Enhancing Science Education at a Liberal Arts College ‐ A Model Approach by EPA and Livingstone College

Abstract

Current data indicate the United States will experience a critical short fall of skilled professionals in science and technology (STEM). This problem has multiple dimensions, which include improving the quality of science education at liberal arts institutions. In an effort to address this dilemma, a pilot project between the Neurotoxicology Division/US EPA and Livingstone College (LC), a small, historically black college, was initiated. Faculty from the biology, chemistry and psychology departments of LC participated in a 10 week fellowship at the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) of US EPA. Faculty were involved in research projects with EPA investigators, and subsequently co‐authored abstracts for presentation at scientific conferences. Modules of biobehavioral research and environmental science were incorporated into the curricula at LC, and a physiology research seminar was added. Lastly, an NIH EARDA proposal, authored by an LC fellow, was submitted to fund an Office of Biomedical and Behavioral Research at LC. This pilot program demonstrates a cost‐effective mechanism ($40,000 NHEERL training grant) for direct improvement of science education at a small, liberal arts college serving a student population that is historically under‐represented in STEM majors.(This abstract does not necessarily reflect US EPA policy).