GRANT AWARDS

Southeastern Oklahoma State University September, 2010

The following grants have been awarded to Southeastern Oklahoma State University:

Talent Search Program.....................................$395,337.00

This grant was awarded to Southeastern Oklahoma State University from the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $395,337. The effective date of the grant is September 1, 2010 (program year 2010-11). This grant’s Project Director is Ms. Kris Simpson. The purpose of this grant is to provide assistance to 800 eligible youth to ensure successful completion of secondary school and access to postsecondary education. Participants must meet federal guidelines and be in the services area outlined in grant which includes McCurtain, Choctaw, Bryan, and Marshall Counties in southeastern Oklahoma. Talent Search was first funded at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1978. Six full-time staff provide seminars, work-shops, and individual counseling in areas related to encouraging educational achievement (career exploration, study skills, learning styles identification, college readiness, test preparation, college admissions information, financial application procedures, tutorial assistance, and cultural awareness.

Center for Regional Competitiveness.....................................$9,875.00

This grant was awarded to Southeastern Oklahoma State University from the U. S. Department of Labor via Big Five Community Services, Inc. in the amount of $9,875. The effective date of the grant is July 1, 2010. This grant’s Project Director is Ms. Kathy Hendrick, Director of Center for Regional Economic Development. The purpose of this grant is to provide staff cost of one full-time employee for three months to perform industry sector work, meet with industry to determine their needs, and link industry and secondary educators to provide Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) training for students and illustrate how STEM subjects are used every day. Based on industries request, this person will assist with planning and developing projects to meet industry needs.

Texas/Oklahoma Regional Undergraduate Symposium (TORUS)..........................................$1,900.00

This grant was awarded to Southeastern Oklahoma State University from the National Science Foundation via Math Association of America in the amount of $1,900. The effective date of the grant is August 1, 2010. This grant’s Project Director is Dr. Brett Elliott, Professor of Mathematics. The purpose of this grant is to provide funding support for the TORUS conference to be held at Southeastern Oklahoma State University on February 26, 2011. The conference will provide the opportunity for undergraduate students at all levels to discuss their independent work in any area associated with mathematics, its applications, its history, or its education. Fifty to seventy-five (50-75) undergraduate math students and faculty members are expected to attend the conference. A keynote address will be given, as well as, presentations by current undergraduate students on topics of research and study related to mathematics.

Evaluation of Filamentous Freshwater Algae as a Bioenergy Source..........................................$24,984.00

This grant was awarded to Southeastern Oklahoma State University from the National Science Foundation Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) via Oklahoma State University in the amount of $24,984. The effective date of the grant is August 1, 2010. This grant’s Principal Investigator is Dr. Nancy L. Paiva, Professor of Chemistry, Computer, and Physical Sciences. The purpose of this grant is to investigate the potential utility of freshwater filamentous algae to produce easily harvested biomass, which might be integrated into the Oklahoma biomass processes being developed to utilize switchgrass, and other feedstocks, such as the fast-pyrolysis methods being developed at OU’s Center for Biomass Refining. Dr. Pavia will lead the biological and pyrolysis research aspects. Dr. Steve McKim (SOSU Chemistry, Computer, and Physical Sciences) will serve as the Co-PI, leading the physical chemistry-based evaluation of the energy content of the biomass. At least two undergraduate researchers will be employed and gain valuable research experience. All participants will gain more familiarity with biomass-to-fuel conversion efforts within Oklahoma via interactions with labs at OSU and OU.