Fort Valley State University

By ChaNae Bradley, public information specialist

Agricultural Communications Department

In the summer of 2007, the National Science Foundation awarded Fort Valley State University a $2.5 million Interdisciplinary Experience for Undergraduates in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) grant. The purpose of this funding is to strengthen the STEM programs at historically black colleges and universities.

The FVSU STEM program recently received an extension to the grant, and was awarded an additional $453,000. Dr. Sarwan Dhir, an associate professor of biotechnology and director of FVSU’s Center for Biotechnology, said the extension can be attributed to FVSU’s outstanding performance.

“Our faculty members and students have received scientific awards and recognition at the national level for their outstanding contributions,” said Dhir, who is also the program director of the NSF STEM program and the proposal writer. “FVSU’s national visibility attracts funding, which helps develop and strengthen programs.”

The additional funding is providing continuous support for 60 four-year scholarships for students majoring in STEM programs. The grant is also funding 30 additional four-year scholarships over the next three years for students majoring in STEM programs, Dhir said.

Each annual scholarship is $3,500 used to cover tuition and books. Students can receive the full amount, but the awarded amount is based on financial need. Recipients of the scholarship must be enrolled full-time, maintain a 2.8 GPA, be classified as a STEM major, have U.S. citizenship and participate in the academic year scholarship enrichment programs.

Dhir said the additional funds will also allow FVSU students to continue attending summer research programs at major institutions across the United States. It will also provide opportunities for them to present their research at national scientific meetings.

Some of the money will be for incoming freshmen who participate in FVSU’s summer research apprentice program, Dhir said. The program provides students with free housing, meals, classroom instruction and the chance to work on an independent research project under the supervision of several mentors.

“The extension of the grant has increased enrollment in the College of Ag, and has already begun preparing students for graduate studies,” Dhir said. “Graduates are well prepared for the workforce and graduate programs through the training that takes place in summer research programs. When they graduate, our students are in high demand by graduate school programs and jobs related to biotechnology.”

Lillian Oglesby, a junior majoring in plant science biotechnology, is receiving a scholarship from this grant. During the summer this Fort Valley native attended a summer research program at Michigan State University and Monsanto Agriculture Company.

“The summer program placed me at an advantage,” said Oglesby, who worked in labs with the latest technology and assisted scientists from different backgrounds. “I have also received four scientific awards for presenting my work through posters or oral presentations at scientific meetings.”

Ultimately Oglesby plans to pursue a doctorate in biological sciences. She said the opportunities provided by FVSU through the National Science Foundation grant have prepared her to continue her studies.

For more information about the STEM scholarships, contact Dhir at dhirs0@fvsu.edu, or at (478)