The focus on academic training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has become a priority in higher education as the workforce demands for college graduates in these fields continues to grow nationwide. FAMU will proactively address ways to increase innovation and national competitiveness through STEM programs by hosting the sixth biennial Education and Science Forum on March 26-28, 2012.The university is expecting nearly 300 people from across the U.S. to attend this education and science conference.
FAMU President James H. Ammons, City of Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), U.S. Representative Steve Southerland (R-Fla.), and Florida Representative Michelle Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee) will attend the opening plenary session on March 26 at 9 a.m. The keynote speaker from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be Dr. Paul Sandifer, senior science advisor to the NOAA administrator.
NOAA is the principal sponsor of this STEM focused forum.
“It is an honor to host the NOAA conference on campus,” Ammons said. “Florida A&M University has a commitment to producing tomorrow’s leaders in science and technology. This is a unique opportunity for the academic community to collaborate with leaders in the public and private sectors who are actively engaged in closing the gap in STEM education and research.”
According to Dr. Michael Abazinge, interim dean of the School of the Environment and director of the Environmental Cooperative Science Center (ECSC), the focus of the conference is four-fold:
-Provide a venue for exchanging results of collaborative research between NOAA and the academic community and discussing new engagement opportunities.
-Expand academic training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines through partnership activities (with NOAA scientists, academia and private and public sectors.
-Explore and expand future career opportunities for STEM graduates in the public, private and academic sectors.
-Highlight professional careers in the public, private and academic sectors.
“The real thrust of this conference is to increase and develop the STEM talent by creating a more diverse scientific workforce that directly supports NOAA’s mission and increases opportunities for innovation and U.S. global competitiveness,” said Abazinge.