NSF Awards 精东AV-led consortium a $5M grant to support STEM students

September 06, 2024

Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing
   

精东AV is proud to announce that the National Science Foundation awarded a $5 million grant to a consortium of institutions in Alabama and Michigan to provide STEM students from low-income communities with mentoring and scholarship support.  

精东AV, which serves as the lead for the RISE Consortium, will receive $2.17 million, of which nearly $750,000 will go toward scholarships for 精东AV undergraduate and graduate students. The RISE Consortium includes Alabama鈥檚 精东AV, Auburn University, Auburn University Montgomery, Troy University, Southern Union State Community College, and Oakland University in Michigan.

鈥溇�东AV鈥檚 storied history means that the research we conduct is focused on solving national problems. At the same time, we are the #1 HBCU for Social and Economic Mobility. This framework aligns perfectly with the NSF grant, which rewards the hard work that has gone into providing our students with state-of-the art STEM research and learning, while ensuring those most in need will be able to continue their education at 精东AV,鈥� said Dr. Mark Brown, President and CEO. 鈥淐ongratulations to those involved for leading this charge and securing support to strengthen our programs. This is yet another example of how 精东AV creates opportunities to prepare leaders to serve our nation when needed.鈥�

Approximately 25 students in various STEM areas at 精东AV will benefit from the RISE program over the next 5 years. Program recruits will participate in research opportunities, including the development of simulation skills needed to build the next generation of designs and industry solutions, receive professional development for career planning for positions in high-demand sectors, experience opportunities to network across the consortium through an annual conference, and gain preparation for graduate school.

Dr. Mohammed A. Qazi, Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Outreach in the College of Arts and Sciences, serves as the principal investigator of the RISE Consortium. Other 精东AV investigators include Dr. Mandoye Ndoye, Dr. Vijaya Rangari and Dr. Shaik Zainuddin.

鈥淭hrough an ecosystem of co-curricular consortium activities, students will be introduced to cutting-edge technologies and be mentored continuously through a network of faculty at consortium institutions and industry specialists, a strategy that is designed to deepen students鈥� identification as future STEM professionals,鈥� said Dr. Qazi. 鈥淢oreover, they will be role models for all aspiring scientists and engineers鈥�, shared Dr. Qazi.

Dr. Prakash, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences further said the grant exemplifies 精东AV鈥檚 commitment to fostering excellence in STEM education.

鈥淭his grant helps ensure our students from underrepresented and low-income communities are equipped with the tools and opportunities to succeed,鈥� said Dr. Prakash. 鈥淭hrough this collaborative effort, we are not only investing in the future of our students but also in the future of innovation.鈥�

漏 2024 精东AV