Nanoscience Project at Hampton University (NanoHU): Broadening the Participation of Undergraduates in STEM Education with Nanoscience

Faculty #45
Discipline: Nanoscience
Subcategory: STEM Science and Mathematics Education

Michelle Claville - Hampton University
Co-Author(s): Sainath Babu, Roopchan Ramdon, Brandon C. Parker, and Calvin W. Lowe

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The Nanoscience Project at Hampton University (NanoHU) is a five year project (2012-2017) funded by the NSF’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities-Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP). The goal of this project is to develop and systematically implement an integrated, multidisciplinary STEM research and education program in nanoscience at Hampton University. NanoHU has impacted the culture of Hampton University through the following: (1) the development of a new Nanoscience Minor; (2) the creation and offering of the new ‘Introduction to Nanoscience’ course; (3) the institution of the NanoHU Scholars Program; (4) the establishment of a Faculty Research Startup Awards Program; (5) the establishment of a NanoHU Seminar Series; and (6) the development and facilitation of a summer research outreach program for high school students called ‘NanoHU Pioneers’. All students who pursue the nanoscience minor, learn first-hand about the intersectionality of the various scientific disciplines, especially as it relates to the nanoscale. The minor requires that students engage in nanoscience-related research throughout the entire academic year. The new Introduction to Nanoscience course serves as one of the physical science electives that may be used to satisfy the University’s general education requirements, and has garnered the attention of students who major in STEM and non-STEM disciplines. The NanoHU Faculty Startup Award Program provides short-term support to junior faculty members to develop their own research interest in a nano-related field. The NanoHU Seminar program brings speakers from various fields related to nanoscience and nanotechnology to the Institution. The ever-popular NanoHU Pioneers Summer program allows high school students (rising 10th and 11th graders) to engage in six-weeks of faculty-led, laboratory research in nanoscience or nanotechnology. By way of these and other accomplishments, NanoHU is pioneering undergraduate STEM education in nanoscience, while positioning Hampton University as a leader in preparing nano-savvy graduates for entry into the Science and Engineering (S&E) workforce. In doing so, the program simultaneously provides a developing model of STEM education for other institutions, and supports the nation’s charge to lead in global innovation.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): We are most grateful for the National Science Foundation Award, HRD 1238838, for funding.

Faculty Advisor: None Listed,