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

U of A Bands to Hold Three Nights of Concerts

The Symphonic Band, the Wind Symphony, the 4 O'Clock and 5 O'Clock Bands and the Wind Ensemble will perform April 21-23 at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center on the U of A campus.

Honors College to Host 'Best in Show' Dog Celebration

The campus and community are invited to celebrate our furry friends with popsicles, water and dog treats from 3-4 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in the Gearhart Courtyard.

New Parasite Affecting Canadian Partridges Named for Arkansas Poultry Scientist

A long-time colleague in Canada gave a newly found parasite the scientific name Eimeria hargisi in honor of U of A poultry science researcher Billy Hargis.

U of A School of Law Student Selected for Ms. J.D. Leadership Academy Intensive

Tristan Branstetter-Thomas, a second-year law student, was one of 30 students from across the country chosen to participate in the leadership academy at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago.

Needy Honored as Distinguished Alumna of University of Pittsburgh Engineering College

College of Engineering Dean Kim Needy was among seven alumni of the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering honored in April as part of the 2024 Class of Distinguished Alumni.

News Daily