FY2025 ODRD Project Summaries
The ORAU-Directed Research and Development (ODRD) program is comprised of cross-cutting initiatives focused on developing or advancing research projects that will enhance ORAU and member university research capabilities.
Learn more about our 2025 awardees and the future impact of their research projects.
2025 Awardees
Peer navigation intervention to support the behavioral health needs of men with cancer: A pilot study
ORAU Principal Investigator: Katherine Chyka
University Co-Investigator: Teresa Thomas, University of Pittsburgh
Contributors: ORAU - Michael Holtz, Kristin Mattson, Kelley Walli; University - Linda Christopher
Focus Areas: Improving Our Behavioral Health, The Post-Pandemic World
Award: $159,951
Summary: The goal of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to use a community-engaged approach to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a peer navigation intervention (PNI) aiming to improve the behavioral health and quality of life of men with cancer. Researchers from ORAU and University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) will partner with Man Up to Cancer (MUTC) to conduct this pilot study, which will be one of the first supportive care peer navigation programs focused on the unmet needs of men.
AI-driven automation for cytogenetic biodosimetry: Developing advanced algorithms for mFISH/mBAND segmentation and inversion analysis
ORAU Principal Investigator: Dray Gentry
University Co-Investigator: Chester Ramsey, University of Tennessee
Contributors: ORAU - Ashley Golden, Terri Ryan
Focus Areas: Implementing Innovative Technologies
Award: $159,947
Summary: The overall goal of the proposed study is to develop, apply, and disseminate a neural network for accurately classifying chromosomal aberrations, and to create a user-friendly website or application where researchers and clinicians can upload images for automated analysis.
From insect digestion to industry disruption: Research to support Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) husbandry and sustainably expand business models
ORAU Principal Investigator: Holly Holt
University Co-Investigator: Charity Owings, University of Tennessee
Contributors: ORAU - Davyda Hammond, Natalia Travis; University - Jeff Tomberlin, Texas A&M
Focus Areas: Our Changing Planet
Award: $159,978
Summary: The sustainable nature of BSFL business models holds promise for addressing climate change through circular bioeconomies. This project seeks to advance BSFL research through the dual lenses of basic biology and socioeconomics. Results will advance safe insect husbandry practices and point to new BSFL business opportunities.
Evaluating the use of small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) to advance understanding of micro- and meso-scale weather phenomena at the urban-rural interface
ORAU Principal Investigator: Tim Wilson
University Co-Investigator: Gijs de Boer, University of Colorado – Boulder
Focus Areas: Our Changing Planet
Award: $149,987
Summary: The primary objective of this project is to combine the unique capabilities of ORAU, the University of Colorado Boulder, and NOAA (Air Resources Laboratory and Physical Sciences Laboratory) to advance the utilization of small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) to improve our understanding of, and ability to predict, weather phenomena within complex urban environments.
