Rutgers Hosts Conference Featuring Research By 200 Students From Across The State’s LSAMP Program

On Oct. 5, more than 200 minority students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the Garden State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (GS-LSAMP) will show off what they are learning at the fourth annual GS-LSAMP STEM conference, presenting posters on their research.  They also will hear a presentation by Dr. Richard A. Lutz, science director for the IMAX film “Volcanoes of the Deep Sea” and director of the Rutgers Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences.  He will discuss “Life and Death in the Hot Springs in the Deep Sea.” 

A team of Rutgers alumni will judge the students’ poster presentations.

WHO:  Dr. Alexander Gates, who is project director for the GS-LSAMP as well as vice chancellor for research at Rutgers-Newark; 200 students from all of the nine universities in the program; and Dr. Lutz. The five-year G S-LSAMP was launched in fall 2009, a $5 million, National Science Foundation-funded, multiple-school program that aims to substantially increase the numbers of under-represented minority college students graduating – and eventually, pursuing careers -- in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM fields.  Nearly 2,000 minority students participate in GS-LSAMP statewide.

WHAT:  A conference to highlight LSAMP students’ accomplishments and scholarship. Students will display posters illustrating highlights of their research and will be available to explain their work to anyone who is interested.

WHEN:  Oct. 5, 10:45 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

WHERE:  George H. Cook Campus, Campus Center, 59 Biel Rd., New Brunswick, NJ,

732-932-9215

 MEDIA CONTACT: Dr. Alexander Gates, 973/353-3342/3324 or agates@andromeda.rutgers.edu

 BACKGROUND:  THE GS-LSAMP addresses two critical situations: the growing shortage of math and science professionals in the U.S., and the under-representation of African-Americans, Native Americans and Latinos in the STEM fields.  GS-LSAMP aims to double the numbers of underrepresented minority students graduating – and eventually, pursuing careers -- in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math.  Rutgers University, Newark, is leading a consortium including Kean University, New Jersey City University, Essex County College, Bloomfield College, Montclair State University, Farleigh Dickinson University/Teaneck, William Paterson University and Rutgers University, New Brunswick, in the five-year program, which is funded through a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

 GS-LSAMP provides academic support programs, including tutoring and peer-led team learning sessions in which upperclassmen help younger students through difficult STEM classes that have traditionally been a barrier to success and retention.  It also offers opportunities for undergraduates to conduct hands-on laboratory research with faculty members. Other activities include community service, visits to local high schools for recruitment, and internships.

ABOUT LSAMP:   LSAMP is ranked as one of the 10 most effective diversity programs in the U.S. by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. Through LSAMP, more than 300,000 students have earned Bachelor of Science degrees since it was initiated by the NSF in 1991, when it was known as the Alliance for Minority Participation.  Currently more than 200,000 students per year participate through 41 alliances involving 600 campuses.    

The award is named for civil rights activist, lawyer and 15-term Congressman Louis Stokes, the first African American member of Congress from the State of Ohio.  During his Congressional career he was especially active in health care and public health issues, serving on the Pepper Commission on Comprehensive Health Care.  Stokes also was the founder and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust.