Dr. Joseph Orr Awarded $3.4 Million NASA Space Grant to Advance STEM Education and Research in Utah

We are excited to announce that Dr. Joseph Orr from the Department of Anesthesiology has been awarded a $3,410,000 grant from the NASA Office of STEM Engagement. This significant four-year funding, granted through the Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium (UNSGC), will support initiatives spanning K-12 outreach, higher education, research, and workforce development aligned with NASA's mission.

Running from May 18, 2025, to May 17, 2029, the grant will allocate $800,000 in the first year, followed by $870,000 annually in years two through four. The UNSGC’s mission is to connect Utah students, educators, and the public with NASA’s space and aeronautics projects, aiming to develop a robust pipeline of skilled and diverse future talent. Through 19 affiliate institutions in Utah, UNSGC provides student internships, fellowships, scholarships, and community outreach to encourage STEM engagement and career paths within NASA’s missions.

Dr. Orr’s work as part of the UNSGC will continue to foster innovative research, educational opportunities, and hands-on experiences, expanding NASA's reach in the state and preparing future generations for roles in space and aeronautics.

For more information on the Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium and its programs, visit UNSGC.