UH West Oʻahu receives nearly $750,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for math and science education

Joseph Bariyanga Math+Science+x Seminar

Dr. Joseph Bariyanga discusses the causes of obesity with students and faculty during a Math+Science+x Seminar.

The University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu was awarded a $746,278 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUP) program to

  • Support curriculum development for the new UH West Oʻahu bachelor of applied science in natural sciences program and the development of a bachelor of applied science in applied mathematics with an emphasis on recruiting and retaining Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander STEM students
  • Develop undergraduate research opportunities for STEM students
  • Develop middle and secondary science and math education programs at UH West Oʻahu
  • Hire additional peer academic leaders (PALs) to grow the existing mentoring program in math and supplemental math instruction by and for students
  • Create professional development opportunities for UH West Oʻahu faculty to incorporate Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island knowledge and understanding as part of science and math courses

“The math and science faculty are excited about this opportunity to help UH West Oʻahu students succeed in math and science,” said UH West Oʻahu Professor of Biology and Principal Investigator, Evelyn “Fenny” Cox. “This grant will provide funding for peer mentors and support for undergraduate research at the University – two critical components for building interest and competence in students pursuing STEM programs.”

Interested STEM students will work on undergraduate research projects together with UH West Oʻahu math and science faculty. The students will receive stipends for the research and will be provided with travel fees to attend conferences and present research results.

The National Science Foundation Tribal Colleges and Universities Program provides awards to Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native-serving institutions, and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions to promote high quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, research, and outreach.

Image courtesy of Evelyn "Fenny" Cox