The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in the state of Wyoming will enhance the research competitiveness of over 30 investigators working in two research clusters: (1) Ground Water Contamination: Detection, Prediction, Remediation; and (3) Basic Research in Fossil Energy Science. The clusters will form the core of a new Center for Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming. The Center will enhance Wyoming's human resources in S&E, its technological and economic development, and its fundamental science. In addition,innovative programs for teachers and for all students, especially women and minorities, will enhance the development of Wyoming's young people. Because Wyoming has no major federal or industrial research facilities, the Wyoming EPSCoR improvement plan focuses primarily on the University of Wyoming (UW). Interactions between UW, community colleges, public schools, and technology/economic development organizations are incorporated throughout the plan. Primary objectives include: (1) expansion of UW's capacity to conduct S&E research through reallocation of UW funds and positions and by enhanced state support; (2) an increased pool of S&E students through development of appealing interdisciplinary programs; (3) increased interactions between UW and the Western Research Institute through joint research; and (5) increased state awareness of the role of S&E research in Wyoming's economic development through enhanced interaction with established state boards and the executive and legislative branches of state government. Over the three- year award period the State of Wyoming will contribute $3.9 million to ensure the success of the EPSCoR effort.
