CIF Archive
Center Innovation Fund Awards
The Center Innovation Fund (CIF) stimulates and encourages creativity, innovation and collaboration within Ames, and between Ames and other NASA Centers in addressing the technology needs of NASA and the Nation. It is intended for exploratory investigations that offer breakthrough technologies. The ideas supported must leverage Center Capabilities but they do not necessarily need to correspond to the Centers Core Competencies. CIF proposals must be technologically oriented and may be viewed as ‘seedlings’ that will enable the next generation technology and exploration. The target technology readiness level (TRL) is 1-3.
2024 CIF Winners
Thomas Greene
Fast and Accurate Detection of Cosmic Ray Contamination in JWST Data
Lynn Rothschild
Green Energy for the Red and Blue Planets
Keith Peterson
Materials Engineered for Re-Entry using Innovative Needling Operations (MERINO)
Egle Cekanaviciute
GenSens: Genetically Engineered Cellular Sensors for Biological Effects of Spaceflight
Jessica Koehne
Wearable Microneedle Array for the Continuous, Electrochemical Monitoring of Biomarkers
Jeremy Frank
Enabling Early Stage Simulation of Autonomous Space Missions
Christine Gregg
Robotic Construction of Hierarchical Truss Structures for Ultra-light Starshades
Jessica Lee
CAMDLES: A Computational Platform for Microbial Systems Simulations Under Spaceflight Conditions
Michael Khasin
Acoustic Data-based Characterization of Incipient Boiling for Space Applications
John Lawson
Enabling High Reflectivity Liquids for FLUTE With Computational Design
Jason Saied
Photonic Quantum States for Earth Science Mass Changes
Caleb Adams
Robust 3D Terrain Modeling for Lunar Polar Operations and Science
2023 CIF Winners
Caleb Adams
Robust 3D Modeling via Neural Radiance Fields
Don Banfield
Acoustic Signatures of Helium Abundance in the Gas Giants
Ruslan Belikov
Photonic Coronagraphs for Direct Imaging of Exoplanets
Charles Gatebe
An innovative in situ sensor for accurate measurement of extinction coefficients and lidar ratios of aerosols and clouds
Justin Haskins
Solar Thermal Propulsion Heat Shield Coating Development
Michael Iatauro
Verifiable Plans for Spacecraft Autonomy
Cole Kazemba
Stratospheric Free-Flight Dynamics Testing of Entry Capsules
Lee Stone
Spaceflight Oculometric System for Mars Astronaut Robust Surveillance (SOS4MARS)
Mary Beth Wilhelm
Ultra-Thin Layer Chromatography (UTLC): Adapting Separation Techniques to Build a Unique, Low-SWaP Fluidic Device to Improve Organic Molecule Characterization for Life Detection Missions
2022 CIF Winners
Jennifer Heldmann
THEIA – Thermal History Exploration Instrument for Artemis
Edward Balaban
Fluidic Telescope Experiment (FLUTE): to the ISS and beyond
Anthony Colaprete
DMD Pointing Spectrometer
Diana Gentry
Integrated Sonde & Analyzer for In Situ Aerosol Measurements at Venus
Antonio Ricco
Fluidic Integration of Inkjet Printed Sensors (FLIIPS)
Lauren Abbott
Reusable Feedstock Materials Using Polymer-Coated Microparticles for In-Space Manufacturing
Christopher Teubert
Physics-Informed Neural Network for Next-Gen Electric Aircraft
Upender Kaul
Transonic Flutter Aerodynamics
Brandon Maryatt
Novel Instrument Suite for Martian Environment
John Lawson
High-Fidelity Process Model to Enable Additive Manufacturing of Complex Shape Structures
Thomas Templin and Eleanor Rieffel
High-Performance Quantum-Classical Hybrid Deep Generative Modeling Parameterized by Energy-based Models for Flight-Operations Anomaly Detection
Justin Haskins
Rapid assessment of AM metal performance through dislocation physics and machine learning
2021 CIF Winners
Lauren Abbott
Laser Analysis for Surface Preparation of Composite Bonded Joints
Edward Balaban
Fluidic Telescope Experiment (FLUTE)
Brody Bessire
Enabling Neptune Aerocapture by Enhancing TPS Performance with Thermal Barrier Coatings
Jessica Koehne
Rapid Prototyping of Active Microwave Metasurfaces by Inkjet Printing
Megan MacDonald
Big-data Efficiency and Automated Science Transfer (BEAST)
Ruth Miller
Addressing Heat Flux Measurement Uncertainty for Current NASA Missions
Suman Muppidi
Computationally Efficient Framework for 3D Flow-Coupled Radiative Calculations
Nikunj Oza
Machine Learning for Airspace Complexity Management
Keith Peterson
Continuation of an Integrated Thermal Solution for Hypersonic Wing Leading Edge Applications
Richard Quinn
Enzymatic Life-Detection Sensor
Dan Sirbu
PIAA-Vortex Coronagraph: Towards the Next Level of Performance for Exoplanet Imaging
Marianne Sowa
BioLEAD: BioLogical Exploration via Autonomous Detection
Kanch Sridhar
MeDiCNE – Metabolomics-based Disease Characterization via Needle Trap Extraction
2020 CIF Winners
Michael Lowry
Neuromorphic Learning for Adaptive Control
Mark Micire
Tensegrity Underwater Robot for Traversing Liquid Environments (TURTLE)
Sharmila Bhattacharya
Continuous Monitoring of Biology Radiation Response using a Miniature Dielectric Spectroscopy Biosensor
Kelley Hashemi
Arc Heater Simulator (ARCHeS) Toolkit
Keith Peterson
An Integrated Thermal Solution for Hypersonic Wing Leading Edge Applications
Norman Tubman
Quantum Computing to Accelerate High Fidelity Computational Materials Modeling
2019 CIF Winners
Rick Elphic
A Drill-Integrated Gamma Ray/Neutron Detector for Solar System Exploration
Paul Wercinski
Single-event Drag Modulated Aerocapture at Venus for a Small Satellite Science Mission
Richard Quinn
Circular Dichroism-Thermal Lens Microscopy: A New Approach to Life Detection
Rus Belikov
Sparse Wavefront Control: A new approach to exoplanet high-contrast imaging
Mary Beth Wilhelm
Decontamination Procedures for Non-Aqueous Life Detection Microfluidic Systems
John Lawson
Modeling and Mitigation of Heavy-Ion Device Degradation and Failure in SiC Schottky Diodes for Space Electronics
Mairead Stackpoole
Exploring the Feasibility of Additive Manufacturing for Thermal Protection Systems
Nhan Nguyen
Anti-Phase Vortex Reduction Control for Rotor Noise Suppression
2018 CIF Winners
Adrian Agogino
Development of Lightweight Mobility System for a Passive Tensegrity Lander
Grace Belancik
Developing Cryogenic Heat Excahngers for Selective Cabin Air Separation
Ruslan Belikov
Integrated Focal Plane Waveform Estimating for Space Mission Coronagraphs
David Blake
Development of an X-ray Tube for Planetary Instruments
Kenneth Cheung
Collective Robotic Assembly of Discrete Lattice Elements (CRADLE)
Terry Fong
Autonomous Proprioceptive Terrain Detection for Compliant Rovers
Jing Li
Ultra-Low Power and Wearable CO2 Sensors
Meyya Meyyappan
Self-Healing Electronics for Deep Space Missions
Bruce Storms
Quiet Commercial Aircraft via Reduced Slat Deflection
Ethiraj Venkatapathy
Single-Event Drag Modulated Aerocapture at Venus for a Small Satellite Science Mission
Kevin Wheeler
Predicting Deformation and Stress as a Function of Additive Manufacturing Process Parameters fo Europa Drill
2017 CIF Winners
Rus Belikov
Focal plane wavefront estimation for Space Mission Coronagraphs
Matthew Deans
Multifunction 3D Printed Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Tensegrity Robots
Rodolphe De Rosee
Free Space Optical Communications for Nanosats
Terry Fong
Smart Projectiles for Environmental Assessment, Reconnaissance and Sensing (SPEARS)
Jonathan Galazka
Methane Metabolism by Yeast
John Hogan
In Situ Yogurt Production for Probiotic and Nutrition Delivery
Jessica Koehne
Raman Life Detection Instrument Development for Icy Worlds
Chris McKay
Crucible: A System for Space Synthetic Biology Experiments
Nikunj Oza
Ask-the-Expert: Minimizing Human Review for Big Data Analytics through Active Learning
Patricia Parsons-Wingerter
Concluding 2D-to-3D Transformation of VESGEN Software for Urgent Astronaut Health Risks during Long-Duration ISS and Mars Exploration Missions
Richard Quinn
Electrochemical Detection of Biological Catalysts as Signatures of Life
Lynn Rothschild
A Robust, Cell-free Production System for On-Demand Protein Synthesis in Space
Raj Venkatapathy
DLR’s COMARS+ Sensor Suite for New Frontiers-4 and Discovery Competed Missions
2016 CIF Winners
More details here.
Wave Front Controller
Eduardo Bendek
Multispectral Imaging, Detection and Active Reflectance (MiDAR)
Ved Chirayath
AMES SWIR Camera (SWIRcam): A Spin-Off Of The Ames Imaging Module (AIM)
Tony Colaprete
Critical Event Deconfliction for Interplanetary NanoSat Missions
Matt D’Ortenzio
Safe Autonomous Flight Environment (SAFE50) for the Notional Last “50 ft” of Operation of “55 lb” Class of UAS
Kalmanje Krishnakumar
Low Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Sterilization Shower
Meyya Meyyappan
Critical 2D-to-3D Transformation of NASA’s VESGEN Software for Astronaut Health Countermeasures and Terrestrial Medicine/Ecological Commercialization
Patricia Parsons-Wingerter
Spectral Mass-Gauging of Unsettled Liquid with Acoustic Waves
Andre Petukhov
Shaped and Seamless Thermal Protection System
Thomas Squire
A Sample Delivery System for Planetary Missions
Carol Stoker
Nano-ADEPT Lifting: Design Development for a Lifting Flight Test Demonstration
Paul Wercinski
Raising the Technical Readiness of Germanium Immersion Gratings for a Space-based High-resolution Infrared Spectrometer
Peter Zell
2015 CIF Winners
Brad Bebout
Microorganisms that Use Carbon Monoxide to Reduce Perchlorate at Low Pressure, High Salinity, and Low Water Activity: Applicability to Bioremediation of a Significant Health Risk for the Exploration of Mars
Lee Bebout
Fluorescent Microbeads for Tuning the Local Light Availability in High Density Algae Photobioreactors
Tony Colaprete
Development of the NASA Ames Imaging Module (AIM)
Kim Ennico-Smith
Configurable Aperture Space Telescope (CAST)
Chad Frost
CubeSat Reliability Experiment – Design and Prototype
Diana Gentry
Dynamic Control for Directed Evolution: A New Tool for Robust Bioengineering
Chris McKay
Miniaturized, Low Temperature, Ultrasound Liquid Extraction System for Space Exploration
Joseph Rios
CubeSat Constellation Design for Air Traffic Monitoring
Lynn Rothschild
To the Plumes of Enceladus and Elsewhere: Developing Miniature Electrochromatographic Monolithic Columns for the In Situ Analysis of Extraterrestrial Organic Molecdles and Biomarkers
Don Soloway
A Transformative Technology for Enabling Space Construction and Fractionation
Jonathan Trent
Perchlorate on Mars: Risk and Resource
Jerry Yan
Modulating Retro-Reflectors: High-Speed Asymmetric Laser Communications with Low-Fidelity Pointing Requirements (Phase II): Testing and Risk Reduction
2014 CIF Winners
Elwood Agasid
Satellite Integration of a PhoneSat-EDSN bus with a micro cathode arc thruster CIF
Rus Belikov
Direct Imaging of Exoplanets around Alpha Centauri and Other Multiple Star Systems DIF
Kenny Cheung
Scalable Self-assembling Small Satellite Structure System (S6) CIF
Tony Colaprete
Development of the NASA Ames Imaging Module (AIM) CIF
Terry Fong
Application of Carbon Nanotubes to Tensegrity Robots (a collaboration with Glenn Research Center) CIF
Chad Frost
mSTAR DIF
Blair McLachlan
A New Approach to Uncertainty Reduction in Launch Vehicle Compartment Venting CIF Lawrence Hand
Darrell Jan
High Tortuosity Carbon Dioxide Conversion Device for CO2 Reduction into useful products for Life Support Systems CIF
Jessica Koehne
Manufacturing of Tunable Printable Biosensors During Human Space Flight CIF, DIF
CIF Parimal Kopardekar
Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM) for enabling low altitude civilian applications
Rodney Martin
Biologically-Inspired Machine Intelligence for NASA’s missions, systems and facilities CIF, DIF
Kevin Reynolds
Use of 3D Printing and Rapid Manufacturing to Optimize Dragon Eye UAS for Volcanic Sampling Mission CIF
Tony Ricco
OptoGeneSat: An Optogenetic Experimental Platform for Space CIF
Vadim Smelyanski
Quantum Computational Biology: A Quantum Computing Approach to Hard Computational Problems Related to Origin of Life and Synthetic Biology CIF, DIF
Brandon Smith
Nano Entry System for CubeSat-Class Payloads CIF
Carol Stoker
Ames Collaboration of Signs of Life Detector DIF
Lee Stone
Neurotechnology for Spaceflight Visual Impairment Detection and Assessment CIF, DIF
Sean Swei
Guidance and Control Architecture Design and Demonstration for Low Ballistic Coefficient Atmospheric Entry CIF
Jerry Yan
Modulating Retro-Reflectors: High-speed Asymmetric Laser Communications with Low-Fidelity Pointing Requirements CIF
2013 CIF Winners
More details here.
Elwood Agasid
Micro-cathode Arc Thruster PhoneSat Experiment
Deepak Bose
A New Ablative Heat Shield Sensor Suite
Greg Dorais
Multilayer Optimized Uniform Nanomachined Diffractive (MOUND) Solar Wrap
Kimberly Ennico Smith
Deployable Telescope for Compact Spectropolarimeter Kim
Lawrence Hand
A New Approach to Uncertainty Reduction in Launch Vehicle Compartment Venting
John Hogan
A 3-D Printed Microfluidic Microgravity Microbial Fuel Cell for Satellite Missions
Chris McKay
Lunar Plants
Meyya Meyyapan
Nanoscale Vacuum Electronics: Back to the Future?
Jing Li
Drill Embedded Nanosensors for Planetary Subsurface Exploration
Lynn Rothschild
Materials Manufactured from 3D-Printed Synthetic Biology Arrays
2012 CIF Winners
More details here.
Marcus Murbach
Advanced Exo-Brake Development: Parachuting Small Payloads in a Single-Stage from Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Sylvia Johnson
Kinetic Integrated Thermal Protection System (KnITPS)
Chris McKay
Lunar Plants Prototype for Moon Express
Carol Stoker
Mars Sample Return Utilizing Next Generation Mars Landers
Lynn Rothschild
Materials Manufactured from 3D Printed Synthetic Biology Arrays
Ted Roush
Photon-Counting Integrated Circuit (PCIC) Photodetector Arrays
Edward Schairer
Pressure Sensitive Paint Applied to Flexible Models
Diane Wooden
Surface Spectroscopy Center of Excellence
2011 CIF Winners
More details here.
Sylvia Johnson
Biologically Inspired Radiation-Reflecting Ablator (BIRRA) for Enabling Entry Descent and Landing Missions to Gas Giant Planets or Radiation-Intensive Environments
Elwood Agasid
Collapsible Space Telescope (CST) for Nanosatellite Imaging and Observation
John Lawson
Computational Modeling of Ablative Materials: Application to Phenolic Pyrolysis
David Loftus
Encapsulation Technology for Delivery of Medical Therapeutics
Ethiraj Venkatapathy
Game Changing Transformable Entry System Technology (TEST) Applicability to Robotic Venus Science Missions
Richard Jaffe
High Energy Density Additives for Hybrid Fuel Rockets to Improve Performance and Enhance Safety
Carol Stoker
Low Cost Mars Sample Return Mission Study
Friedemann Freund
Manipulating the Toughness of Rocks through Electric Potentials
David Blake
Mars Micro-Mapping Mineralogical Spectrometer (MµMMS)
Michael Flynn
Micro-atmospheric Microwell Plate Technology
Shakib Ghassemieh
Miniaturized Power Processing Unit Study: A Cubesat Electric Propulsion Technology Enabler
Antonio Ricco
NanoSatellite Thermal Overload Protection System (nSTOPS)
Leslie Prufert-Bebout
Novel Photobioreactor Development for Space Applications
Ted Roush
Photon-Counting Integrated Circuit (PCIC) Photodetector Arrays
Meyya Meyyappan
Radiation Nose for Monitoring Radiation in Space Missions
John Hogan
Synthetic Biology and Microbial Fuel Cells: Towards Self-Sustaining Life Support Systems
Chad Paavola
Synthetic Biology Assemblies for Sustainable Space Exploration
Lynn Rothschild
Synthetic Biology Tool Kit for Manned Missions Outside Low Earth Orbit
Don Ellerby
Woven TPS – A Revolutionary Approach to Tailorable TPS Design & Manufacturing for Thermal Management Systems & Entry, Descent & Landing Systems
