The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has been awarded a $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. The initiative aims to increase retention and graduation rates for high-achieving, underprivileged students pursuing STEM degrees that require Calculus I––a course that can be challenging for many students.
Over its six-year duration, the project will provide scholarships to 60 full-time undergraduate students across disciplines including chemistry, computer science, computer engineering, forensics, geology, marine science, mathematics, ocean engineering, physics and polymer engineering.
Titled Calculus to Careers: Scholarships Targeting Academically Rising Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Students (STARSS), the program offers more than just financial aid. It includes faculty mentoring, targeted tutoring through TRIO Student Support Services, graduate school advising via the McNair Scholars Program and professional development opportunities through the Center for Pathways Experiences. Students can also earn a graduation cord by completing and reflecting on career-focused experiences.
“I envision this initiative as a transformative experience for both students at Southern Miss and the broader university community,” said Dr. Hugh Broome, associate teaching professor of chemistry and principal investigator (PI). “By providing financial support, using existing university services, and applying research-based interventions, we aim to increase the number of STEM graduates at Southern Miss. This project also brings together an interdisciplinary team of mentors that will model collaboration and enrich our academic culture.”
Dr. Broome leads the project, with Dr. Douglas Masterson serving as co-PI and faculty mentor for chemistry. Faculty mentors from eight departments in the College of Arts and Sciences will guide students in their respective disciplines:
- Katja Biswas, assistant professor (physics)
- Alyson Brink, assistant professor (geology)
- Heather Broadhead, associate teaching professor (polymer engineering)
- Kemal Cambazoglu, assistant professor (ocean engineering)
- Xuyang He, assistant professor (forensic science)
- Nick Rahimi, assistant professor (computer science and engineering)
- Joris van der Ham, assistant teaching professor (marine science)
- Sarah Wright, assistant teaching professor (mathematics)
Faculty mentors will be trained through the Center for Student Success to enhance their ability to coach students in time management, goal setting and academic habits. Integrated STEM education programming will also help STARSS scholars apply mathematical concepts to their science disciplines, while building science identity and fostering a sense of community through cohort models and participation in professional student societies.
“This project addresses a critical national need by supporting the retention and graduation of students pursuing STEM degrees at Southern Miss,” said Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “By combining financial assistance with evidence-based academic and mentoring support, we’re empowering students to complete their degrees and achieve meaningful social mobility. This effort is a testament to our commitment to preparing students to be Ready for Life, while also providing insights into how we can better support future generations of STEM professionals.”
To qualify for the STARSS program, students must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents; be full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates majoring in one of the 17 programs requiring Calculus I; be Pell Grant eligible; have an ACT composite score between 22 and 30; maintain a high school GPA between 3.321 and 3.951; and successfully complete an interview proces