NSF Partnerships for Innovation Fellowships

The National Science Foundation Partnerships for Innovation Program (NSF-PFI) will provide fellowship funding for three separate Ph.D. Innovation Program positions. NSF-PFI funding will cover the first two years of graduate research assistantship, with eligibility for three additional years of support from Thayer School, providing a five-year opportunity for collaborative research, research translation and technology development stemming from grant activities.

The NSF-PFI award partners Dartmouth investigators and Ph.D. Innovation Program students with small businesses in the research and research translation of novel mechanisms and associated computational platforms for low-power, high-throughput signal processing that will translate to new technologies and products for sensory enhancement and mobile sensor systems. Grant activities will facilitate research and research translation of novel signal processing mechanisms of neuronal systems that are reusable across many applications, targeting applications within the domains of small business partners.

Faculty Sponsors

Possible Projects

  1. Advanced image sensors: Investigate next-generation solid-state image sensors. Develop, simulate, design, and characterize new image sensor pixels, readout and imaging algorithms. Work with state-of-the-art process and circuit technology in collaboration with industry.
  2. Auditory enhancement device: Investigate signal processing mechanisms associated with directional hearing and attention mechanisms.
  3. Body-worn biomedical and biomechanics devices: Develop body-worn devices and signal processing for enhancing biomechanics performance and monitoring chronic conditions.
  4. Wireless monitoring of machines (e.g., wind turbines, aircraft).

To Apply

Students who have completed a B.S. and/or M.S. degree in electrical engineering with an emphasis on systems and signals, controls, and/or electronics and are interested in entrepreneurial ventures and innovation are encouraged to apply. Coursework in integrated circuits, systems and signal processing, and digital electronics is required. Coursework in semiconductor devices and/or physical electronics and/or photonics is helpful for some projects. Interested applicants should include the wording “PFI Fellowship Candidate” in the title of their Innovation Program application essay.

To explore a general interest in the Ph.D. Innovation program or applicability to your specific research interest and goals, please contact carrie.fraser@dartmouth.edu