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University Receives NSF Grant

Fri., Sep 09

nanotechnology Southern Connecticut State University and Yale University have been awarded a six-year, $13 million grant that promises to expand cutting-edge scientific research and bolster educational opportunities for students and faculty in the New Haven Public Schools.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced that it was allocating the money to enhance the schools' joint materials science center known as the Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP). Six years ago, NSF awarded $7.5 million for the creation of such a center, of which Southern received $1,484,000. The new award will enable the schools to build upon the accomplishments of the last six years. Southern will receive $1,763,000 -- one of the largest grants ever awarded to the university and the largest research grant. 

Materials science is a discipline that includes the creation of technologically-advanced items, ranging from computer chips to biological implants. The center enables students to create and examine new materials at the atomic level. It also helps to foster interdisciplinary research by faculty and students at both institutions. Among the disciplines are physics, chemistry and engineering.           

"This grant is extremely important as it supports both innovative research and teacher development at a crucial time for Southern and the state of Connecticut," said Southern Physics Department Chairwoman Christine Broadbridge, the center's director of education. "Math and science have taken on an increasing importance for our state and nation's future."

Broadbridge said one of the major benefits to the grant is the ability it provides to work even more closely with the New Haven School District to encourage students to consider the math and science fields. Workshops offered by CRISP have sought to improve the professional development of science teachers in the area during the last six years. Those programs will now focus more closely on the New Haven Public Schools and include an assessment component to gauge how effective they are at improving student learning.

"This is a natural partnership," she said. "In fact, we believe it will serve as a model for other urban school district/higher education partnerships."Richard Therrien, science supervisor (K-12) for the New Haven Public Schools, agreed. "The CRISP program has offered professional development to high school science teachers in the subjects of physics, inquiry, polymers, electricity and other relevant subjects," Therrien said. "Student learning has been enhanced as a result of these programs. This grant renewal will continue to strengthen our partnership."

He added that CRISP and Southern will offer New Haven teachers workshops not only in materials science and nanotechnology, but in math, engineering and technology, as well. "These are the skills that urban students need to be successful in pursuing jobs in the future and ensure that the New Haven region and Connecticut continue to have a pool of skilled workers and scientists," Therrien said.

Therrien also pointed out that Southern has provided New Haven students with access to its labs and other facilities, as well as tours of the campus and college student mentors.

Broadbridge noted that CRISP is considered by NSF to be a Center of Excellence for Materials Research and Innovation -- one of several in the country, but the only small materials research center to have attained that designation.

Donna Jean Fredeen, dean of the SCSU School of Arts and Sciences, said Broadbridge has played a key role in the center's success. "Dr. Broadbridge is a nationally recognized material science researcher," Fredeen said. "Her outreach efforts through the center bring science alive to area high school and college students and provide guidance and opportunities for those interested in pursuing careers in the mathematics and science disciplines," she said. "I believe that Dr. Broadbridge is an inspiring role model for her colleagues and our students."

Broadbridge, Fredeen and Therrien will be among the speakers on Friday, Sept. 9 for a celebration of the university's achievements in the sciences. The program, "Southern Connecticut State University: Promoting Workforce Development through the Sciences," is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the lobby of the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts.