Alabama State University News November 2, 2012 National Science Foundation Awards Scholarships to 19 ASU Students A major grant from the National Science Foundation is helping ASU provide scholarships to 19 students enrolled in STEM fields. Alabama State University will provide scholarships to 19 undergraduate students, as part of a major grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Nearly 85 percent of the total $366,648 award is being used to provide four-year scholarships for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. "This grant will help in increasing the graduation and retention rate at ASU in STEM disciplines such as biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics and computer science," said Dr. Manoj K. Mishra, assistant professor of biology at ASU. Mishra was a part of a team that worked to get the grant, including co-principal investigators Elijah Nyairo, instructor of chemistry, and Rick Drake, assistant vice president of Student Affairs. Mishra said the students were required to complete an application package that included grade verification, research interests and career goals. Students' eligibility for the scholarship also was based on individual student needs and family contributions, as determined by ASU's financial aid administrator. "A selection committee was convened to select eligible students based on the criteria," Mishra said. "As long as a student maintains their academic performance GPA of 3.0 and above, they will receive the scholarship." Student Scholarship Awards * Jamecia Colquitt (Senior, Biology) * LaChanee Davis (Sophomore, Chemistry) * Kourtni Bradely (Junior, Biology) * Shantalay Williams (Junior, Biology) * Yasmine Harris (Senior, Biology) * Ryeneshia Hutchinson (Junior, Chemistry) * Athea Stewart (Freshman, Biology) * Alyssia Judge (Junior, Chemistry) * Amel Mohammed (Junior, Biology) * Shavail Smith (Junior, Computer Information Systems) * Chantai Harris (Sophomore, Biology) * Devin King (Sophomore, Biology) * Ebony Battle (Freshman, Biology) * Vernezia James (Freshman, Biology) * Kristal Hooks (Sophomore, Biology) * Courtney Oliver (Sophomore, Chemistry) * Kaneisha Gaston (Freshman, Biology) * John Paul Akwuba (Freshman, Chemistry) * Jenice Craig (Senior Computer, Science) SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.