Two professors from Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) have secured a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) totaling $860,815. The grant will have a significant impact on the lives and educational experiences of 124 students enrolled in BRCC's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) division.
BRCC faculty members Dr. Mary Miller, Professor of Biology and Science Research Program Director and Dr. Divina Miranda, Professor of Chemistry, spearheaded the grant application titled, "The Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Project: Developing an Environmental Science Undergraduate Research Pathway from Degree Entry to Workforce and Graduation." The visionary project leverages the ongoing ecological research initiative led by Dr. Miller, through the Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Project, which offers internships.
"We take great pride in the dedication and remarkable commitment displayed by Dr. Miller and Dr. Miranda as they engage with our students," said BRCC Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith. “This NSF grant will open doors for more students, exposing them to new learning experiences that will have a lasting impact on their lives. Additionally, the grant opportunity seamlessly aligns with the college's recently released strategic plan and its goal to propel student success."
Over a five-year period, the NSF grant will drive the creation and implementation of an undergraduate research pathway in environmental science. The program is designed to achieve three primary objectives:
Scientific Literacy and Research Design: A bridge summer workshop will introduce incoming
first-year students to the essentials of scientific literacy and research design.
Technical Skill Development: Students will receive practical technical skill training
through continuous employment as interns within the Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Project,
equipping them with valuable hands-on experience.
Leadership Training: The program will foster leadership skills among students, positioning
them as near-peer research mentors.
Furthermore, the grant will facilitate externships, enabling students to apply their acquired skills in workforce settings.
Throughout the project's duration, 24 students will actively engage in every step of this educational journey. An additional 100 students will participate in various facets of the pathway, including job placements in externships, scientific literacy workshops, and training at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium Research Laboratory.
The NSF program overview for Advancing Innovation and Impact in undergraduate STEM Education at two-year Institutions of higher learning provides support for projects aimed at advancing STEM education initiatives within two-year colleges. This program description encourages the adoption of innovative and evidence-based approaches in undergraduate STEM education at these institutions. The NSF, originally founded with the mission to promote scientific progress, enhances national well-being, ensures national security, and consists of a team of 200 scientists from various research institutions, alongside a staff of 1,500 employees.
BRCC's externship partners include: Kleinpeter Dairy, Louisiana State University Center of River Studies, CA Labs, Louisiana State University Coastal Environmental Science Program, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, ELOS Environmental, Dr. Phoebe Zito (University of New Orleans Chemist), Pace Analytical, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Dr. Bhuvnesh Bharti (Louisiana State University Chemical Engineer), and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
For additional information about The Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Project, contact millerm2@mybrcc.edu or visit laspongehunters.com.
About NSF: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a prominent federal agency dedicated to supporting scientific research, education, and innovation to drive progress and enhance the well-being of the nation.