FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2008
Media Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310

Florida Community College student one of 10 selected for National Science Foundation summer research project at UNC/Charlotte

Florida Community College at Jacksonville student Brittany Zanders has been selected by the National Science Foundation as one of 10 students to participate in an NSF summer research experience at University of North Carolina—Charlotte.

Zanders will begin an eight-week session at UNC Charlotte early in June. The NSF-funded Summer 2008 Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program, “Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering through Laboratory, Field and Computational Investigation,” will provide to her and nine other undergraduate participants “meaningful research experiences… and ensure access to the tools necessary for satisfaction and retention in science and engineering careers, with an emphasis on graduate education research,” according to the NSF Website. The 10 students chosen for the project not only gain invaluable research experience, but have ample opportunity for professional, social and cultural development. Students also receive stipends; and housing, meal plans and travel allowances are available.

An exceptional Math student, Zanders learned of the opportunity for the summer program through her involvement in STEM, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Club at the FCCJ’s Kent Campus. The STEM Club’s primary focus is to increase the number of minority students in those STEM fields. Through STEM and its sponsor organization, the Florida-Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, students become eligible to receive scholarships and attend conferences and other learning opportunities. More information about FGLSAMP or STEM e-mail Professor Lee Seltzer.