Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Minority women students in the STEM field in North Carolina community colleges. Changes/Problems:COVID-19 caused delay in project implementation and restricted the scope of the project. The project team requested for a no-cost extension to complete the project goals. The request was granted expeditiously. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training and professional development activities were provided to project participants through the research project and the on-campus experiential learning event. Virtual meetings were held to guide project participants on how to write a research plan. Topics covered include: difference between a plan and a proposal, why write a research plan, and elements of a research plan. The last topic touched on the following elements: title, abstract, rationale, aims and objectives, hypothesis, literature review, research design and methods, ethical issues, project timetable, deliverables, risk assessment, resources and cost, project evaluation, and references. During the on-campus experiential learning event, the participants learned how to perform computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. They also learned about sustainability and biobased materials through the thermochemical demonstration, bio-oil experiment, and additive manufacturing. These custom workshops not only provided motivation for students to stay in school but also enhanced their scientific and professional competencies. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were disseminated through an online newsletter and through a presentation at a national conference. Project participants were also encouraged to go back to their community colleges to mentor the next generation of students who are interested in pursuing university degrees. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Due to COVID-19, project-related activities were severely restricted in terms of scope but still, major accomplishments were attained as detailed below. Email and phone call communications were made to administrators of eleven community colleges (Edgecombe Community College, Surry Community College, Central Carolina Community College, Craven Community College, Robeson Community College, Isothermal Community College, Blue Ridge Community College, Durham Tech Community College, Piedmont Community College, College of the Albemarle, Nash Community College, and Johnston Community College ) to set up on-campus visits by project leaders. The last four colleges on the list were visited by the Project Director, with assistance from the College of Natural Resources Community for Diversity (Dr. Shaefny Grays) and the Department of Forest Biomaterials (Michelle Serrano). Minority students in the department (D'Kayla Thomas and Larden Garland) accompanied the team in most of the visits. Information sessions were held, with administrators, advisors, counselors, teachers, and students in attendance. An application portal was setup, and students used the online system to communicate their intent to participate in the program. Six community college students were accepted to the program just before the COVID pandemic hit. One of the six did not participate in any of the activities and therefore the project proceeded with just five participants. Undergraduate students at NC State were selected as tutors in calculus, chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. About 30 hours of tutoring was provided to the project participants by an undergraduate student. Because of difficulty finding student tutors during the pandemic, the Project Director provided tutoring mainly in physics and statics. In May 2021, Project Directors Peralta and Peszlen were joined by Ph.D. student Eliezer Reyes, undergraduate student Jacob Johnson, and Crafts Center Wood Studio manager John Metzler in hosting a 1-day immersive biomaterials workshop for four of the six project participants. They began the morning with an introduction to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining at NC State's Craft Center. "I enjoyed learning how to carve my name in wood, both using the computer to create my design and the machinery for the hands-on experience," offered a Johnston Community College student. Another student shared that her favorite part of the workshop was the thermochemical demonstration and bio-oil experiment. After a catered lunch, a showcase of the 3D printing laboratory was followed by a hands-on creation of 3D printed miniature prototypes with "doodle pens." Zoom meetings were held and email exchanges were made with the project participants to discuss mainly their research projects. Other topics covered include COVID, their well-being, career goals, and tutoring needs. During the meetings, the co-PI assessed the participants research interest and assisted them in selecting the topic that best fits with their career goals. Reading materials on how to write a research plan were provided, and later discussed in one of the meetings. Since the students didn't have ready access to publication, relevant scientific and popular articles were emailed to them after they completed their literature search. Four of the students submitted their draft research reports/papers. Those were reviewed and returned to them with edits and comments. One student selected her topic but didn't send in any research report. A virtual meeting was held to discuss the application and admission process for North Carolina State University. One participant attended the meeting. Of the five participants, four went on to pursue university education. One is enrolled at University of North Carolina in Charlotte pursuing a Civil Engineering degree, one is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physician Assistant program at Meredith College, the third is enrolled in the Electrical Engineering program at North Carolina State University, and the fourth is pursuing a Chemical Engineering degree at North Carolina State University. The last two are recipients of the Goodnight Scholarship, which not only provides a $22,000 full-ride scholarship amount but also offers a leadership development program for students in the STEM fields. The 80% university enrollment rate is something we are very proud of considering the challenges brought on by the pandemic. One student decided to enter the workforce instead of pursuing a university degree. Professional development assistance (resume writing and mock interviews) was offered to the student but the project team did not receive any response. This is not surprising because this is the same student who did not submit her research report nor participate in the on-campus experiential learning event. These activities were designed to provide the students with the motivation to stay focused on the goal of pursuing a rewarding career in a STEM field.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Peralta, P., Peszlen, I. (2021) Pathways to Sustainable Materials Science and Engineering: Enhancing College and Career Opportunities for Minority Women From Rural North Carolina. Society of Wood Science and Technology 2021 International Convention, August 1-6, 2021, Flagstaff, AZ.
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Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Community college students from Wake Technical Community College, Durham Technical Community College, and Johnston Community College Changes/Problems:COVID-19 caused delay in project implementation and restricted the scope of the project. The project team is planning to request a no-cost extension to complete the project goals. To increase the number of project participants, more recruiting trips to community colleges will be scheduled. A backup plan is to open the opportunity to NC State's Exploratory Studies students. Exploratory Studies is a program for first-year students at NC State who have not decided on a major. They are a few months removed from high school, just like students at a community college. As in the project goal, the team will target women from underrepresented communities (Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties) and steer them to a STEM field. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Virtual meetings were held to guide project participants on how to write a research plan. Topics covered include: difference between a plan and a proposal, why write a research plan, and elements of a research plan. The last topic touched on the following elements: title, abstract, rationale, aims and objectives, hypothesis, literature review, research design and methods, ethical issues, project timetable, deliverables, risk assessment, resources and cost, project evaluation, and references. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Via virtual meetings and email What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Due to COVID-19, project-related activities were severely restricted. The project team is planning to request a no-cost extension to complete the project goals. These activities include: Make additional visits to community colleges in order to expand the number of project participants. Hold an experiential learning activity. With restrictions related to COVID easing up, it is very likely that a shortened event can be held in Summer 2021 for current participants; and in Summer 2022 for additional participants if a no-cost extension is approved. Organize a session on university application process, financial aid opportunities, and the admission process. Representatives from NC State University's Admissions Office, and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will be invited as resource persons.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Six community college students were accepted to the program. Undergraduate students at NC State were selected as tutors in calculus, chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. About 30 hours of tutoring was provided to the project participants by the undergraduate student and the project team. Since experiential learning requires face-to-face interaction, no such activity was held this reporting period due to COVID-19. Eight Zoom meetings were held and several email exchanges were made with the project participants to discuss mainly their research projects. Other topics covered include COVID, their well-being, career goals, and tutoring needs. During the meetings, the co-PI assessed the participants research interest and assisted them in selecting the topic that fits best with their career goals. Reading materials on how to write a research plan were provided, and later discussed in one of the meetings. Since the students didn't have ready access to publication, relevant scientific and popular articles were emailed to them after they completed their literature search. Four of the students have submitted their draft research reports/papers. Those have been reviewed and returned to them with edits and comments. One student has selected her topic but didn't send in any research report; one student hasn't had any communication with the project team despite efforts to reach out to them. A virtual meeting was held to discuss the application and admission process for North Carolina State University. One participant attended the meeting.
Publications
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, the NC State team visited Durham Technical Community College, Piedmont Community College, College of the Albemarle, and Nash Community College. A total of 51 individuals attended the information sessions, with the audience consisting of teachers, advisers, counselors, and students. Changes/Problems:Some target community colleges identified in the proposal were severely affected by Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Michael. This caused delay in the project implementation and restricted the scope of the campus visits. The project team plans to address these issues by requesting a one-year project extension and expanding the number of community colleges beyond the nine that were originally listed in the proposal. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Additional community colleges will be visited by the project team. 2. Student tutors have been identified and are ready to be deployed for the next phase of the project. 3. The resource persons have been identified, and the venue, equipment, and materials are being prepared for the experiential learning activities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
North Carolina State University's Department of Forest Biomaterials has successfully instituted a STEM-based Sustainable Materials and Technology undergraduate program. Through this USDA grant, the program faculty extends this success to community college students in order to prepare future workforce in the holistic discipline of sustainability. The grant focuses on minority women from rural areas of North Carolina since they have historically been under-represented in the forest biomaterials field. The project provides a multitiered support system at every phase of the student's postsecondary academic career --- specifically through community support, academic mentorship, experiential learning, community research projects, professional development, and university scholarship/admission guidance. The project will enhance participants' scientific and professional competencies, leadership and communication skills, professionalism, critical and problem-solving skills, and team-building ability. 1. Adminstrators in seven community colleges in North Carolina were contacted by phone and email to set up on-campus visits by project leaders. During this reporting period, four of the seven community colleges were visited. Information sessions were held, with advisors, counselors, and students in attendance. An application portal was setup, and several students have used the online system to communicate their intent to participate in the program.
Publications
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