Because nanotechnology embraces mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, materials science and engineering, it has broad applications that highlight the impact of basic sciences and technologies. This provides an effective pathway to prepare URM students for modern challenges in research and development in STEM and to meet the demands of high-tech industries.
“CNEU has an excellent track record of outreach, and the nanotechnology expertise we have accumulated over the years can be used as a conduit to hopefully excite URM students about nanotechnology, but ultimately STEM fields, and motivate them to pursue graduate degrees and careers in various STEM fields,” said Awadelkarim. “Working with NSU, the lead institution and one of the larger HBCUs, and TCC will provide increased access and more channels of communications to underrepresented minorities, particularly African Americans, at HBCUs and community colleges to convey the diverse career opportunities in STEM fields.”
SCENE will utilize five key components to achieve its goal of broadening participation of underrepresented minority students in STEM education and research:
- Remote access to nanotechnology instruments
- Nanotechnology modules and multimedia kits
- Nanotechnology research experience
- National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) collaboration
- Professional development for educators
Through the CNEU-hosted Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Network, students will have access to Remotely Accessible Instruments for Nanotechnology (RAIN), a service which provides web access to nanotechnology experts, online access and control of characterization and processing tools and cleanroom equipment in labs where cutting-edge research is being performed. RAIN will enable instructors to deliver authentic and relevant educational activities for students who normally wouldn’t have ready access to specialized facilities, tools and expertise required for the study of nanoscale science.
SCENE will also develop its own program website that will provide a digital suite of interactive online learning and training modules adapted from CNEU’s extensive library of materials. Beyond conventional topics, the modules will address topics such as the origin of nanotechnology, its uniqueness, how it applies in modern society and what its potential is. These modules will also be added to existing courses at NSU and TCC, with an end goal of creating a nanotechnology certificate program for HBCUs.
To provide valuable hands-on research opportunities, CNEU and NSU will host HBCU students in each of their state-of-the-art nanotechnology facilities for short durations, approximately one to two weeks. They will also look to implement a proposed seven-week summer internship program and workshops to increase students’ skills and knowledge. SCENE will also utilize partnering institutes, including NASA Langley Research Center, Jefferson National Research Laboratory Applied Research Center and Eastern Virginia Medical School, which are active members of the broader nanoscience and engineering community, to provide student-centered research opportunities.
“The direct access URM students will have to advanced research and accomplished researchers through the program will not only expose them to the many applications and impact of nanotechnology, but it will also prepare them and help them generate competitive portfolios for research opportunities, such as NSF Graduate Research Fellowships and NASA Graduate Fellowships, at national labs and federal research agencies,” said Awadelkarim. “We hope this effort will increase the pool of applicants from URM students and institutions and better connect talented URM students with significant research opportunities.”
Through collaboration with NSF’s National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure, SCENE will extend its outreach to additional URM students. NNCI, with 16 user facility sites, not only provides access to URM students potentially interested in nanotechnology and STEM, but also to facilities to enhance nanotechnology education and hands-on experience.
To further improve nanotechnology educational experiences for students, SCENE will provide professional development opportunities for educators and faculty at HBCUs and community colleges with predominately underrepresented minority enrollments.
“If we are to provide high-quality education to underserved populations, we know that it takes more than a few institutions to have the impact we desire,” said Awadelkarim. “By providing local educators with the tools, resources and knowledge they need to effectively educate students in the classroom about nanotechnology, we can better ensure that students gain a realistic understanding of their career opportunities in nanotechnology, as well as in STEM fields.”
As the partnerships between the core institutions and partner institutes demonstrate effective strategies in broadening participation of underrepresented minority students in STEM education and in building a future workforce in high-tech industries, SCENE will continue to seek opportunities for network growth and extension of coalition in strategic and targeted ways to other HBCUs, colleges and industry and government research laboratories.
“If we are to achieve greater workforce diversity in STEM fields, we need to aggressively expand our reach and develop additional partnerships, including strong alliances with other Louis Stokes centers across the U.S.,” said Awadelkarim. “By doing so, we can increase the number of opportunities for high-quality education at all levels and hopefully encourage a greater number of underrepresented minority students to not only enroll in STEM programs, but also to complete STEM degrees so they can compete in today’s job market.”