Alabama State University has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation for the quality and diversity of STEM in Alabama. The grant, part of NSF’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship, will support research and teacher training initiatives from 2024 to 2029.
Dr. Gulnaz Javan, a professor of forensic science and coordinator of forensic biology in ASU‘s Department of Physical and Forensic Science, will lead the initiative as the principal investigator. The funded project is titled “The Building of Alabama STEM Educators with M.S./M.Ed.” Dr. Javan expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to enhance the teaching workforce in STEM fields.
“This program’s ultimate goal is to produce more highly qualified and competent minority STEM teachers who are competent in content knowledge and possess a strong commitment and disposition to teaching biology, forensic science, and mathematics in our school systems,” Javan stated. “This significant grant is the first NSF grant to be secured by ASU’s Department of Physical and Forensic Sciences.”
Joining Dr. Javan in this initiative are co-principal investigators Dr. Anthony Broughton, associate dean in ASU’s College of Education, and Dr. Roberto Reed, assistant professor in the same college. Together, they form a team focused on addressing the critical need for qualified STEM educators.
Dr. Broughton highlighted the importance of this grant in shaping future educators. “This opportunity allows us to address the critical need for highly qualified STEM educators in underserved communities,” he stated. “By preparing and supporting future teachers, we not only enhance STEM education but also empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in these vital fields.”
Fueling STEM Through Partnership
Significantly, the program involves a partnership with the Montgomery Public School System. Dr. Javan explained how the collaboration would recruit STEM graduate education students and assist them in overcoming challenges.
“This million dollar-plus grant will allow our school systems to recruit STEM graduate education students, track their matriculation, and assist them through areas that currently present challenges to their progress,” Javan said. “As this NSF grant progresses each year, ASU’s track-one of the Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program will recruit eight new scholars from three master STEM programs offered by ASU’s Biology, Forensic Science, and Mathematics programs and support them for two years as they attain their Master of Education degrees.
The collaboration between ASU and MPSS aims to increase the number of qualified STEM educators and elevate the representation of minority teachers from underrepresented groups.