Partnership for Education and the advancement of quantum and nano-Sciences

A strong partnership between Fort Lewis College (FLC), Norfolk State University (NSU), and IMOD (Science and Technology Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand) creates PEAQS (Partnership for the Education and Advancement of Quantum and nano-Sciences). This collaboration expands the partnership between STROBE, a sunsetting Science and Technology Center, FLC (a non-tribal Native American Serving Institution), NSU (a member of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities), to include IMOD. IMOD is teaming with two diverse institutions to synergize research and education efforts to impact the materials science community and will contribute to American technological competitiveness. The collaboration enables advances in cutting edge materials science, attracts and exposes students from diverse groups to exciting applications in STEM, utilizes novel and effective curricula, networks, and pathways that recruit and retain students in STEM. This PREM will directly fund undergraduates and high school researchers at FLC and NSU and provide pathways for students to careers in science and engineering. This PREM leverages existing infrastructures within all partners, providing student access to world-class research mentors, facilities and projects at the cutting edge of materials science. The student experience in this PREM is immersive through not only year-long, hands on research but also mentoring, professional development, leadership opportunities, and network building; all with the goal of improving recruitment, retention, and graduation of students from population historically underrepresented in STEM. This PREM develops the next generation of scientists and engineers with emphasis and experience in materials and related disciplines.