Alabama State University News October 1, 2015 ASU Awarded Major Federal Grant for NanoBiotechnology Research and Training By Hazel Scott ASU has received a grant through the U.S. Department of Education's Minority Science and Engineering Program to promote STEM careers among women and minorities. *** Alabama State University has been awarded a U.S. Department of Education grant totaling nearly $750,000 to train ASU students, as well as Alabama high school students and teachers interested in nanobiotechnology and other STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines. The three-year grant was awarded as part of the Department of Education's Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) to promote STEM careers among underrepresented populations, including women and ethnic minorities. The funds will be used for the following activities: * to help pre-college students to conduct STEM research at ASU during the summer with the opportunity to present their research at national and international scientific meetings; * to offer high school teachers training and updates in nanobiotechnology via workshops; * to offer resources and expertise in emerging technologies by conducting training for ASU students and faculty at designated partner sites; * to improve college and pre-college STEM programs; * to fund faculty development; * and to provide stipends for participants. Dr. Komal Vig, ASU's director of REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) and program director for the MSEIP grant proposal, said the program is tapping into a diverse pool of talented students and igniting their interest in scientific research. "This program is an important means for extending high-quality research environments and mentoring to diverse groups of students," Vig said. "This is an excellent opportunity for many undergraduates and high school students, along with school teachers, to engage in cutting-edge nanobiotechnology. This program will provide an opportunity to underrepresented groups in research, especially to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity or where research programs in STEM are limited. Our proposed funding seeks to integrate emerging science disciplines and bring exciting research opportunities to undergraduate students and talented pre-college students." Vig said ASU was selected to be the MESIP training site through a nationwide competition. She added that ASU's strength in the STEM field was a major factor in the selection. "We are excited to have grants such as this, which are very difficult to receive and which expose students to research in STEM fields, motivating them for a career in much-needed STEM areas in the country," Vig said. Dr. Shree Singh, director of ASU's Center for NanoBiotechnology Research (CNBR), will serve along with Vig as the MESIP co-project director. The MESIP program is being administered with the help of the CNBR and a team of ASU faculty researchers. 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 404-702-5854 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.