Sides Receives NSF Grant to Create Innovative Approach to STEM Grad Studies

Cynthia Sides
Photo submitted

Cynthia Sides

The National Science Foundation recently awarded $4.8 million to 10 new projects that will pilot innovative approaches in graduate education, including $499,000 to Cynthia Sides, director of the University of Arkansas' Office of Industry Engagement.

The awards, part of the NSF Innovations in Graduate Education Program, support projects that pilot, test and validate innovative and potentially transformative ways to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics — the STEM fields.

Sides' project will create a new graduate education training cycle, from recruitment of students to successful graduation and employment, through the incorporation of curricular and co-curricular activities and with significant input from stakeholders in education, government, industry, non-profits, and communities. 

"These IGE projects address important challenges in graduate education: diversity, career pathways and transferrable skillsets," said Jim Lewis, NSF acting assistant director for Education and Human Resources. "Learning more about what constitutes effective graduate education will enable us to prepare a STEM-capable workforce that can meet the evolving demands of a fast-paced, data-intensive, globally networked world."

Contacts

Cynthia Sides, director, Industry Engagement
Vice Provost for Research and Economic Development
479-575-5265, csides@uark.edu

Bob Whitby, feature writer
University Relations
479-575-4737, whitby@uark.edu

Headlines

The World as a Classroom: The Executive M.B.A. Program at U of A

The program, offered through the Sam M. Walton College of Business, blends online learning with face-to-face interaction and applied studies in a real-time international immersion trip.

Keri Blakinger, Author of 'Corrections in Ink,' to Speak at Fayetteville Public Library April 22

Blakinger, an award-winning journalist now at the Los Angeles Times, will talk about her memoir and her work as a reporter at 6 p.m. April 22 at the Fayetteville Public Library's Walker Community Room.

Visit With University Libraries and Pat Walker Health Center's Medical Services at Carnival Today

Employees are invited to meet fellow workers from units across campus including the University Libraries and the Pat Walker Health Center at today's Making Your Day Work Carnival at the Arkansas Union.

Farewell Reception April 3 for Fulbright College's Lisa Summerford

The campus community is invited to celebrate Summerford's achievements and to wish her well during a drop-in retirement reception from 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, in the Fulbright College Dean's Office in Old Main 523.

Rachel McGathy Retiring After 25 Years

There will be a reception to celebrate McGathy's retirement from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, in the downstairs breakroom at Uptown East.

News Daily