Charlotte, N.C./Feb. 9, 2024 – Johnson C. Smith University’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) took strides in early February to educate students about STEM education during its first STEM Awareness Workshop.
The workshop gathered speakers from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Stanly Community College, North Carolina State University and JCSU, who discussed the importance of building a diverse future for the field of STEM. This commitment was first sparked in August 2023 after JCSU had learned it was the recipient of a prestigious $1 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“We would like to thank our friends at DHS for designating JCSU as a Center of Excellence for the Department of Homeland Security,” said Dr. Patrick Martin, dean of the College of STEM at JCSU. “We are grateful to have our partners at Stanly Community College here for this event. One of the biggest things we’re looking for as we seek a ‘New Era of Excellence’ is how we can build partnerships, and this is a great example of just that.”
The DHS grant was the result of an application submitted by Dr. Suryadip Chakraborty, associate professor of Computer Science, and fellow professor Dr. Awatif Amin. It has made history as one of the largest government-funded academic grants in the institution’s history and is aimed at building the next generation of STEM professionals who have a comprehensive education in dealing with natural disasters.
Chakraborty’s STEM Awareness Workshop brought more than 150 students and professors from JCSU and partner institutions to the Innovation Center in the New Science Center.
There, the students had the opportunity to hear from scholars from UNC Charlotte, Stanly Community College and JCSU who spoke about the benefits of a STEM education, how to get grant funding that can fully pay for research or educational opportunities and advice that will help students pursuing their degree in a STEM field.
One such professional is Dr. Helen Chen, who currently serves as the senior vice provost for Instructional Programs at North Carolina State University. Chen worked at JCSU previously and was excited to connect with the students virtually during the workshop.
“I’m so struck to be able to talk about something very close to my heart,” she said. “We are looking for more representation and equity in the STEM field, but I think we have unique opportunities to drive the change and lead with purpose.”
Chen described the skills needed to be effective in STEM, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, collaboration and, most importantly, leadership.
“In STEM, you will be the next generation of leaders,” she said. “Your ability to communicate effectively is as crucial as your technical skills. Your voice needs to be heard clearly and confidently. You have to build a strong foundation for your leadership skills. I urge you to first think about actively seeking an internship. Look for opportunities where your voice can contribute to meaningful change.”
Dr. Mark Dugo, assistant professor of Ecology and Biology and director of the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainability, discussed some of the groundbreaking research he and his students have conducted, including eDNA (environmental DNA) sampling in water, water and land quality surveys, bird banding studies and identifying endangered species.
“The Southeastern United States has the greatest biodiversity in the country for a variety of groups of organisms,” he said.
Dr. Alexa von Dohlen, a professor of Biology at JCSU, also talked about her research which specializes in the identification of zoonotic parasites in wildlife.
She and a team of students use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests typically used for humans on wild animals, including bears and bobcats. She said the team processes the PCR tests and compares them to results from traditional tests to see if PCR testing, which is typically cheaper and faster to analyze, can be used to identify and treat parasitic diseases in wildlife.
The students who attended were able to walk away with a folder filled with information about STEM opportunities, including internships.
Chakraborty says the grant will continue to connect students to STEM education through components like undergraduate research mentorship, summer research experiences, student scholarships, boot camps to strengthen programming languages and more.
“The future leadership of America in this field will depend on how we are preparing our students today. They will be the solution makers of tomorrow,” Chakraborty said after receiving the grant in late 2023. “If we invest in those students and in STEM today, it is an investment for the future of the nation and the world.”
