Missouri Ag Connection - MSU Supporting Diversity in STEM Disciplines

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MSU Supporting Diversity in STEM Disciplines
Missouri Ag Connection - 03/04/2021

Creating a more inclusive education system begins with bringing greater diversity into disciplines.

At Missouri State University, the Missouri Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (MoLSAMP) program supports the development of underrepresented students in STEM disciplines.

The program recently received renewed funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to aid in its efforts.

Since starting in January 2019, the MSU MoLSAMP program has supported the research efforts of more than 20 undergraduate research scholars.

"One of our goals is to increase representation of underrepresented groups in grad school," Dr. Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi, assistant professor of electrical engineering, said. "It's a big deal for us to have students finish the undergraduate program and do well with their research. It's even better when they then go on to get a graduate degree."

Biology senior Cameron Kirk has been a participant in the program since spring 2020.

He studies everyday laboratory techniques and 3D microscope use under the guidance of Dr. Kyoungtae Kim, associate dean of MSU's College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

"It's given me a taste of what a research profession is like and the experience I'll need to run my own lab one day," Kirk said. "Combining this with an unbeatable research team makes for a tremendous opportunity."

Participants in MSU LSAMP must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. To help more incoming students meet this requirement, the program started the First Year Scholars program in fall 2020.

"Many students fall behind academically when they lack proper support. Then, they must leave," Obafemi-Ajayi said. "First Year Scholars offers students the needed connections."

Kirk serves as a peer mentor in the program.

"Peer mentoring has taught me to be a more effective leader," Kirk said. "It also shows first-year students how to have a well-rounded university experience."

Many academic-oriented students later end up in faculty positions.

This means diversity in the student body can fuel diversity among faculty, Obafemi-Ajayi explains.

"If we don't support our underrepresented students now, we are unlikely to see their diverse perspectives included among future educators," she said.

She stresses the importance of MSU LSAMP's efforts to help students reach future success.

"It's the core of what we do: keeping students connected to education," Obafemi-Ajayi said. "We provide opportunities to help them stay, thrive and graduate."

The MoLSAMP program's name honors Louis Stokes, a former U.S. Representative.

Stokes became Ohio's first African American member of Congress. He provided crucial support for civil rights, economic justice and equality during his years of service.

"In support of Stokes' efforts, the program serves to increase academic retention and graduate rates of underrepresented students," Obafemi-Ajayi said. "We want them to complete their undergraduate studies and be ready to go into the workforce or graduate school."

The MSU MoLSAMP program will receive approximately $500,000 over a four-year period.

The funding comes as a result of participation in the Missouri LSAMP Alliance.

The alliance unites participating colleges and universities in efforts to increase the number of underrepresented students in STEM disciplines across the state.

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