One of the premier initiatives funded by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF’s) Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) at Hampton University is the Nanoscience Project at Hampton University, otherwise known as NanoHU.  This six-year project (2012-2018) has explored how the systematic implementation of a formal nanoscience program might impact Hampton University’s transition to a more research intensive institution.  Within the last six years, NanoHU has implemented and executed the following seven components at the University:   (1) a new nanoscience Minor; (2) a new “Introduction to Nanoscience” course, SCI-203; (3) the NanoHU Scholars and Fellows Program; (4) Faculty Development Program; (6) NanoHU Seminar Series; and (7) a summer research outreach program for high school students called “NanoHU Pioneers”.  To date, NanoHU has supported 35 undergraduate students (Scholars and Fellows) majoring in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM), all of whom have engaged in STEM research and come from underrepresented groups.  Moreover, 82 students have completed the new course that has been offered each spring semester since spring 2014.  By way of seminars and special events, NanoHU has impacted over 100 students who were neither Scholars, Fellows, nor enrolled in the introductory nanoscience course. At least 20 faculty members representing seven STEM departments and two non-STEM departments, have received support from NanoHU after responding to requests for proposals (RFP).  In addition, 65 high school students representing 20 high schools have participated in the NanoHU Pioneers program.  These results have contributed to increased research activity on campus, and promoted undergraduate interest in pursuing graduate degrees in STEM fields.  Moreover, the intra-institutional collaboration that effected the successful implementation of NanoHU has paved the groundwork for a formal Nanoscience Community within the region, and has proven to be a successful model for effective engagement of underrepresented groups in STEM fields.<br/>

NanoHU:  A successful model for preparing under-represented groups for engagement in STEM fields

256th National Meeting (2018)

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