AFOSR Engages Minority Institutions to Participate in DoD Research

  • Published
  • By LeAndrea White
  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
ARLINGTON, Va. --  In an effort to continue to strengthen ties with America's historically black colleges and universities, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research took its message to the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute Oct. 24-27.

Leading a round table discussion at what many consider to be the premier recruitment conference for top minority students attending historically black colleges and universities, AFOSR representatives hoped to spark enthusiasm to participate in Air Force research opportunities.

Ed Lee, AFOSR Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions deputy director and David Streat, AFOSR program manager, informed students about options to prepare them for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate research opportunities within AFOSR, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Department of Defense.

Together Lee and Streat highlighted key AFOSR student research initiatives including the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation; Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Experiences; and the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship programs.

"It was a wonderful experience to engage nearly 600 students at the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute. This talented pool of students will one day be a part of AFOSR's continued success in breakthrough science," Lee said. He called the students participation "dynamic."

Lee and Streat said their investment to shape the tone and direction of the round table led to "dynamic discussion." Based upon feedback from attendees, the information they gleaned was valuable, opening their eyes to many possibilities to partner with the Air Force.

"I really enjoyed the engaged conversation. I am grateful for the time Mr. Lee and Mr. Streat spent speaking with me about possible future internships, scholarships, and employment opportunities. I was intrigued with the useful information that was provided to me regarding scholarships offered through AFRL," said Christopher Hill who attends Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina.

The partnership AFOSR has developed with the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute not only helps prepare future leaders in science and engineering, but it also strengthens and diversifies the nation's workforce, according to Streat.

"The Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute is a worthy recipient of funding because of the outstanding work they do preparing tomorrow's leaders from historically black colleges and universities," he said.