Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02) is pleased to announce that, last month, Albany State University has received three National Science Foundation (NSF) awards totaling $3,763,838. The funds will bolster biomedical research as well as help engage and support more people to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professions.

“From making discoveries that will help redefine medicine and biomanufacturing, to recruiting and training better scientists so that Georgia and America are always at the forefront of the research and development, I am proud of the wonderful work being done by Albany State University’s faculty and students. I am pleased that the National Science Foundation can be a partner in this excellence,” said Congressman Bishop. “NSF is a catalyst for economic growth and scientific advancements in America. I am proud to support NSF funding as a leader on the House Appropriations Committee.”

The three awards were:

• $2,999,904 to build a stronger pipeline of students and workers in STEM fields,

• $400,000 to improve data analysis skills for students, and

• $363,934 to support biomedical research.

According to the Georgia Department of Labor, careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, commonly referred to as STEM occupations, will grow by over 95,000 new jobs in Georgia over the projection period ending in 2028.

“Empowering innovation and collaboration, the 'Implementation Project: Building A Community of STEM Practitioners' aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem where diverse minds unite to drive scientific and technological advancements to ‘do STEM better’,” said Dr. Chinenye Ofodile, Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics as well as project leader.

A $400,000 NSF award will support efforts to improve data analysis skills for students, better preparing them to succeed in the sciences and contribute to the country’s workforce.

“This $400,000 NSF-funded project at Albany State University aims to integrate ‘Data Science into Forensic Science and Biology Curricula over the next three years to address a skills gap. By creating and infusing new and existing courses, it promises to enhance students' data analysis abilities, preparing them for the workforce,” said Department of Natural Sciences Professor and lead investigator for this project, Dr. Olabisi Ojo. “The project's value lies in equipping students with essential Data Science skills, making them data-enabled specialists. The wider implications include improving employment opportunities, contributing to diversity in STEM, and fostering economic development for minority graduates, potentially serving as a model for other life sciences programs.”

A $363,934 NSF award will support biomedical research at the university focusing on the cell mitochondria which has broad medical and biotechnological applications.

“Mitochondria are important organelles in the eukaryotic cells. They provide energy and play a major role in cell survival. Current research is focused on developing nanoparticle-based methods to deliver drug like molecules to mitochondria. This strategy can help us to control the life and death of cells. Such technology will have several applications in human and animal health, improving plant productivity, and also in biomanufacturing,” saidDepartment of Natural Sciences Assistant Professor and lead investigator for this project, Dr. Balasubramani Paranthaman. “The NSF funding provides the opportunity for the faculty and students of underrepresented minority institutions in rural South Georgia to expand their potential in this advanced field of nano-biotechnology and to aid in workforce development.”

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that invests 25% of federal funding into American universities to drive innovation and advancement of the sciences.