New programs aim to improve diversity and inclusion in the College of Engineering
AN INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF RESEARCHERS and administrators was awarded $1,075,000 through the Arkansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (ARK-LSAMP) program, the state’s subset of a
national program that assists universities and colleges in diversifying the science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce for the nation.
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 stipend, plus additional support costs, to a cohort of 12 students pursuing doctoral degrees in the NSF’s “Ten Big Ideas” priority areas, such as Harnessing the Data Revolution, at the U of A.
“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 will support the cohort in activities such as the ARK-LSAMP annual research symposium and other graduate seminars that emphasize preparation and competitiveness for other graduate student support, including NSF’s graduate fellowship. It will also 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, former dean of the graduate school and international education and currect dean of the College; Joseph Steinmetz, chancellor. Almodovar will serve as site director for the project and will oversee the program’s implementation.
The program will provide funding, training and a support network for doctoral students, all of which are critical to growing the pipeline of STEM leaders from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
“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.
The Arkansas Bridge to the Doctorate LSAMP program will be implemented in an NSF-designated Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) jurisdiction to further enhance research and education capability in the region. The project is jointly supported by the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation and NSF EPSCoR.