Project Grant 2406027

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $400,000 Targeted Infusion Project grant under its STEM Education (CFDA 47.076) program to Albany State University, a historically Black university in Albany, Georgia. The goal of this 3-year project is to enhance the biology and forensic science curricula at Albany State by infusing data science competencies into existing courses and developing new upper-level data science-focused courses. The project will train faculty in data science techniques and enable them to implement data science modules and teach the new courses. Students will engage in course-based and mentored research projects leveraging their data science knowledge to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, a summer camp will introduce pre-college students to data science. This initiative aims to equip underrepresented minority students with in-demand data science skills, improving their career prospects and earning potential, while also producing graduates capable of addressing complex societal challenges through data-driven approaches in the rapidly evolving fields of biology and forensic science.