Battelle Supports Research Opportunities for STEM Students

Students to Work with Battelle Scientists on Research & Professional Development

MEDIA CONTACT: Damita Chambers, dchambers@bowiestate.edu, 301-832-2628 mobile

(BOWIE, Md.) – Battelle, a global research and development organization, is expanding its long-standing commitment to increasing diversity and fostering inclusion within science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers by investing $200,000 over two years to provide students from Bowie State University and Morgan State University research opportunities to progress from the classroom to employment. It is the first phase of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Consortium, a Battelle program established to build meaningful, long-term collaborative relationships with the country’s leading HBCUs.

"Partnering with industry leaders like Battelle ensures that our academic programs are relevant to their needs in preparing our students to become future researchers and leaders in this sector," said Dr. Anika Bissahoyo, Bowie State's assistant vice president for research. "A meaningful research experience for undergraduate students affords the opportunity for them to apply their coursework to real-world scenarios that improves their problem-solving abilities. It also helps them determine their future career paths and increases their competitiveness for graduate programs and jobs."

The HBCU Consortium initially will be seeded by student externship opportunities that will evolve to include joint seminars, mentorship opportunities, participation on thesis committees and research collaborations and employment at Battelle. Students from Bowie State and Morgan State, both located in Maryland, will be the first to work with Battelle scientists and engineers and within the government programs Battelle supports. The intention is to expand the program to other HBCUs in the future.
  
“Battelle recognizes the critical importance of representation in STEM,” said Battelle Vice President of Philanthropy and Education Wes Hall. “With the creation of the Consortium, we seek to equip students with the workplace experiences and personal networks that they need to successfully pursue employment in scientific fields.”

Bowie State administrators will select students from the following departments for the Battelle internships: computer science, mathematics, natural sciences and technology & security. 

“Diversity drives innovation and we are proud to invest in the future scientists and engineers studying at HBCUs,” said Storm Woods, Battelle’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion. “We look forward to working with and learning from these incredible scholars.”

Battelle is committed to diversity and inclusion and is focused on expanding educational and career opportunities for students who may have experienced barriers to success in the past. As a nonprofit philanthropic trust, Battelle is guided by the mission to leverage science and education for the benefit of society.

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.

About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit battelle.org.