$649,000 Grant from National Science Foundation to Support UWF STEM Students in the Departent of Chemistry

Pensacola, Fla. – June 1, 2016 – The University of West Florida Department of Chemistry has received a grant totaling more than $649,000 from the National Science Foundation that will provide scholarships, research opportunities and professional development for academically talented, financially disadvantaged students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

  &nnsp; The grant will be used to establish a NSF Scholarships in STEM program, as well as create a STEM for Life Seminar Series within the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering.

  &nnsp; UWF Department of Chemistry Assistant Professor Dr. Karen Molek said research also shows that students who are economically disadvantaged are less likely to pursue a career in STEM. She said the goal of the four-year seminar series is to help students recognize their potential while learning what resources are available to assist them with hard and soft skills necessary for career success.

  &nnsp; In addition to student support, the program will include a research component. The research will attempt to determine the impact of the various activities and STEM for Life Seminar events on student retention and graduation, as well as employment and graduate school acceptance.