By Ashley Brown
The National Science Foundation has selected Southern University and A&M College as one of the institutions nationwide to receive a significant funding boost. The announcement, made on Tuesday, reveals that Southern University will be a key participant in a $40 million NSF grant dedicated to strengthening research capacity and workforce development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Louisiana Networks of Excellence for Tomorrow
This funding supports Louisiana Networks of Excellence for Tomorrow, a four-year initiative led by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The project promises to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among higher education institutions. It will also link stakeholders to essential research resources, facilities, and opportunities throughout the state.
“The funded program will enable students in Louisiana to acquire the independent, criticism, and analytical thinking skills needed to drive future technological innovation in the state,” said Dr. Lealon Martin, dean of the College of Science and Engineering at Southern University. “The Southern University College of Sciences and Engineering is proudly partnering with other STEM institutions around the state to build a framework that will support sustainable pathways for students to capitalize. The possibilities are limitless.”
The initiative will target critical scientific and technological advancement areas, including materials and manufacturing, bioscience, energy, and environmental solutions. High-priority topics such as data science and cybersecurity will also be emphasized. The grant will facilitate various activities, such as mentoring programs, graduate scholarships, and outreach efforts aimed at K-12 students to cultivate a diverse and competitive future research workforce.
Joining Forces
Southern University will collaborate with institutions throughout Louisiana, including Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech University, and the University of New Orleans.
This grant comes through the NSF’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. EPSCoR seeks to strengthen research infrastructure while increasing participation from underrepresented groups in STEM disciplines.