Louisiana Tech University hosts officials from the National Science Foundation and more than 100 principal investigators from the region as the agency prioritizes expanding research investments in the area. The event is part of NSF’s efforts to improve STEM education in states established to stimulate competitive research (EPSCoR), including Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi.

During a press conference, Dr. James L. Moore III, deputy director of the US National Science Foundation’s (NSF) STEM Education Directorate (EDU), discussed ongoing initiatives to foster research engagement and promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in the region.

“Our mission remains steadfast in advancing the advancement of science to advance the nation’s health, prosperity and well-being and to ensure the nation’s defense,” Moore said. “Louisiana Tech is emerging as a regional leader in bringing institutions together to drive innovation at scale and speed. We believe our investments here will have a lasting impact, and NSF is committed to ensuring the Delta region remains informed and engaged.”

This gathering is part of a series of events hosted by Louisiana Tech November 12-14 to encourage collaboration and grant development for researchers in EPSCoR states.

Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson emphasized Tech and NSF’s partnership and continued dedication to supporting the growth of STEM in the state and creating opportunities for students, faculty and communities.

“Louisiana Tech conducts research that improves the human condition, research that addresses persistent and emerging local and global challenges,” Henderson said. “Our partnership with NSF drives economic growth and economic vitality. It speaks volumes for the entire nation that the life-changing work in this and other rural institutions is appreciated by the NSF.”

Louisiana Tech hosts a two-day grant development workshop funded by FSN, hosted by Louisiana Tech in partnership with Quality Education for Minorities (QEM).

“Dr. Lindsey Keith Vincent and the Science and Technology Center (SciTEC) focused on STEM education and NSF’s grant proposal development efforts to provide critical support for educators and researchers in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi,” Dean of the College Henrietta Pichon of Education and Human Sciences. said. “This collaboration with NSF aims to equip our educators with resources that will ultimately impact students and communities, enabling our region to address emerging challenges and drive innovation in STEM fields.”

Additionally, for the first time outside of the Washington, DC area, the NSF EDU Advisory Committee will hold its fall meeting at Louisiana Tech. The meeting brings together key figures in STEM education and human resource development to provide guidance on NSF’s STEM initiatives.

In addition to the NSF events, the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (LASTEM) Advisory Council will meet Nov. 14 to discuss advances in STEM education in the state.