Discipline: Physics
Subcategory: STEM Science and Mathematics Education
Mukti Rana - Delaware State University, Dover, DE
Co-Author(s): Jacquelyn Jones and Mohammad Khan, Delaware State University, Dover, DE Noureddine Melikechi, Department of Physics and Applied Physics, Kennedy School of Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA
The Center for Research and Education in Optical Science and Applications (CREOSA) at Delaware State University (DSU) was established in 2005 under the support from the Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) program of NSF. CREOSA involves faculty members from the Department of Physics and Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Mathematics and Chemistry of DSU. The second Phase of CREOSA started in 2012 to fulfil the goals (a) Broaden participation and enhance diversity in optical sciences research and STEM workforce; (b) create a robust and sustainable research infrastructure at DSU in terms of people, equipment, and access to scientific information; (c) disseminate new knowledge about optics and facilitate engagement in science by students at all levels as well as the public; and (d) establish and maintain national and global partnerships and collaborations that will enhance the visibility of optics as a discipline and enhance CREOSA’s long-term sustainability. CREOSA had been fully integrated with optical science center for applied research (OSCAR) and DSU to leverage the research, education and outreach activities for its growth and sustainability. Between 2012-2016, CREOSA has supported a total of 39 graduate, 74 undergraduate and ten high school students for their research and education. Majority of these students are form African American ethnic group. In last four years, OSCAR helped to produce four PhD’s, ten Masters with their research focused on Optics. OSCAR also helped to produce thirty three undergraduates in various science majors. OSCAR graduates had been employed in various government organizations, academia and industries or went to graduate schools. OSCAR also involved in outreach activities which involve arranging science fair for middle/high school students in Kent County of Delaware, arranging tours for local school students and arranging other activities for local students. In addition, OSCAR had also secured funding from other agencies which include a $5M grant NASA for five years to establish a research center on space optics and $10M grant from the state of Delaware to build an optics research facility. This 21,000 square feet state of the art research facility had opened in September 2015 has incubator space for startups. Our OSCAR team members also secured funding from other funding agencies to leverage the ongoing activities and contributing towards the sustainability of the center.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): National Science Foundation, Centers for Research Excellence in Science & Technology - HRD-1242067; National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NRA/MUREP Institutional Research Opportunity (MIRO) - NNX15AP84A
Faculty Advisor: None Listed,