NEWS

Louisiana Tech University is hosting officials from the National Science Foundation and more than 100 principal investigators from the region as the agency prioritizes expanding research investment in the area. The event is part of the NSF’s efforts to enhance STEM education in Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) states, including Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

During a press conference, Dr. James L. Moore III, assistant director for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for STEM Education (EDU), discussed ongoing initiatives to boost research engagement and advance STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education in the region.

“Our mission remains steadfast in promoting the progress of science by advancing the national health, prosperity, and welfare of the nation and to secure the nation’s defense,” Moore said. “Louisiana Tech is emerging as a regional leader in uniting institutions to drive innovation at scale and speed. We believe that our investments here will have a lasting impact, and the NSF is committed to ensuring that the Delta region remains informed and engaged.”

This gathering is part of a series of events hosted by Louisiana Tech from Nov. 12-14 designed to foster collaboration and grant development for researchers across the EPSCoR states.

Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson highlighted Tech and the NSF’s partnership and the ongoing dedication to supporting STEM growth in the state and creating opportunities for students, faculty, and communities.

“Louisiana Tech conducts research that improves the human condition, research that addresses enduring and emerging local and global challenges,” Henderson said. “Our partnership with the NSF fosters economic growth and economic vitality. It speaks volumes to the entire nation that the life changing work at this and other rural institutions is valued by the NSF.”

Louisiana Tech is hosting a two-day NSF-funded grant development workshop hosted by Louisiana Tech in partnership with Quality Education for Minorities (QEM).

“Dr. Lindsey Keith Vincent and the Science and Technology Center (SciTEC) have focused on STEM education and NSF efforts with grant proposal development to provide critical support for educators and researchers across Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi,” College of Education and Human Sciences Dean Henrietta Pichon said. “This collaboration with the NSF aims to equip our educators with resources that will ultimately impact students and communities, allowing our region to address emerging challenges and drive innovation in STEM fields.”

Additionally, for the first time outside of the Washington, D.C., area, the NSF EDU Advisory Committee will hold its fall meeting at Louisiana Tech. The meeting brings together key figures in STEM education and human resource development to provide guidance on the NSF’s STEM initiatives.

In addition to NSF events, the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Advisory Council (LASTEM) will convene November 14 to discuss advancements in STEM education within the state.