

Health & Population

Benjamin Castaneda of Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru in Lima, Peru, will develop a way to identify victims of tuberculosis in developing nations more quickly so they can receive earlier treatment. His project title is, "Developing Computerized Screening for Early Detection of Tuberculosis in Peru."

Waste Minimization and Management

Dr. Patricia Saenz Mendez from the School of Chemistry, University of the Republic (UdelaR) in Montevideo, Uruguay, will research alternative sources in waste for valuable chemicals normally derived from oil. Her project is titled, "Employing Biotechnical Tools to Convert Lignin Waste into High Value Organic Chemicals for Leather Tanning in Uruguay."

As an unknown in aviation, Charles Lindbergh struggled to find the financial backing he needed to pursue his dream of making a non-stop, solo flight from New York to Paris in 1927. "The Lindbergh Foundation Grants Program identifies and supports highly creative and dedicated researchers from around the world and provides them with the same opportunity for success as Charles Lindbergh received. That's why the Lindbergh Grant is set at $10,580, the cost to build the Spirit of St. Louis," said Gregg Maryniak, Chairman of the Grants Committee and Vice Chairman of the Foundation. "Many of our grant recipients are 'unknown' in their fields, too. For them, receiving a Lindbergh Grant provides much-needed credibility to their work and typically enables our recipients to secure additional funding, providing them with valuable leverage."

Lindbergh grant applications undergo a rigorous five-step review process focused on evaluations by two independent all volunteer review groups, including a 62-member Technical Review Panel. This international panel is comprised of knowledgeable individuals drawn from the various fields in which Lindbergh grants are made.

The annual deadline for Lindbergh Grant applications is the second Thursday in June. Those who are interested in receiving an application for funding in 2010 should contact the Lindbergh Foundation, 2150 Third Avenue North, Suite 310, Anoka, MN 55303-2200; 763-576-1596.

FMI: www.lindberghfoundation.org