Carpenter's research will address several fundamental questions in marine ecology and biological oceanography using coral reefs, which are among the most productive marine ecosystems in the world.

Carpenter said he was surprised and pleased to learn about the grant. He submitted a similar research proposal to the foundation a couple of years ago and was turned down.

"I'm definitely happy we got funded this time," he said.

Carpenter said his research takes a unique look at coral reefs and their environment. During summer and winter breaks over the next four years, about 10 undergraduate and graduate students will work alongside Carpenter in Hawaii, using sophisticated lab and field instrumentation and analyzing complex data sets.

Carpenter said that what makes the National Science Foundation grant particularly exciting is that it includes funding for the students, adding that it's a wonderful chance to cultivate future scientists.

"Built into the project is a opportunity for each of those students to do an independent research project, under the direction of myself or one of my colleagues," he said. "It's a great opportunity, particularly for the undergraduate students, to discover what it¹s like to do their own research, and we'll cover the costs for them to present their results at academic meetings.

"For many of our students, science is something they are exposed to in a physics or biology class, but they don't always know how its applied in the field and how it can lead into a career," Carpenter said. "This is a chance for them to apply that knowledge in the field and learn that science is pretty enjoyable."

CSUN's College of Science and Mathematics is home to several nationally recognized programs where students gain valuable experience through hands-on work using the latest technologies and equipment. Students also have an opportunity to co-author publications with faculty members, present their research results at national and international meetings, and prepare for teaching careers.

California State University, Northridge has more than 31,500 full- and part-time students and offers 59 bachelor's and 41 master's degrees as well as 28 education credential programs. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the fourth largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently said CSUN "stands as a model to other public urban institutions of higher education."