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NASA Names University Teams to Take on Aeronautics Research Challenges
Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Daily News Staff
Credits: NASA
NASA has selected four teams of university faculty and students to solve key challenges facing the future of air travel as part of the agency’s University Leadership Initiative.
This initiative gives the academic community an opportunity to support NASA’s aeronautical research goals and provide students experience in cracking real-world technical challenges.
“The University Leadership Initiative is an integral part of our research portfolio,” said Bob Pearce, associate administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “The multidisciplinary teams are directly contributing to our priorities and even leading the exploration of solutions beyond our current portfolio.”
Three of the four teams will address topics related to ensuring the safe growth of Advanced Air Mobility, while the fourth will examine an option for generating electricity to propel a future airliner. As the teams work on their projects, they will work with other universities and industry partners – creating opportunities for participation that include students with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and talents.
“This multidisciplinary approach enables the lead teams to partner with others, including student populations who are underrepresented or have not been involved before in aviation research,” said Koushik Datta, University Leadership Initiative project manager. “As we look to future growth in Advanced Air Mobility and an increasing emphasis on creating truly sustainable aviation, it’s important we involve today’s students in helping us solve tomorrow’s challenges.”
The four teams selected for final negotiations could lead to awards worth a combined total of up to $25.1 million during the next four years. The teams and their research topics are:
New Mexico State University
The team will gather data about current and projected AAM operations to help produce models that could inform decisions on how the electric grid infrastructure can support future AAM activity, including the demand for aircraft charging stations.
Team members include The George Washington University, University of Tennessee in Knoxville, University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, University of Maryland in Baltimore County, Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation, Argonne National Laboratory, and Whisper Aero.
Boston University
The team will focus on developing models for predicting how to minimize noise from AAM vehicles flying within dense urban environments where wind conditions can rapidly change. These models also might provide guidance on suitable locations for vertiports that minimize noise during takeoff and landing.
Team members include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Tuskegee University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Joby Aviation.
University of Notre Dame
The team intends to develop an automated decision-making capability that ensures small drones are safe before they fly using a NASA-developed drone traffic management system. This automated system would replace a manually intensive process that is limited in its ability to handle increasing drone traffic.
Team members include Iowa State University, Saint Louis University, University of Texas in El Paso, DePaul University, and DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Alliance.
Tennessee Technological University
The team aims to develop a preliminary design for an electrified 150-passenger aircraft that uses an ammonia-based integrated propulsion, power, and thermal management system.
Team members include Tennessee State University, The Ohio State University, University of Dayton, University of Washington – Bothell, Boeing Research & Technology, Raytheon Technologies Research Center, and Special Power Sources.
New Awardees Join University Leadership Initiative Alumni
This is the sixth round of awards for the initiative.
Selections of four teams and six teams were made in 2021. Five teams were chosen in 2020, three teams were announced in 2019, and five teams were selected for the inaugural initiative in 2017.
An official notice for the next request for proposals is expected later this year.
Learn more about the University Leadership Initiative here:
https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/programs/tacp/ui-uli
Source: NASA
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
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Daily News
Metro Board to Consider Locally Preferred Alternative for Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project
Metro Board will consider Modified Alternative 5 as the Locally Preferred Alternative for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project on January 22, 2026, a major step toward improving transit between the San Fernando Valley and LA’s Westside.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the Metro Board will consider selecting a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project. This milestone could significantly improve mobility options between the San Fernando Valley and the of Los Angeles.
Proposed Alternative
After a technical evaluation and reviewing more than 8,000 public comments from the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) period, Metro staff has proposed Modified Alternative 5 as the LPA. This underground heavy rail line would run between the Van Nuys Metrolink Station and the E Line Expo/Sepulveda Station with a key connection to the G Line at Van Nuys Boulevard.
Modified Alternative 5 combines the benefits of Alternative 5—high ridership, frequent service, and shorter station construction sites—while avoiding geographic challenges in the Santa Monica Mountains. It also incorporates connectivity advantages from Alternative 6 along Van Nuys Boulevard, reducing the overall project length and anticipated costs, and increasing direct connections to Metro’s growing transit network.
Next Steps
If approved, Metro would advance project development for the LPA, including:
- Evaluating phasing and the Public/Private Partnership (P3) delivery model
- Identifying value engineering opportunities
- Refining designs to allow G Line connection at Van Nuys Boulevard
- Continuing environmental review and community outreach
Public Participation
Residents, businesses, and institutions are encouraged to provide feedback:
- Attend in person: Sign up on the tablets in the Metro Headquarters lobby before 9:45 AM.
- Email comments: BoardClerk@metro.net (comments received before 5 PM on January 21, 2026, will be sent to the full Board)
- Watch live: boardagendas.metro.net
Why This Matters
The Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project will connect the San Fernando Valley to the Westside, addressing the natural barrier of the Santa Monica Mountains and relieving congestion on the I-405. It will provide a fast, safe, and reliable alternative to the freeway and strengthen LA’s regional transit network.
Disclaimer: Station locations and construction timelines are subject to change. Project availability may vary. Public input is encouraged before final decisions are made.
Continuing Coverage: STM Daily News will continue to follow developments surrounding the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, including Metro Board decisions, environmental review updates, community input opportunities, and the project’s long-term impact on transportation across Los Angeles.
For the latest updates, in-depth reporting, and transportation-focused coverage, visit STM Daily News.
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News
Major Popeyes Franchisee Sailormen Files for Chapter 11 — What It Means for Restaurants and the Economy
Sailormen Inc., a major Popeyes franchisee operating 130+ locations in Florida and Georgia, filed for Chapter 11 on Jan. 15, 2026 amid rising costs and heavy debt. Many restaurants are expected to remain open as restructuring continues.
A major Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchise operator is heading to bankruptcy court — but the headline does notmean Popeyes corporate is filing, or that every restaurant involved is about to close.
Sailormen Inc., a Miami-based Popeyes franchisee that has operated in the system since 1987, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Jan. 15, 2026. The company operates more than 130 Popeyes locations across Florida and Georgia (some industry coverage puts the count at 136), making it one of the chain’s largest franchise groups in the region.
Franchisee filing, not a Popeyes corporate bankruptcy
This case involves Sailormen (the operator) — not Popeyes corporate and not parent company Restaurant Brands International.
In a message referenced in industry reporting, Popeyes leadership said Sailormen’s filing does not reflect the overall health of the Popeyes brand, and that a large majority of Sailormen’s restaurants are expected to remain open while the company restructures.
What pushed Sailormen into Chapter 11
Court-related summaries and industry coverage point to a familiar mix of pressures hitting restaurant operators:
- Inflation and higher operating costs (food, labor, and day-to-day expenses)
- Higher borrowing costs as interest rates climbed
- Liquidity strain, including reports of falling behind on rent and facing pressure from landlords and vendors
- Legal disputes, including vendor-related claims tied to unpaid balances
The failed store sale that worsened the situation
One key detail: Sailormen reportedly tried to sell 16 Georgia restaurants to stabilize finances. That deal fell through, and the company remained responsible for lease guarantees tied to those locations — a liability that can linger even if other stores are performing.
The debt and the lender pressure
Industry reporting describes Sailormen as carrying a heavy debt load — cited at about $130 million overall.
More detailed figures cited in coverage include:
- Over $112 million in unpaid principal loan balance
- Over $17 million in accrued interest and fees
Reporting also points to pressure from BMO (BMO Bank), described as Sailormen’s largest lender. In December 2025, BMO reportedly sought to appoint a receiver, a move that can displace management and take control of a company’s assets. Sailormen’s Chapter 11 filing allows the company to continue operating as a debtor-in-possession while it attempts to reorganize.
Why this matters for “Food” and “Our Economy”
This isn’t just a Popeyes story — it’s a snapshot of what happens when restaurant operators face higher costs, value-conscious consumers, and more expensive debt at the same time.
Chapter 11 is designed to reorganize a business, not automatically liquidate it. For customers, the near-term impact may be limited if most locations stay open.
STM Daily News will follow this story as it develops, including any updates on store operations, restructuring plans, and potential sales of locations.
Sources
- Restaurant Business: “A big Popeyes franchisee files for bankruptcy” https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/big-popeyes-franchisee-files-bankruptcy
- Restaurant Dive: “Large Popeyes franchisee files for Chapter 11” https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/popeyes-frachisee-sailormen-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy-protections/809854/
For more food business headlines and how they connect to the real economy, follow STM Daily News.
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Food and Beverage
Diva Fam Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of True Sea Moss “Sea Moss Gel Superfood” Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Diva Fam Inc. is recalling all True Sea Moss Sea Moss Gel Superfood flavors nationwide due to missing pH/temperature records and potential botulism risk.
Diva Fam Inc.. announced a voluntary recall of all lots and flavors of its True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood due to a lack of required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for pH-controlled food products, according to a company statement released January 9, 2026.
The company said the recall applies to products manufactured prior to January 9, 2026. The manufacture date (MFD) is indicated on the can lid in MM/YYYY format.
Why the products are being recalled
Diva Fam said the recall is related to missing required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for certain pH-controlled food products. The company noted that pH-controlled foods that are not manufactured in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements may present a potential risk of microbial growth, including organisms that can produce toxins associated with botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness that can affect the nervous system. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing or muscle weakness.
Diva Fam said no illnesses or adverse health events have been reported in connection with the products subject to this recall to date.
Where the products were sold
The affected products were distributed nationwide through select retail locations, online via https://truеsеamоss.cоm/, and other distribution channels, according to the company.
Recalled products (all flavors, all lots)
The recall includes all flavors and sizes and batch numbers of True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood packaged in 16 FL OZ (473 mL) glass jars, manufactured prior to January 9, 2026.
Recalled flavors and UPCs
| Flavor | UPC |
|---|---|
| Mango | 5065006235875 |
| Pineapple | 5065006235288 |
| Wildcrafted | 5065006235073 |
| Apple and Cinnamon | 5065006235776 |
| Elderberry | 5065006235189 |
| Passion Fruit | 5061033691882 |
| Blue Spirulina and Raspberry | 5065006235813 |
| Strawberry | 5065006235271 |
| Cherry | 5061033691264 |
| Mango and Pineapple | 5065006235301 |
| 5 Blends in 1 | 5061033690052 |
| Soursop | 5061033691875 |
| Lemon Pie | 5061033691271 |
| Orange | 5061033692926 |
How the issue was identified
The company said the matter was identified during a California Department of Public Health inspection that raised questions regarding regulatory authorization and related production records for certain distributed products. Diva Fam said it is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and initiated the voluntary recall to ensure regulatory alignment.
The company said the recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What consumers should do
- Discontinue use of the affected product.
- Follow the instructions provided by the place of purchase regarding product return or disposal.
- Contact the company for additional information (details below).
Consumer and media contact
Consumers seeking additional information may contact:
- Email: support@divafam.com
- Phone: (818) 751-3882
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Source: Diva Fam Inc. (PRNewswire, Jan. 9, 2026)
https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/
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