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CHARLOTTE, N.C./March 23, 2018��–��JCSU held a special consortium to address the critical need to diversify the STEM field on Feb. 28, 2018. Dozens of researchers in the fields of cyber security, astrophysics, biology and more gathered in the New Science Center auditorium for a robust engagement forum with representatives from NASA and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions.
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“The purpose was to increase the visibility of JCSU’s basic and applied research, build relationships with federal agencies and their prime contractors, and foster collaborations on research and education with other HBCUs,” said Xia Anna Wood, assistant director of Research Development and International Relations and an organizer of the event. “I believe we accomplished that and more.”
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JCSU collaborated with NASA's Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), the Office of Education and the Space Technology Mission Directorate to provide an open platform for the institutions to learn about ways to increase engagement with NASA, through mentor-protégé programs, research opportunities and available grants.
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Dr. Diane Bowles, director of Government Sponsored Programs and Research, and Wood were responsible for bringing the program to JCSU. Guests shared insights on networking with federal agencies as well as utilizing NASA small business specialists, letting each other know what worked and what didn’t. Many said their most valuable benefit of the day was just listening to each other. Bowles was proud of the event’s success.
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Others in attendance agreed. “We need to increase and broaden the engagement between NASA and HBCUs,” said Jennifer Cash, who teaches astrophysics at South Carolina State University. “This was a strong step forward.”