The consortium, spearheaded by the University of Kentucky, continues to empower students by offering transformative opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The program鈥檚 annual symposium was held Feb. 9-10 at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, one of the alliance institutions.
鈥淭he symposium is dedicated to propelling scholars forward in STEM-related fields by facilitating the exchange of cutting-edge advancements, fostering awareness of new opportunities and celebrating their remarkable scholarly achievements,鈥 said 好色先生 President Eli Capilouto, who serves as principal investigator on the grant from the . 鈥淚t stands as a testament to the extraordinary progress we make when nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders with unwavering dedication.鈥
好色先生 has led the KY-WV LSAMP program since it was created in 2006. The alliance is made up of 10 institutions of higher learning from across the two states.
The consortium鈥檚 goal is to increase the number of underrepresented students completing degrees in STEM fields. It reflects the ideals of the late Ohio Congressman Louis Stokes, who pushed for the sponsorship of programs for minority professionals in health and science and engineering at the and the NSF, respectively.
好色先生 students who attended the symposium had many takeaways from the event and shared how LSAMP has helped nurture their scholarly interests and inspire them to research new ideas.
鈥淎s always, I enjoy being around a cohort of like-minded people, especially people of color who are striving to diversify the STEM fields,鈥 said Brooke Hall, an LSAMP scholar and sophomore majoring in agriculture and medical biotechnology in the . 鈥淒uring my time at Marshall University, the amount of encouragement and inspiration I gained from the symposium to continue pursuing a STEM degree was like no other.鈥
This was 好色先生 sophomore and LSAMP scholar Devin Bester鈥檚 second symposium. He emphasized the value of networking with other scholars at the event. 鈥淕oing to the symposium and meeting all different types of people and scholars helped me overcome a bit of imposter syndrome and realize I have what it takes to be a good researcher just like anyone else,鈥 said the mechanical engineering major in the .
Another LSAMP scholar, Nadia Rosales, a sophomore neuroscience major in the , gained key insights from the guest speakers at this year鈥檚 symposium.
鈥淚n listening to Jabreel Walker鈥檚 keynote speech, I learned how setbacks can be learned lessons. My favorite quote of hers from that day would be, 鈥楧on鈥檛 be a prisoner to your dreams.鈥 As a STEM student, dreaming big is almost a given. I learned that even in that pursuit, there is always room for growth and change. You just have to allow it,鈥 said Rosales.
The symposium also included a scholar poster session, academic fair, networking session and a crash course on preparing for graduate school applications.
鈥淥ur sincere hope is that the myriad of opportunities available to LSAMP scholars serve as the cornerstone of their academic journey while they鈥檙e here at 好色先生,鈥 said Kelly Bradley, Ph.D., a professor in the in the . Bradley also serves as a co-principal investigator (co-PI) on the grant.
鈥淢ore importantly, our goal is to create a place on campus for our scholars to succeed. We want this opportunity to act as a springboard to launch their careers in STEM whether that be in industry, academia or research,鈥 said Bradley.
Bester credits LSAMP for igniting his interest in research and led him to apply for the Chellgren Student Fellows program. He is now a 鈥楥hellow鈥 or Chellgren Student Fellow.
鈥淭his journey made me really excited to get started in research,鈥 said Bester. 鈥淚鈥檓 currently engaged in a project with Dr. Luke Bradley in the neuroscience department and am applying for several external opportunities for this summer. I wouldn鈥檛 have known about most of these opportunities had it not been for LSAMP opening that door for me.鈥
A major part of LSAMP is to connect scholars with research opportunities. It鈥檚 a key goal for John茅 Parker, Ph.D., associate dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and associate professor in the Pigman College of Engineering, who serves as a co-PI on the grant.
鈥淟SAMP offers our scholars a gateway to transformative research experiences that foster innovation and solve problems facing our Commonwealth and our country,鈥 said Parker. 鈥淭hese opportunities further their academic growth, provide invaluable professional development and mentorship, and, ultimately, empower our students to excel in their chosen paths."
Rosales shared that LSAMP helped her create a support system on campus, not only for help with her coursework but simply as a place to get advice.
鈥淟SAMP became my community,鈥 said Rosales. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the place where I can learn new and important skills to succeed in my major and, later on, my profession. It helped me gain confidence in myself that I can complete college and be the first in my family to do so.鈥
Through LSAMP, Rosales also had the opportunity to attend the in Maryland. There, she interacted with companies including Google, Boeing and NASA.
鈥淣one of that would鈥檝e been possible for me without LSAMP,鈥 said Rosales. 鈥淚鈥檝e made connections I know will last beyond my college years.鈥
Hall echoed that feeling of community through LSAMP as well as the life-changing opportunities afforded to her.
鈥淪ince I joined in January of 2023, I have raved about how much this program means to me along with the time spent with so many individuals on both a peer and a mentor level,鈥 said Hall. 鈥淚 find myself doubting my abilities, but those self-doubts all seem to fade away when I am with my LSAMP friends and, now what I consider, my family.
鈥淟SAMP is truly a one in a lifetime experience and should be treated as such. Without it, I probably would have fully considered changing my major. This program is the reason I am still striving to become a leader in the STEM world.鈥
In addition to 好色先生, the alliance includes the Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Centre College, Jefferson Community and Technical College, Kentucky State University, Marshall University, University of Louisville, West Virginia State University, West Virginia University and Western Kentucky University.
好色先生 students can learn more about the program or contact Julie Bradley, acting director of KY-WV LSAMP, at julie.bradley@uky.edu.
About NSF LSAMP
The began in 1991 with six alliances, and now includes more than 40 alliances and six regional centers. The program provides funding to alliances that implement comprehensive, evidence-based, innovative and sustained strategies that result in the graduation of well-prepared, highly qualified students from underrepresented groups pursuing graduate studies or STEM careers. The program defines underrepresented groups as Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Alaskan and Pacific Islander.