Student Support and Success - A Data Driven Story from CREST at Delaware State University

Faculty #54
Discipline: Physics
Subcategory: STEM Science and Mathematics Education

Mukti M. Rana - Optical Science Center for Applied Research (OSCAR), Delaware State University
Co-Author(s): Noureddine Melikechi and Jackie Jones, Optical Science Center for Applied Research (OSCAR), Delaware State University

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Center for Research and Education in Optical Science and Applications (CREOSA) was established in 2005 under the support from 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. 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. CREST has been fully integrated with University Research Center supported by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for leveraging resources and other activities. Between 2012-2015, OSCAR has trained about 30 undergraduate students and ten high school students per year to support their research and education. Majority of these students are form African American ethnic group. In past three years, OSCAR also supported twenty graduate students per year to pursue their degrees. In last three years, OSCAR helped to produce three PhD’s, thirteen Masters with their research focused in Optics. At the same time OSCAR helped to produce thirty eight undergraduates in various science majors (mostly BS in Engineering Physics). Most of the OSCAR graduates had been employed in various government organizations, academia and industries or had been admitted to graduate schools. OSCAR has been instrumental 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.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): This work has been supported by National Science Foundation under the CREST program, grant number: HRD-1242067.

Faculty Advisor: None Listed,