The research topics couldn’t be more diverse: boiling hot springs, organic semiconductors, face recognition, hibernation ... and the list goes on.The subjects may vary, but the projects all share one common attribute: They are being conducted by prominent UNLV faculty who are funded through the National Science Foundation’s CAREER Awards.These prestigious awards are presented nationwide to junior faculty who “exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education, and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations,” according to the NSF website. A highly competitive grant award designed to establish a “lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research,” the CAREER Award is considered a clear indication of achievement. A number of UNLV faculty have received this prestigious award through the years; here are the stories of just a few of the recent recipients.