Underwood Secures $2,860,635 in Funding for University Research, First Responders, and Local Credit Union
JOLIET — This week, Representative Lauren Underwood announced a new round of federal funding she has secured for Northern Illinois University, the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District, and the Northern Illinois Credit Union.
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Underwood has made securing federal resources for northern Illinois a top priority. The following funds will support programs in northern Illinois with federal resources:
Sugar Grove Fire Protection District, Sugar Grove, IL – $55,233
The Sugar Grove Fire Protection District will receive $55,233.33 in federal funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. This funding will be used to purchase self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) to replace current equipment in use that is set to expire at the end of 2025 and to ensure their equipment meets current industry standards.
Rep. Underwood has a long history of advocating for AFG grants on behalf of local fire departments, wrote a letter of support on behalf of the Sugar Grove Fire Protection District, and helped secure this funding through the FY 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois - $380,074
Northern Illinois University will receive $380,074 in federal funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund their research project, “Instrument-free yes/no quantitative analysis of molecular biomarkers.”
According to the project abstract, the “goal of this project is to develop a platform that enables an equipment-free and easy-to-interpret quantitative analysis of molecular biomarkers in do-it-yourself and point-of-care environments. To ensure an easy interpretation, the platform will produce a yes/no answer that involves observing bubbles as a readout. Observing bubbles does not require scientific training, an equipped lab, or color vision proficiency and, therefore, can be easily recognized by everyone ages 2 and up.
In addition to public health benefits, the proposed development will spark and sustain a STEM interest in middle- and high school student through their direct hands-on engagement in the project- related experimental work.”
Rep. Underwood helped secure the funding through the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations funding package.
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois - $1,999,999
Northern Illinois University will receive $1,999,999 in federal funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to build on a successful previous S-STEM award and fund scholarships to at least 68 unique, full-time students who are pursuing BS degrees in Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geosciences, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics.
According to the project abstract, the “project [is] aimed at increasing STEM degree completion among low-income, high-achieving students by providing scholarships, mentoring, and professional development opportunities, ultimately preparing them for successful careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”
Rep. Underwood helped secure the funding through the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations funding package.
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois - $415,329
Northern Illinois University will receive $415,329 in federal funding from the Health and Human Services Administration (HHS) to support research on their Engineering and Characterization of pH dependent Antibodies project.
Rep. Underwood helped secure the funding through the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations funding package.
Northern Illinois Credit Union, DeKalb, Illinois - $10,000
The Northern Illinois Credit Union will receive $10,000 in federal funding from the National Credit Union Administration’s Community Development Revolving Loan Fund, which helps credit unions modernize their information and security systems to better protect themselves and their members from cyberattacks.
Rep. Underwood helped secure this funding through the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations funding package.