TAMIU Receives $500,000 NSF Award

Texas A&M International University has been named the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for its “Mathematics and Engineering Best” (ME-Best) Program.

The award is from the NSF’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) Program. It was created through a collaborative University effort including the department of mathematical and physical sciences, the Office of Grant Resources and other program offices.

It will provide annual scholarships to 26 undergraduate and six graduate students majoring in Computer Science, Engineering or Mathematical Sciences (CSEMS). Priority will be given to students from low-income families who are ethnic minorities, women or persons with disabilities who are under-represented in the fields. The program seeks to address the national shortage of students in these fields, especially minority populations.

Program principal investigator is Dr. Chen-Han Sung, TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences professor and director of its Systems Engineering Program.  Co-principal investigators are Dr. Runchang Lin, assistant professor, Dr. Eduardo Chappa-Leiva, assistant professor, and Dr. Fuming Wu, assistant professor, all from the department of mathematical and physical sciences.          

The program’s objectives focus on the timely completion of degree requirements, increasing internship/research opportunities, improving the quality of professional development, expanding career explorations and developing job placement.

Long-term benefits are dedicated to encouraging students from the targeted populations and their study in CSEMS fields, mentoring and cooperative learning experiences, expanded knowledge of the research process, establishment of internships and employment opportunities and development of networking in the University and local communities.

Qualified scholarship applicants must meet requirements and be enrolled full-time in a specific TAMIU degree program and demonstrate financial need.

For additional information, contact the department of mathematical and physical sciences at 956.326.2440.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu