March 22, 2013

Peter Kennedy Awarded Research Grant

Peter Kennedy, Assistant Professor of Biology, was awarded a $54,022 research grant by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Life Sciences Research Program.

Assistant Professor of Biology Peter Kennedy has been awarded a $54,022 research grant by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Life Sciences Research Program. This program is designed to support research in the life sciences at private, predominantly undergraduate colleges and universities in the Trust’s funding region. This two-year project, “Study of the Nature of Tri-Partite Symbiosis” is a renewal of Peter’s previous Murdock-funded project, “Probing deeper into the nature of tri-partite symbioses”. This new Murdock-supported project will examine the interactions among plants, ectomycorrhizal fungi, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The research plan will use a range of molecular and isotopic analysis, involve a combination of lab and field experiments, and include collaboration with colleagues in Canada and Australia. At least four undergraduate students will participate in this project.

In addition to Murdock support, Dr. Kennedy’s research has been externally funded by two grants from the National Science Foundation, a Fulbright Scholar award, and a Martin-Baker award. More information about Dr. Kennedy’s research is available here

March 2013