For Immediate Release: March 15, 2006
Media Contact: Helene Carter
803-535-5351 – hcarter@claflin.edu
Carolyn G. Wigfall – 535-5349
Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC 29115

NASA AWARDS NEARLY $400,000 TO CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY’S MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The NASA United Negro College Fund Special Projects Corporation awarded a three-year sub-grant of $399,971 to Claflin University through the Curriculum Improvement Partnership Award II (CIPA-II) program. Jointly administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP), the CIPA Program funds innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) instruction. It assists minority colleges and universities in creating STEM programs that elevate institutional prestige, attract future generations of students and prepare them for successful careers in the fields of science and technology.

Dr. Nesan Sriskanda, the principal investigator for the project, is a tenured associate professor in the department of mathematics and computer science at Claflin University. Dr. Sriskanda said the funds will underwrite programs to enhance analytical reasoning, critical thinking and project management skills for students. Emphasis will be placed on solving real-world problems utilizing science, mathematics and engineering.

The co-principal investigators for the project are Dr. Zsolt Lengvarszky, an assistant professor at Claflin, and Mr. Daryoush Mani, assistant professor of mathematics at Claflin.

Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, University president, said, “At Claflin, we are building our academic and research infrastructure to better prepare our students and graduates to address the challenges and needs of the state, nation and the world. These challenges require highly skilled intellectuals who will critically and analytically develop methodologies that will improve the quality of life for all people. The NASA UNCFSP grant will underwrite undergraduate instructional research that will motivate our students to explore ways to utilize science, technology, engineering and mathematics to solve problems. As we prepare our students for service and leadership in a multi-cultural, technological and global society, we are obligated to equip them with the skills to successfully contribute solutions that will enhance productivity.”

Under the grant, the existing engineering graphics laboratory will be modified and upgraded to a state-of-the art computer based activity center and laboratory. The enhanced facility will allow faculty and students to employ hands-on exercises using interactive software systems, simulations and modeling based learning techniques. More students will be exposed to NASA-related mathematics, engineering and research modules.

Dr. Sriskanda said, “As the population increases, the needs and challenges of the global society increases. There is a need for this nation to attract and retain bright students to the engineering profession and to teach those who have pursued other fields of study the central role of engineering in all facets of life. In our technological age, we, the educators, must prepare our graduates for a future that will be dramatically different. Claflin’s students who are the beneficiaries of enhanced STEM courses will evolve highly trained to produce solutions for global challenges.”

“We are delighted that NASA UNCFSP views Claflin as a sound investment,” said Dr. Verlie A. Tisdale, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “As NASA-related teaching and instructional methods are integrated within Claflin’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum, our students will emerge as graduates with a wider array of professional and career choices and be better prepared to meet the challenges of the global society.”

“In keeping with the University’s long-range plan, the NASA UNCFSP grant will further enable the University to build the institutional capacity to allow faculty and students to engage in significant undergraduate research that will serve as a catalyst for student preparedness,” said Dr. George E. Miller, III, interim vice president for Academic Affairs.

Claflin University, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, is an undergraduate research oriented institution. U.S. News & World Report in its 2006 Guidebook to America’s Best Colleges and Universities ranked Claflin number one Best Value and in the Top Ten category among Comprehensive colleges in the south for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. In addition, Claflin finished first with an impressive graduation rate. Claflin University is the only comprehensive baccalaureate institution in South Carolina to be ranked in the Top Ten category in both 2005 and 2006.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – BY DESIGN