91Âţ»­app’s College of Science and Mathematics has been awarded a six-year grant of $493,065 from the . Georgia Southern is among a select group of 104 schools that have received an HHMI IE3 grant to support diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Science is about building, witnessing and collaborating with each other, which is why Georgia Southern is so proud to receive this grant,” said Georgia Southern Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Carl Reiber, Ph.D. “Our inclusive initiatives are breaking down the walls that have separated science from interested students.”

The challenges U.S. colleges and universities to increase student participation in sciences, focusing especially on populations who have been historically underrepresented in the field.

The Georgia Southern IE3 leadership team includes: Karelle Aiken, Ph.D, (program director), Tricia Muldoon Brown, Ph.D., (co-director) Sara Gremillion, Ph.D., (co-director), Checo ColĂłn-Gaud, Ph.D., Issac Taylor and Delana Schartner, Ph.D.

“The IE3 initiative is tapping into the transformative power of collaboration; the ability of a critical mass to drive cultural change. As such, an ingenious mandate of this grant is that its 104 institutional awardees work on their goals in teams of Learning Community Clusters (LCC),” said Aiken.

Georgia Southern’s IE3 LCC hub, LCC4, includes 13 other institutions from across the U.S., all of whom are seeking to answer a specific challenge: How can an institution evaluate effective inclusive teaching, and then use the evaluation in the rewards system including faculty promotion and tenure?

The IE3 initiative has been rolled out in two phases. The most recent award marks the beginning of the second phase and so, the work of the Georgia Southern team and their LCC4 colleagues is ongoing. At Georgia Southern, over the next six years the IE3 initiative will support training for faculty and student-leaders centered on inclusive teaching strategies and the effective evaluation of those strategies; an annual COSM IE3 Spring Speaker Series (established in 2022); the continued development of a new faculty mentorship program piloted in 2022 by Inclusive Excellence Faculty Fellows; student- and faculty-led initiatives geared toward cultivating inclusive learning environments; and more.

Georgia Southern Associate Professor Sarah Zingales, Ph.D., has been named a National Science Foundation (NSF) ASCEND Faculty Fellow as part of a $1 million grant to support mid-career women faculty members in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“It is a great honor to be chosen as a participant for this project,” Zingales said. “One of the major focuses of this grant is to help close the achievement gap for women in STEM by helping mid-career women in STEM faculty persist and become promoted to full professor or obtain leadership positions in academic administration.”

The NSF project  — Advancing STEM Careers by Empowering Network Development (ASCEND)  — is a collaborative initiative that involves nine project leaders, 60 faculty participants and 15 administrator participants from colleges and universities across the Southeast, Northwest and Midwest. The leadership team comes from various universities including Willamette University, Gonzaga University, Claflin University, Furman University and The Citadel.

“The women in this alliance will receive mentorship and support to achieve our goals for furthering our careers,” said Zingales. “We will also give feedback about barriers to our success and help administrators in the leadership team come up with institutional solutions for how to close this achievement gap.”

Zingales has been a faculty member on the Armstrong Campus since 2013. She teaches organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry and she is active in organizations that mentor women in STEM. She is a founding member of the Alliance for Women in STEM on the Armstrong Campus, which has expanded to the Statesboro Campus.

“Having a diverse faculty is very important for recruiting and retaining STEM students,” she said. “Representation allows for students to see themselves in that discipline or career.”

The NSF grant supporting the fellowship project will run for the next four years. Zingales will participate in monthly virtual meetings of the Southeastern regional alliance and attend an annual in-person conference.

“I will also be taking surveys as part of the evaluation process to measure the efficacy of the program and giving feedback,” Zingales said. “I hope that the solutions that are devised through this diverse collaboration will be broadly applicable and things that I can bring back to the department and the University to help other women in STEM across our campuses.”

91Âţ»­app, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit .

Georgia Southern Associate Professor Sarah Zingales, Ph.D., has been named a National Science Foundation (NSF) ASCEND Faculty Fellow as part of a $1 million grant to support mid-career women faculty members in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“It is a great honor to be chosen as a participant for this project,” Zingales said. “One of the major focuses of this grant is to help close the achievement gap for women in STEM by helping mid-career women in STEM faculty persist and become promoted to full professor or obtain leadership positions in academic administration.”

The NSF project  — Advancing STEM Careers by Empowering Network Development (ASCEND)  — is a collaborative initiative that involves nine project leaders, 60 faculty participants and 15 administrator participants from colleges and universities across the Southeast, Northwest and Midwest. The leadership team comes from various universities including Willamette University, Gonzaga University, Claflin University, Furman University and The Citadel.

“The women in this alliance will receive mentorship and support to achieve our goals for furthering our careers,” said Zingales. “We will also give feedback about barriers to our success and help administrators in the leadership team come up with institutional solutions for how to close this achievement gap.”

Zingales has been a faculty member on the Armstrong Campus since 2013. She teaches organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry and she is active in organizations that mentor women in STEM. She is a founding member of the Alliance for Women in STEM on the Armstrong Campus, which has expanded to the Statesboro Campus.

“Having a diverse faculty is very important for recruiting and retaining STEM students,” she said. “Representation allows for students to see themselves in that discipline or career.”

The NSF grant supporting the fellowship project will run for the next four years. Zingales will participate in monthly virtual meetings of the Southeastern regional alliance and attend an annual in-person conference.

“I will also be taking surveys as part of the evaluation process to measure the efficacy of the program and giving feedback,” Zingales said. “I hope that the solutions that are devised through this diverse collaboration will be broadly applicable and things that I can bring back to the department and the University to help other women in STEM across our campuses.”

91Âţ»­app, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 26,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit .

91Âţ»­app’s Center for Sustainability recently announced that the Sustainability Fee Committee has allocated $198,997 in funding for 11 sustainability projects at 91Âţ»­app in its second funding cycle. The Sustainability Fee committee received 25 proposals requesting $725,836 and funded 11 of these proposals for $198,997. Fifteen academic departments in six colleges, as well as the Garden of the Coastal Plain, Campus Recreation and Intramurals, and the Division of Facilities Services submitted proposals. “I was impressed with the quality of the proposals and the diversity of sustainable solutions presented,” said Lissa Leege, Ph.D., director of the Center for Sustainability. “I look forward to the sustainability advancements that these projects will offer our campus.” The winning projects represent a range of sustainable solutions from instant savings with LED lighting upgrades, to high-speed computer networks that are designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, water bottle filler installations, a green wall for the City Campus, and solar powered trash and recycling compactors. Students can expect to see some of these projects up and running before the end of the academic year. The $10 Student Sustainability Fee was approved in Fall 2012 by a 75 percent student majority vote, and approved by the Board of Regents in April 2013. The fee was collected for the first time in August 2013. This represents the second cycle of funding for Sustainability Fee project proposals. The award recipients and their proposals are listed below: James Grigg, Director of Facilities Operations, BigBelly solar powered compacting trash cans and recycling cans, $18,300. Dr. Danda B. Rawat, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Design of High Speed Computer Networks Aimed at Reducing Energy Consumption and Carbon Emission at 91Âţ»­app, $31,065.40. Patrick Reinhardt, golf course superintendent, 91Âţ»­app Golf Course Operation Pollinator, $2,378.80. Dr. Ji Wu, assistant professor, Department of Chemistry, Dr. Shaowen Xu, assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, High Capacity Lithium Ion Battery for Self-powered and Sustainable Street Light Unit on Campus, $13,344. David Faircloth, director of Facilities Planning, Design, and Construction, Division Facilities Service, LED Lighting Upgrade Parking Lot: Hanner Fieldhouse, $32,800. Carolyn Altman, garden director, Safe and Spectacular Smart Energy Lighting for Georgia Southern’s Green Jewel: Sustainable LED lighting at the Garden of the Coastal Plain, $17,900. Dr. Dominique Halaby, Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development, Katie Reams & Abbie Pelech, student leaders, Living Wall Downtown, $19,650. Chuck Taylor, campus landscape architect, Facilities Services Stormwater Improvements: Bioswales at Akins Boulevard, $16,600. Stormwater Improvements: Bioswales at Fair Road, $33,400. Dr. Frank Gross, chair and professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Dr. Rami Haddad, assistant professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Dr. Youakim Kalaani, associate professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Sustainable Wind Energy Harvesting from Campus AC Cooling Towers/ Chillers, $11,014.88. Jason Schmidt, facility coordinator for Physical Operations, CRI, Water Bottle Filler Installation: RAC and CRIBB, $2,543.70. For more information, contact Lissa M. Leege, director for the Center for Sustainability at leege@georgiasouthern.edu.  

Gift supports funding for Manufacturing Engineering degree, student programs, STEM and community education

91Âţ»­app today announced a $225,000 contribution from to support research and education at the University. This gift continues Georgia Southern’s long relationship with Gulfstream, manufacturer of the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft, which began with former Gulfstream president and CEO Allen E. Paulson. “Engaging in partnerships with Gulfstream allows Georgia Southern to continue to have a significant impact on preparing students for the workforce and strengthening communities for many generations to come,” said Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D., president of 91Âţ»­app. “It’s companies like Gulfstream that help open doors to other opportunities with companies that have similar needs and goals. Together we can make a difference in the lives, communities and companies of our city, state and region.” The funds received from Gulfstream will go toward the newly designated degree program, the Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Education’s (i2STEMe) , student co-op and internship opportunities and the College of Education’s (NYARC). The Manufacturing Engineering degree program will receive $100,000 to advance the infrastructure of the program. The money will also help develop curriculum and purchase equipment to ensure a hands-on experience for students. “Georgia Southern’s Manufacturing Engineering program is the first in the state,” said Mohammad Davoud, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology. “Gulfstream’s gift to support the program bolsters not only the company’s long-standing relationship with the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Information Technology, but also demonstrates how important this new program is to train professionals for local and regional industry.” Students will continue to see the benefits of the gift with $75,000 earmarked for co-op programs and internships. As the fields of engineering, information technology (IT), pure sciences and business grow, the demand for hands-on experiences increases as well. Co-op programs involving engineers in training have become an industry standard for training and recruitment, and align with the University’s workforce preparation and development initiative. The remainder of the monies will be divided equally between the NYARC and i2STEMe. A nationwide program, the NYARC focuses on interdisciplinary solutions to retention rates, substance abuse, youth violence and other threats facing our youth. The Center coordinates the efforts of University and community partners to provide outreach-related activities to address current challenges facing today’s youth. Another youth and community initiative is the i2Explore STEM Festival. The $25,000 annual support for the Festival will provide the necessary resources for the Institute to continue to educate, inspire and connect children to STEM. “Gulfstream’s future depends on the strength of tomorrow’s workforce,” said Mark Bennett, senior manager, Community Investment, Gulfstream. “This partnership with 91Âţ»­app allows us to support programs that reach students before they get to college and prepare students at the university level, both of which are crucial to our industry and our communities.” About Gulfstream Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 2,200 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the Gulfstream G150, the Gulfstream G280, the Gulfstream G450, the Gulfstream G550, the Gulfstream G500, the Gulfstream G600, the Gulfstream G650 and the Gulfstream G650ER. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales. The company employs more than 15,000 people at 12 major locations. We invite you to visit our website for more information and photos at . About 91Âţ»­app 91Âţ»­app, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125-degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education.

is gearing up for its 2nd annual science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) festival this Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center, 847 Plant Drive. The festival will feature presentations by the at Georgia Southern, NASA and the U.S. Army. Director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM Education Robert Mayes says the purpose of STEM Fest is to get students excited about what STEM has to offer. “The Institute’s mission is to encourage the teaching and learning of STEM by thinking of authentic real-world uses for science, technology, engineering and math,” said Mayes. “One of the largest growing fields or areas with 18 to 20 percent of the growth in the job market is expected to be in STEM areas.” Mayes says STEM Fest is a result of the increased interest from the and the to fund educational efforts to improve the number of students who are going into STEM fields. “STEM Fest is really a free community event designed to get K-12 students, their parents and teachers hands-on and involved with STEM education,” said Kania Greer, Ed.D, grants coordinator at the Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM Education. “They get to come to campus for a day and see what Georgia Southern is all about as well as engage in fun learning activities.” Guests will have an opportunity to participate in activities such as designing a tabletop hovercraft, learning about solar cell robotics, creating liquid nitrogen Dippin Dots ice cream, learning how video games are created and more. There will be more than 50 exploration stations at the event. “This year we’re expanding a bit and we’re bringing a few businesses in…we’ve got some big names coming,” said Greer. “NASA is going to come and set up, we’ve got a portable planetarium from Oatland Island [Wildlife Center] and The Society for Georgia Archeology ArcheoBus is coming. So, we’ve got a lot of opportunities for students to engage.” NASA plans to bring an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to virtually build the new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and have their photo taken as an astronaut at a SLS launch. A large inflatable SLS rocket will tower over the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center and exhibit-goers will be encouraged to take their photos and post them on social media using handles and with the hashtag #JourneyToMars. The Georgia Southern STEM Institute brings a workforce development and more STEM literate citizenship to the community to assist in making more informed decisions about issues that are going to affect the next generation. Last year more than 1,500 guests attended the inaugural STEM Fest and this year the University expects more. For more information about STEM Fest visit .  

91Âţ»­app’s Molecular Biology Initiative (MBI) Program has been named a finalist in the Post Secondary Outreach category for the 2013 Georgia STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education Awards presented by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). The awards recognize schools, programs and companies for outstanding efforts and achievements in supporting and promoting STEM education.

“Recent studies show that Georgia will need to fill approximately 211,000 STEM-related jobs by 2018,” said Tino Mantella, president and CEO of TAG. “The 2013 Georgia STEM Education Awards finalists are helping to prepare the tech-ready workforce to fill these jobs, and we applaud them for standing out as leaders in Georgia’s educational community.”

Georgia Southern’s MBI Program partners with teachers to bring hands-on, relevant content and technology into the schools and focuses on science (biotechnology, chemistry, physics, biology, forensics), including applicable technology and math skills.  “This program relies on strong university-school partnerships,” said Laura Regassa, Ph.D., director of the MBI Program. “The University provides resources and technological expertise and the teachers frame the delivery to maximize student learning and to align content with state standards.” “It was truly a challenge for our judges to select the 2013 finalists from among more than 170 applicants from around Georgia,” said Michael Robertson, executive director of TAG Education Collaborative. “We must continue building a wave of activities that will prepare our students for the global workforce they will inherit. We hope recognizing these organizations and their programs will raise awareness on the importance of STEM education for our state’s economic future.”

Winners in eight categories will be honored during the 2nd Annual Georgia STEM Education Awards on Sept. 27 at 6:15 p.m. at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. The awards are sponsored by Cisco Systems, Inc. and the U.S. Department of Commerce-Economic Development Administration. For more information, visit.

91Âţ»­app, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 125 degree programs serving more than 20,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit  . About MBI

The MBI Program targets STEM education and workforce needs at multiple levels in southeast Georgia to ensure a real and lasting impact.  Participants include in-service teachers, K-12 students and students pursuing advanced STEM degrees.  Each semester, the program partners graduate student fellows with in-service high school teachers, and together, they bring technologically relevant, hands-on instruction to more than 900 students on a weekly basis.  For more information, visit or contact Janee Cardell at (912) 478-1923.

About TAG Education Collaborative

TAG Education Collaborative is dedicated to developing science, technology, engineering and math initiatives in Georgia. Through partnerships with statewide STEM programs, TAG-Ed fosters student interest in STEM in order to increase appreciation for the opportunities available through technology careers. TAG-Ed hosts an internship program for high school students, two web-based team challenges for students interested in Health IT and web design and the Vine Event, an annual fundraiser benefiting STEM education. For additional information, visit or contact Michael Robertson at (404) 920-2038 or mrobertson@tagonline.org.

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state while serving more than 21,500 members and hosting more than 200 events each year via five chapters across the state including metro Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon/middle Georgia and Savannah. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 33 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, influence and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs, recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. For more information visit .