NSF Awards U of A $1 Million to Support Recruitment, Retention of Underrepresented STEM Doctoral Students
The National Science Foundation has awarded the University of Arkansas more than $1 million to support the recruitment and retention of doctoral students from populations that are historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the STEM fields.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers and administrators was awarded $1,075,000 through the Arkansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program, the state’s subset of a national program that assists universities and colleges in diversifying the nation’s STEM workforce.
The National Science Foundation identifies underrepresented groups as: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Native Pacific Islanders.
The grant will provide a $32,000 annual stipend, plus tuition and additional support costs, to a cohort of 12 students pursuing doctoral degrees.
“As we build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive University of Arkansas, we are grateful for this significant award supporting our efforts and, most importantly, our students,” said Yvette Murphy-Erby, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. “The remarkable Ph.D. students who will benefit from this grant will take their place among the leaders in STEM fields and will inspire generations of future leaders from underrepresented populations.”
The full alliance, consisting of eight state institutions, will support the cohort in activities such as the alliance’s annual research symposium and other graduate seminars that emphasize preparation and competitiveness.
The award also will support intercultural training for faculty to address institutional culture and incorporate a suite of “champions” to mentor the participants.
Researchers for the program include:
• Jorge Almodovar, assistant professor and Ray C. Adam Chair in chemical engineering
• Anissa Buckner, chair of the Department of Biology at the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff
• Yvette Murphy-Erby, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion
• Kim LaScola Needy, dean of the College of Engineering
Almodovar will serve as site director for the project and will oversee the program’s implementation.
“There is a lack of professionals from these underrepresented groups in academia, industry and the public sector, and there’s a need to train that future workforce,” Almodovar said. “As we train more students from these groups, they become role models for others, and the numbers continue to grow.”