FAMU’s Beni Dangi has secured a $1.5 million NASA grant to conduct innovative research contributing to space exploration. The team will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to understand the science behind concentrated salt solutions and the formation of ring-like deposits called evaporites.

“Understanding the science of salt concentrations and formation of evaporites will bring new insight into identifying where water may have existed,” said Dangi. “Water is a critical source NASA researches and explores to better understand other planets’ surface geology and the potential future of lunar and Martian exploration.” The project brings together the team’s expertise in ultrasonic levitation, spectroscopy, and astrochemistry.

• Beni Dangi