Our Network
The SCENE core members are Norfolk State University (NSU), Pennsylvania State University (PSU), and Tidewater Community College (TCC). Each core member or partnering institute has demonstrated expertise and/or resources that have relevance to the goals pursued in this effort. Core institutions are committed to develop and implement products, services, and activities to engage and inform underserved populations and communities through academic means.
Partnering institutes provide research opportunities and connections to a community of real-world researchers, and possessing a treasure-house of knowledge and wisdom. As shown, the network has several existing channels by which significant levels of research and collaboration have already been established. Transforming the network into a Louis Stokes Research Center of Excellence will enhance and grow the level of activities, amplify the impact to even broader audiences, and strengthen our convening power and visibility.
As the project evolves and our team understands how network partnerships thrive (based on feedback through our evaluation activities), additional partnerships may be sought with strategic goals and objectives for expansion. A few of the anticipated institutes, based on research activities with STEM researchers at NSU are indicated in the figure. These include the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories (LLNL), Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL), Old Dominion University and Hampton University.
Partnering Institutes
NASA Langley Research Center (NASA LaRC)
NASA Langley Research center (NASA LaRC) is a partner institution. NSU and NASA LaRC (Hampton, VA) have been under the Space ACT Agreement (SAA1-1170, Advanced capabilities for aeronautics research and ground facility testing) for mutually beneficial research and training activities since 2012. Through this agreement and existing collaborations, NASA and NSU researchers are collaboratively implementing programs that: improve testing capabilities and techniques, develop advanced materials and electronic devices; develop optical systems for measurement and visualization; carry out applied experimental learning opportunities; provide advanced training in support aeronautics/space systems research and development; and address workforce development for STEM enrichment for university students and NASA personnel. Particularly, Co-PI Hargsoon Yoon and Senior Investigator Kyo Song are developing smart optics materials and devices for deep space exploration highly relying on nanotechnology and device fabrication techniques to be integrated within SCENE programing.
Jefferson National Research Laboratory Applied Research Center (JLab-ARC)
JLab-ARC is a partner institute and a complex research center launched by four Hampton Roads area universities (Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, Christopher Newport University, and College of William and Mary) and Jefferson Laboratory (JLab). This unique infrastructure has been used as an educational hub and site for collaborative research. Over the years, NSU has established strong research connections with other members at JLab-ARC, including NSF-funded TUES and CREST projects particularly focused on renewable energy research using nanotechnology. The JLab partnership will facilitate opportunities for enriching research activities in an environment that affords high quality experiences and access to research mentoring.
Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS)
EVMS is a public-private medical school founded by grassroots efforts in the Hampton Roads region, and with a goal of becoming “the most community-oriented medical school in the nation.” Several on-going collaborations in sleep and heart health researchers have supported NSU graduate and undergraduate students. These activities are developing new understanding of neural system systems and devices. EVMS will provide opportunities in biomedical research and engineering, and access to medical professionals that guide exciting experiential activities at the forefront of nanoscience and engineering.