Monthly Archives: November 2022

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New TSU, NASA partnership promotes STEM education in Middle Tennessee high schools

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Some of the next generation of NASA astronauts, scientists and engineers may just have their beginning at Tennessee State University. TSU and the federal agency are expanding an existing STEM education program to include high school students in Middle Tennessee. The new initiative is funded with a $480,000 NASA grant over a period of three years.  

Dr. Trinetia Respress

“We are moving into Middle Tennessee to work with high schools,” says Dr. Trinetia Respress, principal investigator of the MUREP Aerospace Academy at TSU.   

“The goals of our project are to inspire, engage and educate students and their families about the infinite possibilities in STEM degrees and careers.  Basically, we want to provide them with STEM education that will support them in their pursuit  of STEM degrees prior to entering college.”

Under MUREP or the Minority University Research and Education Program, the NASA-funded initiative had served only K-8 students, teaching them to design, build, and program robots, as well as learn simple mechanics, sensor functionality, and automation. With the new funding, TSU’s College of Education will target grades 9-12 students in Middle Tennessee. The goal is to get students interested in STEM careers when they enter college.   

Dr. Janet Finch, interim dean of the College of Education, says she is thankful to NASA for expanding the MUREP program to the high school level.   

Cayla Jeff

“Given the successes that have already been achieved with grades K-8th, we look forward to including high school students in our STEM efforts,” says Finch.   

TSU students from different disciplines, specifically the STEM area, will be recruited to participate in the program as mentors to the high school students.  Londee Boyd will be one of them.  The Memphis native is pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership, with a focus on PreK-12.   

“As a teacher at heart, I have enjoyed partnering with the project to encourage, educate and equip our youth with dynamic learning experiences immersed in STEM,” says Boyd. “With the growing demand for STEM-related careers, it is vital to have accessible programs, like the MUREP project, lead the charge in preparing our youth to become future leaders.”   

Cayla Jeff, a senior biology major from Cleveland, will also mentor the high school students.   

“I have enjoyed working with the MUREP project over the last four years. I am very excited to continue moving forward to interact with more students and grow even bigger as a team. I cannot wait to inspire our youth and show them they have so many options to be successful in the future.”   

Sosiak Makonnen will handle overall implementation of the project.

Dr. Jennifer Berry, MNPS’ director of STEAM and Science, says that the new NASA program under the university’s MUREP Aerospace Academy will help enhance Metro schools’ STEM initiatives.     

“This program will benefit our students as they will have an opportunity to engage with professionals in STEM with innovative STEM activities that will pique their interest in STEM degree and careers,” says Berry.  

Respress, who is also professor of educational leadership in the College of Education, says TSU will recruit 100 high school students from MNPS and the surrounding Middle Tennessee areas for the program.

“We have had a long collaboration with MNPS, but it has been with students in grades K-8, so we are excited to continue our partnership with MNPS by moving into high schools,” says Respress.

Dr. Kisha C. Bryan, professor in the College of Education, is one of the co-principal investigators of the new interdisciplinary NASA project.  

“I’m excited about the opportunity to expose Nashville’s diverse high schoolers to a culturally responsive STEM curriculum,” says Bryan. “It is my hope that this community-based, cross-college partnership results in a more racially diverse population of high school students pursuing STEM education degrees. “   

Other co-PIs are Dr. Ranganathan Parthasarathy, assistant professor in the College of Engineering, and Dr. Owen Johnson, professor in the College of Health Sciences. Sosiak Makonnen, program manager in the College of Education, is responsible for the overall implementation of the new program.  

The program will start January of 2023. For more information, contact Dr. Trinetia Respress at trepress@tnstate.edu or Ms. Sosiak Makonnen at smakonne@tnstate.edu.

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TSU expert warns of triple threat from flu, COVID, RSV

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The U.S. is facing a potential triple threat of flu, COVID-19, and RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and a Tennessee State University infectious disease expert is calling on individuals to get immunized, as the surest way to avoid serious illness or long-term hospitalization. 

 Dr. Wendelyn Inman

 Dr. Wendelyn Inman, professor and director of the public health program in the College of Health Sciences, warns that the flu, COVID-19 and RSV are highly contagious respiratory infections caused by different viruses, with flu activity increasing in October and peaking between December and February. 

 “Get your flu shots and get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as possible if you already haven’t,” she cautions. “We are seeing that people who are immunized against COVID and the flu are still not in the majority of the cases that are severe and dying.” 

 Inman says before the pandemic, the United States averaged between 60,000 and 85,000 people dying every year from the flu. But with isolation techniques employed during the pandemic – masking, washing hands, social distancing – those numbers plummeted and almost disappeared.  

 “We had so few flu-related deaths. Now that we are back together, we have to remember those rates can go back up because we have people who do not get immunized for the flu, and that we are in closer contact,” says Inman, previously the chief of epidemiology for the State of Tennessee. 

Dr. Dorsha N. James

 Citing data from the Centers for Disease Control, Inman says the flu is not a grave concern in Tennessee, with the state in the ‘minimal’ category when it comes to flu levels being reported nationwide. 

 “Tennessee is not at the bottom, but we could do better,” she says. 

 At TSU, officials say precaution are in place to help minimized the potential for flu and COVID-19 spread. 

Dr. Dorsha N. James, interim medical director of Student Health Services, says there is a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases on campus – from about 7 percent a month ago to 0.1 percent now. She however, reports a slight uptick in people with upper respiratory infection, or flu symptoms. She encourages students to get their flu shots or get vaccinated for COVID-19. 

 “We are doing well on the COVID front but we are not doing well washing our hands,” James says. “We have been trying to tell students to wash their hands multiple times a day or use the hand sanitizing stations across campus. And if they have the cold, to make sure they do not cough in the air, and stay a good distance from people when they are talking to them.”

TSU offers COVID-19 vaccines on campus in collaboration with Meharry Medical College.

Kenneth A. Rolle II, president of Student Government Association, says TSU’s proactive effort is commendable.  “The university has already laid out a strategic plan for if and when the viruses (COVID, flu) make their way to campus,” says Rolle. “Although we have not seen any threats from them on campus, we are most definitely ready to expect the unexpected.”

Dr. Curtis Johnson, associate vice president and chief of staff, says most of the prevention measures from the pandemic are still in place.

“First and foremost, we want the university to remain safe and encourage and/or adopt practices protecting the health of faculty, staff, students, visitors or others,” Johnson says. 

According to the CDC, from October 1, 2021, to April 23, 2022, the United States has seen an estimated 3,200- 9,400 flu deaths reported in the preliminary flu season.

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TSU part of $30 million U.S DOE investment for next generation STEM leaders

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University will serve as the lead institution to promote STEM education and careers for Nashville’s HBCUs. TSU is one of 11 minority serving institutions that will share a $30 million grant from the U.S Dept. of Energy to invest in the next generation of STEM leaders. The goal is to develop highly qualified students and foster a well-trained, technically skilled, and a more inclusive workforce. 

TSU in partnership with Fisk University and Meharry Medical College were awarded $5 million in total. 

“Preparing more technically skilled students will allow TSU graduates to be more competitive in the global marketplace,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.  

TSU is serving as the lead institution of a Tennessee HBCU consortium with Meharry Medical College and Fisk University to create an education workforce pipeline for the DOE’s Environmental Management Office.

“With our efforts, this grant will provide access to internships and career opportunities that have traditionally been non-existent or very limited for the HBCU student population.”  

Dr. Quincy Quick, professor and interim assistant vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs at TSU, said this is an outstanding effort for Tennessee HBCUs. 

“Tennessee State University is serving as the lead institution of this Tennessee HBCU consortium with Meharry Medical College and Fisk University to create an education workforce pipeline for the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management as part of the Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program,” Dr. Quick said. 

“Socially, this partnership will also contribute to the DOE’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is an outstanding opportunity for all Tennessee HBCUs and the students we serve. Tennessee State University is honored to lead this effort.” 

Dr. Quincy Quick, professor and interim assistant vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs .

These grants are distributed by DOE’s Office of Environmental Management’s (EM) Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP).

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said leveraging the full potential of America’s best and brightest means including students from every pocket of the nation, and of all races and ethnicities. 

“DOE is following through with our previously announced commitments to MSIs to remove barriers and unlock opportunities for millions of Americans—inspiring the next generation of science and technology leaders and positioning America to lead the world in the industries of the future, from artificial intelligence and clean energy to quantum computing and advanced engineering,” Granholm said. 

By advancing the education and training of a culturally diverse workforce of scientists, engineers, and managers, MSIPP builds upon the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to increase the participation, leadership, and success of students from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities. 

Photo CUTLINE: TSU is serving as the lead institution of a Tennessee HBCU consortium with Meharry Medical College and Fisk University to create an education workforce pipeline for the DOE’s Environmental Management Office.  

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TSU celebrates International Education Week

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) is celebrating International Education Week (IEW) 2022, and kicked off events Nov. 7, as students are spreading awareness about their countries and interacting with fellow students who are also studying abroad. 

The week, which began Nov. 7 and concludes on Nov. 11, features many activities that highlight international students countries and culture, including a Cultural Sharing Day, Dance Hall Night, and Lunch-N-Learn Story Circles. The OIA even visited local HBCUs throughout the week.

Nirmal Thapa in the student center during International Education Week shows represents his country by waving a Nepal flag. (Photo by Aaron Grayson.)

Nirmal Thapa, a PHD student from Nepal, South Asia, said this is his first semester at the university and IEW has provided an inclusive environment.

“It was exciting for us,” Thapa said after participating in the weeks first event. “We had a chance to exchange ideas between different countries … a great event for the exchange of cultures.”

Thapa, who is studying agricultural sciences, said he was able to speak with another student from Nepal, along with students from all around the world.

There are over 200 international students at the university representing 40 countries across the world. (Photo by Aaron Grayson.)

Mark Anthony Brinkley, Director of the Office of International Affairs, said this is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. 

“This initiative is a joint venture between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education which was created to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences,” Brinkley said.

“We encourage all Tennessee State University students, faculty, and staff to participate in our week of events.” OIA provides leadership in advocating and promoting excellence in student services, cultural programming, collaborative partnership, and international education.

Students at game night during International Education Week 2022. (Photo by Aaron Grayson.)

There are over 200 international students at the university representing 40 countries.

OIA’s office suite provides the space needed to holistically provide international students with support. The office also has designated meditation areas where students can pray and continue to observe their culture, as well as a conference room where study abroad workshops can be held.

For the third consecutive year, TSU has been selected as a Fulbright Historically Black College and University Institutional Leader from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The recognition is for demonstrating exemplary work with its foreign exchange program for students, faculty and staff.

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TSU in-house studio prepares Men’s Initiative program students for the music industry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – More space, more resources, and a better opportunity. This semester, Joshua Akhidenor spent time crafting his talent in a new music studio located on campus that he considers a safe haven.

Joshua Akhidenor, also known as LilCEOJosh, practices his guitar while listening to music at TSUs campus studio. (Photo by Alexis Clark)

The music studio, which is accessible to members of the Men’s Initiative campus program, is fully loaded with quality equipment to engineer, record music, and produce beats. Akhidenor, a sophomore majoring in business, said he has been producing music since he was in high school, and is grateful to now have a place on campus to express his passion.

“I feel like I belong in here,” Akhidenor said as he sat in the studio. “It (the studio) helps me visualize who I can become. I came to college and took advantage of the networking opportunity.” Since his arrival at the university, Akhidenor has taught himself how to play the guitar and piano.

As many students utilize the space to break into the music industry, Hahidenor looks forward to one day owning a record label focused on finding talent from students enrolled at a HBCU.

The studio, located on the ground floor of Kean Hall, is painted black with neon lights around the perimeter. On the walls are graffiti art, music plaques and awards dedicated to music phenom and TSU alum Aaron ‘DUBBA-AA’ Lockhart, who funded the studio.

TSU alum, platinum recording artist and producer Aaron ‘DUBBA-AA’ Lockhart graduated in 2016. (Photo by T Time Productions)

Lockhart, a platinum recording artist, and one of the executive producers for the Aristocrat of Bands’ gospel album The Urban Hymnal, said his efforts came about to give students studio space that he didn’t have when attending TSU.

“I wanted to give my resources and use my talents to give back to the institution that helped me become who I am today,” Lockhart said.

Joshua Akhidenor and David Nyenwe said the music studio is a safe haven to help express their passion for music. (Photo by Alexis Clark)

“I want to give the students the opportunities that they should be having on a college campus. We need something on our campus for us, by us.”

David Nyenwe, a TSU freshman majoring in business administration who also produces music, said he has not utilized the studio yet, but looks forward to the sound he can create once he does.

“A lot of people are better at music than they think, they just need the resources. So, supplying a studio for people to use, will help shed light on the talent that’s at the school,” Nyenwe said.  “I feel like this is a safe haven.”

Dr. Andre Bean, director of the Men’s Initiative and interim assistant dean of student activities, said the program is all about providing support to Black male students on campus.

The Men’s Initiative currently has more than 100 members. Bean said the studio offers a great opportunity for the students to discover their hidden talents.

Dr. Andre Bean, Director of the Men’s Initiative program.

“We have to find new and innovative ways to engage the Black male students that are enrolled in higher education,” Bean said.

“And this space is open and available to our Men’s Initiative guys … to create beats and have an opportunity to tinker and toy with things of their interest.”

The studio is an engagement tool for the university. According to Bean, although the studio is for students in and or connected to the program, the university looks forward to one day opening another studio on a larger scale that will be accessible for everyone.

Joshua Akhidenor said he looks forward to breaking into the music industry and one day creating his own record label to find artist from HBCUs.

For Akhidenor, a Memphis native, who has already spent a number of hours in the facility, said it afforded him the chance to produce and “show off my talent” to Lockhart, he said.

“I appreciate the opportunity,” he added.

The Men’s Initiative mission is to plan, implement, and coordinate high-impact programming that holistically promotes persistence, academic success, and sense of belonging. The goal is to support African American/Black Male students to help them succeed each semester as they continue their studies towards graduation.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Men’s Initiative program, email Mensinitiative@tnstate.edu.

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TSU tops in innovation, wins first place at inaugural T-Mobile ‘Unconventional’ Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has received a major recognition for innovation. A program developed by the university using 5G technology to recruit and retain underserved students in the STEM field, won first place in the inaugural T-Mobile “Unconventional” Awards for innovation in customer experience, at the Mobile World Congress in Nevada, Las Vegas. The TSU academic eSports program, geared toward creating pathways for students from gaming to STEM, took the top honor in the first-ever awards created to recognize and celebrate T-Mobile’s business customers who dare to innovate. 

TSU beat out several top institutions and companies to win first place for innovation. (Submitted photo)

As a first-place winner, TSU was awarded a $25,000 in in-kind donation to the university’s favorite charity. 

“Being chosen by T-Mobile for Business as an Unconventional Award winner offers TSU more validation for its innovative and decidedly creative approach to addressing the issue of diversity in STEM fields,” says Dr. Robbie Melton, associate vice president for SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategies. 

“This award highlights the educational value of using 5G technology to support eSports as a pathway to STEM programs and careers. Students are rewarded, not punished, for their passion for playing video games.”  

TSU’s T-Mobile recognition in innovation comes in just the second semester of the opening of its Academic eSports Center, which aims to use video games as a crucial steppingstone toward STEM careers. 

T-Mobile celebrates the winning teams at its inaugural ‘Unconventional” Awards ceremony. TSU’s team members appear far left. (Submitted photo)

Egypt Garrett, a competitive eSports gamer and freshman computer science major, says it is no surprise that TSU won the award.  

“I am very excited about TSU winning this award,” says Garrett, of Alexandria, Virginia, who is a member of one of the six teams at the university. “Personally, being at an HBCU, and someone one who enjoys technology and playing, having good gaming is having the best specs (PCs), the best wi-fi, and the center has those. I am so grateful for all the investment that went into it.” 

T-Mobile’s President for Business Group Callie Field says the Unconventional Awards was created to “honor organizations driving business and education forward with original thinking.”

Egypt Garrett, a competitive eSports gamer and freshman computer science major, says she is not surprised TSU won the award. (Submitted photo)

“We know a thing or two about innovating and transforming how work gets done, and we wanted to recognize that same spirit in the customers we support,” says Field. “This is more than just celebrating the winners’ accomplishments — it’s also a tribute to being bold and taking risks to advance business and education.” 

Melton, who is also interim provost and vice president for academic afffairs, says the TSU Academic eSport Center offers a career pathway program to get students interested in “behind-the-scene” work in areas such as coding, programming, game design, business management and entrepreneurship.  

“A state-of-the-art eSports center built on cutting-edge 5-G technology gives students the tools to dive deeply in gaming,” she says. “It also helps level the playing field for those who may not have had access to the technology required to participate in eSports.” 

Following TSU in the category of “Customer Experience” at the Sept. 29 awards were: Amazon Explorer, second place; and Motlow Sate Community College, third place. Other categories were “Employee Enablement,” and “Industry.” 

Award criteria were based on embracing unconventional DNA, demonstrating originality, and measuring impact. 

For more information on TSU’s SMART Technology Center, visit https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/ 

Featured Photo (Submitted)
A T-Mobile representative presents the First Place Award for Innovation in Customer Experience to the TSU team. Team members are, from left, Dr. Robbie Melton, Associate Vice President for SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategies; Dr. Effua Ampadu-Moss, Director of Esports Programs; Dr. Deborah Chisom, Executive Director of eSports Programs; and Robert Hassel, Director of Faculty Training for SMART Technology.

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TSU expert says midterm elections to determine nation’s ‘true political values’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – With the extreme divide between Democrats and Republicans, and a “major strain” on the democratic process, a Tennessee State University political scientist says this midterm election will determine where “our political values truly lie” as a country. 

Dr. Shameka N. Cathey

“Our current political climate is one of the most intense moments that we have experienced in some time as a nation,” says Dr. Shameka N. Cathey, assistant professor of political science. “As we emerge from a global pandemic, while facing an economic recession and concern over climate change, our everyday existence – the very basic things in our lives – from gas prices to education, to inflation and healthcare are key political issues in this moment.”  

An estimated 125.6 million Americans are expected to turn out for November’s midterm elections, according to a national pollster. Voters are coming out in full force, with 25 million who have already cast their ballots in early voting, as of Oct. 31. With the stark differences in how to lead the country forward, Cathey says she understands why voters are coming out in huge numbers. Democrats want to hold on to power, while Republicans aim to change that. 

“If there is a shift in the current makeup of the House, Republicans can block the President’s agenda for the rest of his term. Everything from student debt release, women’s right to choose, police reform, and healthcare will be on the line,” says Cathey.  

Jaiden Walker

She adds that with a flip in the entire makeup of Congress, Republicans will pass their own legislation, block any of Biden’s Supreme Court nominees, if that were to happen again, and stop any important investigations into former President Trump. Republicans will also be in a better position for a 2024 Presidential candidate, she says.

Jaiden Walker, a second-year political science student from Selman, Alabama, agrees that with the issues at stake, he’s not surprised at the record number of people expected to vote in the midterm. He calls on his fellow students to participate in the process, as “difference makers.” 

“I think that midterm elections always have important implications in the day-to-day lives of Americans,” says Walker. “It is important for students to participate because that’s one major way we can effect change by expressing our rights.” 

Historically, the outcomes of midterm elections have not been so favorable to the party in power. Could this term be any different? Cathey says with the surge in early voting and other factors, the outcome could go either way. 

“The tendency in midterm elections is to favor the out party due to what is called surge and decline theory,” she says. “Presidential elections often bring a surge of voters who are less partisan, and those voters stay home (decline) in the midterm elections. A change in direction could come from motivated voters due to Biden’s party pledge to protect abortion rights, student debt forgiveness, and his social and economic agenda.”  

Cathey also says several Republican candidates are being viewed as vulnerable. States like Georgia, Ohio, Arizona, and North Carolina can be a tossup for either party. In Georgia, for instance, more than 1.6 million have already cast their votes, according to recent projections. 

Election day is Nov. 8. Early voting is underway in many states, including Tennessee.