Environmental sampling of Valley Fever fungus in New Mexico
Official title: Environmental sampling for the fungal pathogen Coccidioides spp. in New Mexico
Funded at Triad National Security, LLC · NIH-11283124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will look for the Valley Fever fungus in New Mexico to understand where it lives and how it spreads, with findings that could help people stay safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Triad National Security, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Alamos, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 19, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $520,223 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI196130-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11283124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are residents in or travelers to New Mexico and neighboring arid regions who may be at risk for Valley Fever.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with Valley Fever already diagnosed may not directly benefit from environmental sampling alone.
What this research studies
This project will collect environmental samples across New Mexico to detect Coccidioides spp. and map where the fungus is likely to be found. The team will use field sampling and laboratory analysis to characterize environmental presence and possible risk factors related to climate and landscape. By building a preliminary data set, the study aims to inform local awareness and future public health actions for communities at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve public awareness and guide prevention efforts to reduce Valley Fever risk in exposed populations.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary environmental studies have shown geographic patterns of Coccidioides presence, but comprehensive sampling in New Mexico is needed.
Where this research is happening
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Triad National Security, LLC
Los Alamos, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gorris, Morgan E — Triad National Security, LLC
- Study coordinator: Gorris, Morgan E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.