National Science Foundation grant will connect graduate students

February 10, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida’s graduate school will be expanding interdisciplinary professional development opportunities for graduate students in subjects such as science, engineering, technology and mathematics with a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

A launch event will be held Feb. 13 to familiarize faculty and students with the grant. Pat Marsteller, director of the Emory College Center for Science Education, will give a talk open to the university community. She will present “Building Collaborative Programs Within and Across Institutions: Lessons Learned” at 11 a.m. in Reitz Student Union Room 282, said Nikki Kernaghan, program manager for the grant.

The grant will be used to encourage interdisciplinary activities, including workshops, visiting speakers, internships, and projects initiated by graduate students. Students will work with each other to develop new and innovative studies that focus on topics such as international issues, Florida issues, and interdisciplinary research. Kernaghan said that goals of the program include increasing the diversity of participants and reaching out to undergraduates.

“The overall approach is unique,” said Doug Levey, professor of zoology and co-principal investigator for the grant. “Rather than being driven by faculty and administrators, this program will be guided by graduate students. Our mission is to empower them by providing funds, logistical support and institutional clout.”

The principal investigator of the grant is UF President Bernie Machen. He is joined by Sandra Russo, director of program development for UF’s International Center; Henry Frierson, dean of the Graduate School; and Levey.