February 7, 2024
Allison Didychuk, PhD, received a grant from The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), an arm of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFLR) invested in basic research. Under the Young Investigator Program, AFOSR granted $21.5 million among 48 scientists and engineers from 36 research institutions across the US.
Beginning this year, each recipient will receive three-year grants of up to $450,000. According to the AFLR website, selectees must demonstrate “exceptional ability and promise for conducting basic research of [Department of the Air Force] relevance” and aims to increase opportunities for early-career scientists to pursue high-risk, high-reward research that produces value to the Air and Space Force. AFRL manages the “discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force.” Many of the projects selected for AFOSR funding engage unique techniques and ideas typically unavailable under traditional funding agency opportunities.
Dr. Didychuk received her grant for her proposal titled “New strategies for visualizing a powerful molecular motor” under the Biophysics research category. Her group will employ single-particle cryo-EM and in situ cryo-EM to understand how herpesviruses package their double-stranded DNA genomes. Her group combines biochemistry, structural biology, and virology to understand how herpesvirus genome packaging and late gene transcription contribute to virulence and disease states.
Congratulations to Dr. Didychuk!