9/24/2010
Charleston, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin today announced the newest awards supported by interest earned on the state’s “Bucks for Brains” Research Trust Fund. Fairmont State University and Shepherd University are set to launch programs in two rising science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas, while actively working to raise funds to match the state’s investment.
“When we created the Bucks for Brains program, our goal was to not only spur research and intellectual capital at our state’s major research institutions – but also to encourage greater learning in STEM fields at colleges and universities statewide,” Manchin said. “By providing opportunities for more of our students to innovate and compete, we’re planting the seeds for a more diverse, high-tech economy in West Virginia.”
Fairmont State University will receive $100,000 for the “New Media Assessment Project,” which will enable the university’s Open Source Intelligence Exchange to create a process that allows the university to capture large amounts of content from new media applications such as Twitter, social networking sites and discussion boards, and to consequently generate new knowledge about national security and law enforcement threats.
Fairmont’s program is anticipated to enhance the university’s competitiveness with federal agencies, its status as a leader in quality STEM research, its ability to incubate entrepreneurial economic development, and the quality of instruction and advising provided to students.
Shepherd University will receive $99,892.50 to develop an “Undergraduate Research and Experiments in Robotics-Based Accomplishments for STEM Students” project. Through this robotics initiative, the university will seek to improve the recruitment and retention of STEM students and better prepare them for careers in robotics engineering and science.
Robotics is an emerging multi-disciplinary STEM area that combines mechanical, electrical and computer engineering in the design and construction of robots to perform specific tasks, in addition to emphasizing mathematics and computer science.
“By infusing the universities with the support they need to launch these inventive programs, the state is affirming its commitment to up-and-coming STEM fields and the potential they hold for economic expansion in West Virginia,” said Dr. Paul Hill, Vice Chancellor for Science and Research at the Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission).
The $50 million Research Trust Fund, which was proposed by Gov. Manchin and authorized by the Legislature in 2008, strengthens the research departments at West Virginia University and Marshall University by providing state dollars to be matched by private donations. In addition, the program benefits other state colleges and universities through matching grants made possible by the fund’s interest account, which is supporting the two awards announced today.
Members of the Commission and the West Virginia Science and Research Council, which provides expertise and policy guidance to the state regarding federal and state programs, authorize distribution of the funds. The Division of Science and Research then issues requests for proposals and selects programs based on competitive criteria.
Contact Information
Melvin Smith or Jessica Tice
304-558-2000 or 304-558-4128 ext:6