Grant Supports Underrepresented Students Earning Doctoral Degrees

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has allocated a significant $1,075,000 grant to Alabama A&M University, launching a transformative two-year initiative known as the Bridge to Doctorate program, effective May 1, 2024.

Heading the project is Alabama A&M University President, Dr. Daniel K. Wims, alongside notable figures in academia: Dr. Jeanette Jones, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. Martha Verghese, Chair of Food and Animal Sciences, and Dr. Padmaja Guggilla, Chair of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

This NSF grant is a crucial component of a nationwide endeavor aimed at bolstering the representation and proficiency of STEM graduate students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, with a particular focus on guiding them towards Ph.D. attainment and success.

Alabama A&M University will channel these funds into advancing the AAMU Alabama Louis Stokes Alliance for Minorities Participation (ALSAMP), striving to establish a benchmark for nurturing underrepresented scientists and engineers towards earning doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines.

"Our objective aligns closely with the NSF's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, specifically in integrating education and research to cultivate a diverse STEM workforce equipped with cutting-edge expertise," says President Wims. “The program is designed to equip participants with the academic and research acumen necessary for pursuing and completing STEM doctoral degrees, ultimately facilitating a seamless transition into the STEM workforce.”

To be eligible for participation, students must be enrolled in AAMU's Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program and gain acceptance into a graduate program at the LSAMP Bridge to Doctorate (BD) program.

Students will Receive:

• Stipend Support: Offering a stipend of $32,000 per year to each of the 24 selected participants, totaling $768,000 over the program's two-year duration
• Cost of Education Allowance: Providing financial assistance to alleviate the burden of educational expenses
• Professional Development: Facilitating travel to professional conferences, mentorship opportunities, and tailored professional development initiatives.

Oversight of the BD Program will be entrusted to a steering committee, chaired by Provost John Jones, tasked with providing guidance and recommendations to fortify the program's impact.

Conclusively, this initiative strives to cultivate a cadre of diverse, skilled STEM professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow's scientific landscape, embodying the ultimate vision of fostering inclusive excellence in the STEM arena.