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NEIU Opens New Student Center for Science Engagement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Dana Navarro
September 24, 2010 (773) 442-4227
d-navarro@neiu.edu
Northeastern Illinois University Opens New
Student Center for Science Engagement
Chicago - Over the past two years, program development and building remodeling for the Student Center for Science Engagement (SCSE) at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) has been underway. On September 23, the University celebrated the opening of the newly renovated space in Brommel Hall with an open house and official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The SCSE, which has been funded by a grant of more than $2 million from the U.S. Department of Education, has been created to support underrepresented and low-income students enrolled in courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, math, and physics. In addition to the four updated laboratories and space that will be used for studying and meetings with students or advisers, the SCSE has assisted students with advising, research, internship, employment, and other opportunities.
Marcelo Sztainberg, director, SCSE, said, “Many students believe that they can’t be a doctor simply because they can’t pass the math or any other particular class. But we are here to provide the extra layer of support students need to pass that class. One of our goals is to help students realize that they can be really successful in science at NEIU.”
For instance, one of the support programs that has come out of the SCSE is a six-week math boot camp held over the summer. Because many students struggle with developmental math, the SCSE developed the boot camp to provide students an opportunity to get extra help on a subject that holds many behind.
Stephanie Levi, coordinator, SCSE, added, “We have been able to intercept students about to drop out of college and save them through our programs. We’ve had really positive results.”
In addition to providing help for students in developmental courses, the SCSE also supports students engaging in research and preparing for graduate school. Thus far, more than 60 students have been engaged in research projects with approximately 20 faculty members through a summer research program at NEIU and collaborations with researchers at the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Illinois – Chicago.
In addition to gaining experience conducting research, students have earned many opportunities to disseminate it. On September 24, students gave oral and poster presentations of their research at the SCSE’s second annual research symposium held in the Golden Eagle room. They also have presented their work at numerous national conferences including those for the Society for the Advancement of Hispanics, Chicanos and Native Americans in Science; Biophysical Society; National Entomological Society; Chemical Education; and others. Student manuscripts also have been accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Levi said, “We are really proud of the students we have been able to support. Because of their experiences here they have been able to go on to graduate and medical school. And others have found employment in science labs.”
Sztainberg added, “Through our activities, local and national partnerships, scientific collaborations, and our offerings, we have brought a host of new opportunities to students and faculty in the sciences, fostering an environment in which the sciences thrive. We also hope to help make Northeastern a destination for the sciences for students and community partners alike.”
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