Focused on increasing the number of under-represented populations with a special emphasis on attracting and providing support for students from Upward Bound programs nationally, a proposal submitted by two science faculty members has translated into a five-year $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.

Titled “American Computational Talent Investment for Valuable Access, Training and Experience,” the funded proposal was written by and will be administered by Eric A. Stahlberg, director of the university’s computational science program, and Margaret A. Goodman, professor of biology.
“Applications involving computer technology and mathematical models are becoming extremely pervasive throughout the sciences, but also in everyday applications including transportation, medicine, and even smart power grids,” Stahlberg said.

“The award is made possible by the combined efforts of many programs on campus, including Upward Bound, First-Year Experience, financial aid and admission.”

Under-represented students interested in pursuing science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics (STEM) will be eligible for scholarships supported by the funding, which will become effective May 1, 2010