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CMAST encourages sophomores

The Rising Sophomore Academy for Science-Technology- Engineering-Mathematics (STEM) major students had the chance to pro-actively develop and train to become twenty-first century scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. The academy ran Sunday, May 17 through Friday, May 29. Students heard of the program from several sources such as mail and internet.

“While registering for Grambling, a copy of the program was sent home with my acceptance form,” said biology major. Daynet Woods of Arlington, Texas.

“The program became an interest to me because I wanted to experience the college life before freshman year, and I knew it would help me in my studies in my upcoming year,” expressed Julian Myree Davis, biology major from Birmingham.

This program is a continuation from the CMAST Pre-Freshman Academy that Doreen Wallace, a biology major of Chicago, attended. “Last year it introduced me to how college was going to be and the college courses, and I also met new people.”

On a daily bases, students began each morning at 9 a.m. in Carver Hall by having a journal article discussion along with STEM faculty. At 1 p.m. students researched their laboratory projects until 4 p.m.

During the academy students were able to tour the Institute for Micromanufacturing and Biomedical Engineering at LA Tech University in Ruston, hosted by Dr. David Mills. There were seminars held in Grambling Hall by Drs. Tabbitha Dobbins, Shengnian Wang, and P. Sidney Sit, Dr. Alan Chiu from LA Tech University.

“We took a trip to the Shreveport Science Museum that showed us how things might look simple, but actually it is more complex than it seems,” said Woods.

On the last day of the academy students gave oral poster presentations which were evaluated, and a reception was held in the CMAST office.

The students agreed that the program was beneficial to them.

“It really was beneficial and it helped. It gave insight on a lot of things that I would not have known,” said Davis.

Wallace said, “This year it introduced me to research, which helps us get ready for higher education such as graduate school, medical school, or any other STEM field programs.”

Woods said she would recommend the program to incoming freshmen to get involved. The program encourages students of the Rising Sophomore Academy.

If you are interested in the program and for further information you may contact RaShon Carruthers, project director, at 318-274-2340 or by carrutheresr@gram.