Lawrence Technological University receives National Science Foundation grant

Lawrence Technological University has received a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (NSF S-STEM) program in the amount of $1,998,226. The grant will fund the university’s new STEM initiative entitled I-CAAN: Fostering Confidence, Academic Achievement, and Networking to Strengthen the STEM Workforce.

According to an article on Lawrence Technological University’s website, Shannon Timmons, who serves as a professor of chemistry and as the chair of the university’s Department of Natural Sciences, was quoted as saying of the grant award, “I wrote this grant as a tribute to my father, a first-generation college student from an economically disadvantaged background. Ultimately, this award reaffirms LTU’s commitment to student success and social mobility, while advancing STEM workforce development in Southeast Michigan and beyond.” She added, “Beyond providing substantial scholarships, this grant will strengthen LTU’s student support services and enhance the university’s ability to inspire a diverse community of future STEM professionals.”

Of the grant funding, $1.44 million will go into direct student scholarships to assist students who are pursuing a STEM subject, come from an economically disadvantaged background, and have academic promise. Beginning in the Fall 2026 or Fall 2027 semesters, eligible domestic students can apply for an I-CAAN scholarship if they are studying biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or computer science.

The rest of the grant funding will go toward the development of resources and strategies that will help I-CAAN students stay in school and complete their degrees. Among the planned resources and strategies are a summer bridge program, a series of seminars, a faculty mentoring program, and a networking event. Those leading the I-CAAN efforts, which include Timmons, associate professor of biology Aleksandra Kuzmanov, associate professor of physics Bhujyo Bhattacharya, associate professor of mathematics Matthew Johnston, and associate professor of computer science Destiny Anyaiwe, will collaborate with various departments around campus to provide wide ranging support for I-CAAN scholars. 

In addition to the team of faculty co-lead investigators on the project, assistant professor of media communication Steven Wang and science outreach coordinator Erika Forest will be assisting with various duties.

For more information about Lawrence Technological University, visit the school’s website.