By AFRO Staff
In support of Morgan State University’s long standing commitment to producing graduates with proficiency in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) and related fields. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $1,248,895 million dollars in grant funding to the School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (SCMNS). The NSF grant will fund the PERSIST Program, a multilayered independent project designed to address student retention by creating pathways for greater success among STEM majors at Morgan. Lisa D. Brown, Ph.D., associate professor and associate chairperson of Biology and SCMNS Honors Program coordinator, will oversee the program.
The NSF grant will fund the PERSIST Program, a multilayered independent project designed to address student retention by creating pathways for greater success among STEM majors at Morgan. Lisa D. Brown, Ph.D., associate professor and associate chairperson of Biology and SCMNS Honors Program coordinator, will oversee the program. (Courtesy Photo)
“The PERSIST program will greatly improve student’s ability to think critically and persist towards completion of the freshman year and beyond to graduation,” said Hongtao Yu, Ph.D., dean of the School of Computer Mathematical and Natural Sciences. “This program strongly supports Morgan State University’s ’50 by 25’ campaign to increase our graduation rate to 50 percent by the year 2025.”
Developed by Dr. Brown, PERSIST provides critical freshman-level, interdisciplinary support spanning Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics by integrating proven pedagogical techniques for enhancing critical thinking. The NSF grant-winning implementation project, entitled “PERSIST – Pathways to Enhance Retention of Students in Science to Transition,” will infuse cross-functional key learnings and best practices for improved student success within core STEM disciplines.