iApply at Savannah State University is a transformative program dedicated to empowering underrepresented (UR) students to excel in STEM. By increasing the number of UR students earning STEM bachelor’s degrees, the program builds pathways to STEM graduate programs and rewarding careers. Discover how iApply drives innovation and success in STEM education and careers.
iApply Scholars @ ERN: Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM 2024
We had 16 iApply Scholars who presented during the ERN meeting in Washington D.C.
Early, Active Teaching/Learning Curriculum Transformation
STEM VR Course Reform-Faculty Training
- Curriculum Reform: Transform the University’s STEM education platform from a traditional discipline defined model to a more active, hands-on model that meets the needs of STEM employers and graduate research programs. Institutionalize reformed teaching and learning strategies by including enhanced methods of delivery and interaction such as VR environments within critical gateway science courses such as principles of chemistry, principles of biology, principles of forensic science, introductory physics, and organic chemistry. Towards this end, we will implement academic year and summer training for faculty in STEM VR curriculum enhancement.
- Goal: Each year recruit STEM VR course reform faculty from the pool of 7 Faculty Awareness and Commitment to Excellence (FACE) Training Program being trained each year. In 5 years, train 11 faculty in VR training to develop 9 introductory lab courses.
- Expected Outcomes: ~1500 STEM students will be enrolled in 9 reformed VR lab courses. The reforming the lab courses with VR and other active learning approaches will increase student success at the next level of education.
Transform Faculty 2025
Teresa I. Shakespeare Ph.D.
Professor & Dean (interim)
College of Sciences and Technology, SSU
Chao Guan Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Forensic Science, SSU
Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science
Karla-Sue Marriott Ph.D.
Professor of Forensic Science, Roger Williams University
Phyllis Blumberg Ph.D.
Educational Consultant on Effective Teaching, Lasting Learning, and Assessment
Student-Centered, Applied, Interdisciplinary Research Training
Trainee Selection: Seventy-five (75) talented trainees (15/yr) will be selected each Spring to engage in a comprehensive academic year and summer training program incorporating the traditional elements of SSU’s well established training programs.
Scholar Recruitment: Fifteen (15) talented iApply Scholars were selected to engage in a comprehensive academic year and summer training program [GPA: >2.8; Stipend: ($4.500-AY: $1500; Summer: $3,000 + free campus housing-8 weeks)
Interdisciplinary Applied STEM Research Training: The objective is to strengthen SSU’s traditional undergraduate research training model through team-based applied/interdisciplinary training approach, involving 3 teams of 5 merit scholars each, led by multi-disciplinary faculty teams
Expected outcomes: Increase in applied/interdisciplinary student/faculty research. The students will:
- Explore useful applications of scientific theory
- Communicate more fluidly across scientific disciplines
- Demonstrate competency in the ability to search and use scientific literature
- Use scientific literature to support the presentation of research results
- Demonstrate harmonious teamwork with accountability
- Master and apply specialized scientific techniques towards the development of a useful and relevant product.
Led by Dr. Phyllis Blumberg, the research study will test the hypothesis that reforming introductory lab courses with VR and other active learning approaches will improve student learning. The research study will compare student learning results compiled in year 1 (control group before lab reform) with student learning outcomes in years 2-5 for the 1576 students who enroll in reformed labs.