Monthly Archives: August 2024

EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, RESEARCH, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU math camp concludes with NASA visit

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  Middle Tennessee high school students took a step toward their future STEM careers, including the possibility of becoming astronauts, thanks to Tennessee State University’s All-Star Math Institute (ASMI) summer camp. The week-long camp, which focused on enhancing mathematical skills and promoting STEM disciplines, culminated in a trip to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama.

ASMI is a free program designed to improve math skills, increase retention in STEM fields, and provide enrichment in AI and coding and explores career opportunities in these areas.

Dr. Andrea Tyler, TSU’s Executive Director for Title III, noted that the camp not only strengthens the university’s connection with the local community but also enhances the pipeline of high school students interested in mathematics and STEM degree programs at TSU.

“The ASMI camp experience helped the students better understand the educational requirements and career options within mathematics, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their academic and professional futures,” Tyler said.

A highlight of the camp was a guest lecture by TSU alumnus Corey Harrell, the Safety and Mission Assurance Branch Chief at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Harrell shared insights about his crucial role in planning the Artemis II mission, overseeing rocket engines essential for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

“People today often don’t realize how integral math is in our lives,” Harrell told the students. “It’s essential in my role as a NASA supervisor and engineer.”

Harrell, who earned a degree in electrical engineering from TSU, emphasized the foundational role of math and science in every rocket launch and satellite. He recounted his journey from being a TSU student to securing a dream internship at NASA, which led to his current leadership position.

“Talking to these aspiring students was both an honor and a pleasure,” Harrell said. “It’s rewarding to influence younger generations while returning to my alma mater.”

Tyler highlighted the impact of the ASMI camp, noting that the concentrated, immersive experience played a crucial role in igniting the students interest in STEM careers. This exposure is valuable for students from underrepresented backgrounds who have limited access to STEM role models and opportunities, he said.

Following the camp, students visited the NASA Museum in Huntsville, Alabama, on the 55th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. The visit featured hands-on space simulations and discussions with NASA scientists.

The ASMI camp, in collaboration with TSU, offers educational enrichment and hands-on experiences for Middle Tennessee high schoolers, shaping their future academic and career paths.

For more information about the ASMI, visit the ASMI Website.

FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

Covid-19 prevention a priority amid surge in cases, fall return

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  COVID-19 cases are spiking in several states across the country, including Tennessee, as projections from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate the spread of new COVID-19 variants. Recent data shows over 255,000 new cases reported in Davidson County alone within the last 180 days. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, there were nearly 370 new COVID-19 cases in the county for the week ending July 14.

Tennessee State University’s Interim Public Health Program Director, Dr. Wendelyn Iman, emphasizes the importance of immunization as a preventative measure. 

“Whatever strain is out there, whatever our physicians are recommending, I would advise my friends and relatives to ensure their immunizations are up to date,” Dr. Iman said. 

“The most important thing for us, as an institution, is to be proactive in prevention and for individuals to be immunized against COVID-19. Prevention is so much less expensive.”

Dr. Iman, who is also a subject matter expert on infectious diseases, highlights the necessity for TSU, and all institutions, to take additional preventative measures as students return for the fall semester. TSU officials remain optimistic based on past success navigating the pandemic and will encourage the campus community to take precautions if there is an increase in cases. Along with prevention, the University also stresses the importance of protection and awareness for the academic year and beyond.

“The University wants to ensure that individuals who may be exposed or have the potential to be exposed protect themselves and others by continuing to follow our campus COVID protocols,” said Dr. Curtis Johnson, vice president for Administration and Chief of Staff.

“The University will continue to provide masks, sanitizer, and other protective supplies,” Dr. Johnson added. “We are working with our campus health services to encourage frequent hand washing and meeting in well-ventilated areas when gathering in groups.”

Johnson noted that there are COVID-19 protocols in place for students living on campus, as well as those who commute each day. All students should also alert HR, Emergency Management, or Student Affairs if infected.

“Residential students should report to their residence hall director, who will coordinate with health services for isolation, if necessary. Commuting students are asked to stay off campus for 24 hours and follow COVID protocols for the next five days when in public.”

Nationwide, there was a 23.5% increase in emergency room visits for COVID-19, during the week ending July 6, according to CNN. The media outlet also reported that there has been increased viral activity levels for COVID-19 in wastewater.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, TSU implemented comprehensive safety protocols and offered students a variety of resources and support options. In 2021, students who tested positive for COVID-19 were placed in an area known as the IQ (Isolation and Quarantine) zone, where they received 24-hour service, including access to health professionals, meal delivery three times a day, laundry service, and medication if needed. The university even offered incentives, such as gift cards, to encourage students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. Online class discounts were also available for students.

As of July 15, 2024, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1 have high prevalence in the United States. According to USA TODAY, the symptoms associated with the KP.3 variant are similar to those from the JN.1 variant. The CDC outlines some basic symptoms of COVID-19, which can appear between two to 14 days after exposure and range from mild to severe:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat

The CDC advises seeking medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds.

TSU does not have a mask or vaccination mandate in place as outlined by state law, and does not provide COVID-19 testing at this time. However, students, faculty, or staff experiencing symptoms or who have tested positive should contact the Campus Health Center at (615) 963-5291 or [email protected], along with the other appropriate departments as outlined by University protocol.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, Marketing, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU alumna wins Netflix Barbecue Showdown

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  Tennessee State University alumna and chef Shaticka Robinson has proven that even dreams can be smoked to perfection. The former TSU executive chef won season three of Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown and the $50,000 grand prize that came along with the title. Robinson competed against the best backyard smokers and pitmasters in the country.

Tennessee State University alumna Chef Shaticka Robinson competes in episode 306 of Netflix’s “Barbecue Showdown,” ultimately winning the competition. (Photo courtesy of Netflix)

The Nashville native said she always believed in herself and knew she would win the competition.

“I put my soul on the table,” Robinson said. “Being on the grill is a peaceful place for me. So, in my mind, I knew I was a winner.”

Robinson was at TSU for nearly six years before leaving to film the show in Georgia. She shared how her parents taught her how to cook at the age of seven, with the mindset of turning a kitchen into a home. This was especially true at TSU, as she prepared the menu for student dining. In 2018, Robinson was hired at TSU through Aramark as the cafe’s chef.

“How do I turn the cafe into everyone’s kitchen or a home away from home?” Robinson said when she took on the job. “That’s what I tried to create at Tennessee State University. I love TSU, so I thought it would be awesome for me to be able to go back to my school and try to make a difference.”

Robinson was at TSU as the executive chef for nearly six years before leaving to film the show in Georgia.

She noted that her time at the university developed her passion for cooking as well. “Being at TSU, handling the cafe and catering, made me a better chef,” she said.

In 2020, during the pandemic, she started delivering home cooked meals in her Hendersonville neighborhood to those in need. Her cooking efforts quickly became the talk of her community. That’s when she decided to take her passion a step further and purchased her own food truck, Coley’s Jook Junt, where she offers a barbecue feast and soul food.

It was last year when Robinson was sought out by a casting agent to compete in the TV show competition, bringing her much more recognition for her craft. From the show winnings, alongside $50,000, she also won a new smoker that will be needed for her food truck business as she says now her menu items sell out every day.

Barbecue Showdown winner Shaticka Robinson showcasing her grilling skills in episode 303. (Courtesy of Netflix)

Robinson also sells her own dry rib rub online and “Bougie BBQ” merchandise such as T-shirts, hats, and glassware to bring a different style and look to the barbecue industry.

Robinson stated that she is grateful for the recognition of her talents and for showing the world that a Black woman can, too, barbecue.

She concluded with little advice to the thousands of TSU students she has served breakfast, lunch, and dinner to every day in the cafe. “Don’t take failure as a no,” she said. “Dream so big that it scares you. Believe you have greatness in you, because you do.”

Robinson is a wife and a mother of five who currently resides in Nashville.

Watch Chef Robinson on Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown and check out her food truck at www.coleysjj.com.