FY 2019 Year 5 Extension Annual Performance Document Template

WV_FY19_Year 5Ext_APD

West Virginia Space Grant Consortium Lead Institution: University Director: Majid Jaridi, Ph.D. Telephone Number: (304) 293-4099 Consortium URL: wvspacegrant.org Grant Number: NNX15AI01H

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program consists of 52 state-based, university-led Space Grant Consortia in each of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Annually, each consortium receives funds to develop and implement student fellowships and scholarships programs; interdisciplinary space- related research infrastructure, education, and public service programs; and cooperative initiatives with industry, research laboratories, and state, local, and other governments. Space Grant operates at the intersection of NASA’s interest as implemented by alignment with the Mission Directorates and the state’s interests. Although it is primarily a higher education program, Space Grant programs encompass the entire length of the education pipeline, including elementary/secondary and informal education. The West Virginia Space Grant Consortium is a Designated Consortium funded at a level of $760,000 for fiscal year 2019.

A. PROGRAM GOALS The NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium’s (WVSGC) mission is to enhance educational programs and research in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in the state of West Virginia (WV). Our overarching objective is to extend the benefits of NASA’s research and education to all citizens of West Virginia. An essential goal of WVSGC is to capture, channel, and enrich the activities of the current and potential scientists through the Consortium’s network of affiliates, with emphasis on increasing the participation of under-represented groups in its programs. The Mission statement and Bylaws are reviewed and reapproved annually at the Fall meeting of the WVSGC Board of Directors. Program area goals are: NASA Internships, Fellowships, and Scholarships (NIFS) Goal: To contribute to, and advance NASA’s vision and strategies as outlined in various NASA documents, specifically regarding high-technology workforce development.

Our NIFS SMART objectives are: 1. To maintain the minimum number of Space Grant fellowships/scholarships at 120 in the next year. 2. To place at least two (2) summer interns at NASA field centers and seven (7) at high-tech companies in West Virginia.

Higher Education Programs (HE) Goal: To enhance higher education capabilities in STEM in West Virginia by using our unique position to initiate and support innovative programs that enable WV students to engage in hands- on experiences that will better prepare them for careers at NASA, its contractors, and other high- technology companies in the US.

Our HE SMART objectives are: 1. To support the development of at least three (3) new STEM courses per year at undergraduate and graduate levels at WVSGC academic affiliates; 2. To provide partial support to special projects of student organizations such as AIAA, SWE, NSBE, Astronomy Club, and Student Partnership for the Advancement of Cosmic Exploration (S.P.A.C.E); 3. To initiate and support programs such as Mars Rover Robotics projects and Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts Academic Linkage (RASC-AL); and 4. To ensure sustainability by securing at least 1:1 cost share from participating affiliates for the above higher education programs. 5. To collaborate with WV Community and Technical College system to provide opportunities for their students and faculty.

Research Infrastructure (RI) Goal: To contribute to NASA and the state of WV’s efforts at research infrastructure development, particularly in the high-technology sector.

Our RI SMART objectives are: 1. To support faculty members at our academic affiliates through seed grants and assistance in building research capacity and initiate collaborative efforts with NASA scientists. We will make at least 20 seed grant awards during the grant year; 2. To help and support faculty members at our academic affiliates to initiate collaborative research with the high-technology sector in the state. We will support at least one such project per year.

Precollege (K-12 Professional & Curriculum Development Program) Goal: To support the development of innovative STEM-related courses/activities and participation in professional development opportunities at the pre-college level.

Our Precollege SMART objectives are: 1. To support programs that enhance the use of NASA-developed training programs at the secondary education level for teachers in WV. We will fund at least two (2) such projects that would support STEM teachers to attend professional development opportunities (at least ten (10) teachers next year); and 2. To support in-service and pre-service teachers to implement programs that would stimulate the interest of pre-college students in STEM areas. We aim to sponsor at least two teachers (or teams of teachers) to implement such programs to benefit a minimum of 50 students per year.

Informal Education (Extension and Public Outreach, EPO) Goal: To support the development of new and innovative extension and outreach programs such as conferences that promote the understanding, education, development, and utilization of space; seminars or training sessions that encourage interdisciplinary training and research in aerospace- related fields; or informal education activities for the general public and students in WV. To be proactive in conducting collaborative public extension program with our partners and various entities in the state.

Our IE SMART objectives are: 1. To support and fund at least four (4) projects in public extension and outreach; and 2. To reach at least 1,000 members of the public in West Virginia to enhance their understanding of the importance of STEM education, as well as the positive role NASA plays in high-technology workforce development.

B. PROGRAM/PROJECT BENEFITS TO PROGRAM AREAS In the following section, a highlight from a student that participated in the NASA Internships, Fellowships, and Scholarship program.

• I was a first-generation college student. I was lost, broke, and greatly in need of opportunities to prove my determination and dedication – a little bit of extra money didn’t hurt either. My journey began with an internship opportunity provided through the WVU Space Grant Consortium and TMC Technologies of West Virginia. I was in desperate need of a way to distinguish myself and open the doors to my future. Through the help of the WVU SGC, I was able to find myself immersed in the daily development efforts of a highly involved company within the governmental industry. Following my summer internship where I developed tools that I still use in my career today, I found myself with the opportunity to accept full time employment within the ranks of TMC Technologies. I happily accepted a position within the NASA IV&V facilities of Fairmont, West Virginia. Now I find myself working on projects that will mold the future of space. The replacement for the Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope. The Parker Solar Probe, which is a spacecraft that has gotten closer to the Sun than any other before. I’ve gotten to work deeply with Europa Clipper – a reconnaissance mission of Jupiter’s moon Europa and its investigation to see if the icy moon could harbor conditions that could sustain life. Most recently, I’ve found myself aiding in modelling efforts for the Psyche mission which will endeavor to journey to a metal asteroid that orbits between the Sun and Mars. Honestly, it sometimes still feels like a dream. The things I work on, and the people that I work with are so amazing that I occasionally find myself having imposter syndrome. I never imagined a career as fruitful as one within NASA. I get to learn something new and grow academically almost every day. I attribute a large part of my opportunities to the influence and connections achieved through interaction with all the wonderful people involved within West Virginia Space Grant Consortium. With their guidance and aid, I now have the means to achieve things that not only make my parents proud of me, but that make me proud of myself as well – which is no easy task for perfection driven OCD engineers. I will always be thankful for the efforts of my Alma Mater’s SGC facility. Their drive to see me succeed, coupled with hard work and commitment, helped me to jumpstart my career within the industry. It has also allowed me to look for ways to aid new students with opportunities to better their futures and change their lives as well. (Robert J Brown, , Senior Systems Engineer- TMC Technologies, JSTAR ISSO, System Administrator- NASA Katherine Johnson IV&V Facility)

C. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

a. NASA Internships, Fellowships, and Scholarships (NIFS): NIFS 1: WVSGC surpassed its goal of 120 as the minimum number of fellowships and scholarships. In 2019, WVSGC made a total of 128 awards to college students; (60 Female, 68 Male, 18 under-represented groups) from twelve (12) academic institutions in WV.

NIFS 2: WVSGC is currently reviewing summer 2020 applications for students. WVSGC will award at least two (2) summer internships at NASA field centers and seven (7) at high- tech companies in West Virginia. All participants in our summer internship programs will be included in our longitudinal tracking system.

The number of presentations made by students at various research venues will be recorded and reported in OEPM. 100% of significant awardees will be tracked to the next steps after graduation b. Higher Education Projects: HE 1. WVSGC met its goal and awarded three (3) college course development grants to three faculty members (two females, one male, one minority). Research PIs have reported direct interaction with 11 Undergraduate students (three minorities), funding for one graduate student and indirectly impacting over 60 college students. Two (2) new courses have been initiated, one each at Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV and , Shepherdstown, WV.

HE. 2 and 3: In 2019, WVSGC sponsored four higher education programs, with 254 college student participants. These programs include support for 1) Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition hosted by the Spaceport America Cup. The competition challenges teams of college students to design, build and launch solid-, liquid- or hybrid-fuel rockets to a targeted altitude. A group of 26 college students with over 182 hours of informal education and public outreach will participate in the event this spring. 2) Science Public Outreach Team (SPOT) is a program to recruit and train WV undergraduate students to bring presentations about current West Virginia science, technology, and engineering to WV K-12 classrooms, museums, and youth programs. SPOT Coordinator, Sophie Knudsen, reported that in the current reporting cycle, 29 ambassadors presented to over 1,500 K-12 students; 3) Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Mid-Atlantic Student Conference. Approximately 175 students from 10 schools in the IISE region will attend and participate in the conference “Humanizing Systems.” The IISE student chapter provides outreach and PD opportunities for students that impact future engineers as well as the local community; 4) Space Flight Design Challenge (SFDC): 24 students from four colleges / university teams (including one MSI and one Community and Technical College) are currently participating in our statewide program. SFDC is a proven, hands-on program that involves students from various colleges and universities in West Virginia designing and building payloads that are tested and flown in suborbital and orbital rockets at NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

HE.4: To ensure sustainability of the above programs, WVSGC secured and documented (at least) 1:1 cost share from a variety of non-federal sources.

HE 5: WVSGC met its goal by sponsoring a team of students from BlueRidge Community and Technical College (CTC) to compete in the RockSat X challenge; however, we will continue to engage CTC students to pursue summer 2020 internships. c. Research Infrastructure (RI) Projects: RI 1: WVSGC surpassed its original goal of 20 awards. WVSGC awarded 33 seed grants to faculty members (23 males, 10 females) in STEM disciplines from 12 colleges and universities, including the only two MSIs in West Virginia. The activities, thus far, related to these projects have contributed to the training and mentoring of five (5) undergraduate students, three graduate students, two (2) collaborations with NASA scientists, eight (8) presentations of research, and three (3) published papers.

RI 2: Due to subpar proposals that were submitted for funding, WVSGC was unable to make any Joint University-Industry Research category for this reporting period. The BoD review committee agreed unanimously to reallocate the funding for this project and redirect through competitive competition to the NIFS program for FY 19. d. Precollege projects (K-12 Professional & Curriculum Development Program): Even though the activities will continue through the end of the semester, WVSGC has already exceeded its stated goal and met its SMART objectives. PC 1 & PC 2: Three (3) awards were made that directly impacted 13 educators and 15 informal educators ultimately engaging 82 K-12 student and 50 HE students. There was a total of nine (9) Educator Professional Developments events and 20 student engagement events. PC grant recipients have reported that as a direct result of the PC activity, two (2) STEM-based teaching tools were created, and two additional proposals for funding have been received in the amount of $10,400.

In addition to the above awards, the WVSGC conducted activities in a variety of educational opportunities involving pre-college students, pre-service educators, and in-service educators to engage and educate in the STEM disciplines. WVSGC co-sponsored the following: 1) On October 24-26, 2019, WV Science Teachers Association, over 250 K-12 educators from the State of WV attended. The fall conference theme was “Energizing Science Education” with a focus on understanding alternative sources of energy, re-energizing the teaching practice and exploring the breadth and depth of WV science content. 2) On December 7, 2019, WVSGC co-sponsored the WV FLL State Tournament held at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, WV. This event was the largest ever with over 60 teams from across the state participating and over 1,500 students, coaches, and parents attending the tournament. FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an international robotics program in partnership with LEGO in which teams of middle-school-aged students assemble and compete with their robots designed to accomplish tasks involved in a "real world" scenario. Using LEGO brick, and other elements such as sensors, motors, and gears, teams gain hands-on experience in engineering and the computer programming principles as they construct and program their unique robot inventions. 3) In April 2020, WVSGC will be co-sponsoring the Ohio County Elementary Science Fair. We anticipate about 180 students to attend the event. It is not just a science fair, but a STEAM Day where students rotate in small groups between numerous science stations, including physics, chemistry, life science, and art. e. Informal Education projects (Extension and Public Outreach): Even though the activities will continue through the end of the semester, WVSGC has already exceeded its stated goal and met its SMART objectives. IE 1 & 2: WVSGC sponsored six (6) IE programs, collaborating with partnering organizations to leverage resources and to extend STEM engagement. Recipients of these grants have reported that there were 92 student hands-on activities and 66 public at large events. At the time of this report, the IE programs directly impacted 65 educators, 57 informal educators, 2,473 K-12 students, and 309 HE students in WV. As a direct result of the “Science Public Outreach Team” project, 19 STEM-based teaching tools were created and/or maintained.

In addition to the above awards, 1) On February 11, 2020, in a collaborative effort by NASA Katherine Johnson IV&V Facility, the NASA WV Space Grant Consortium and the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, WVSGC will host the NASA SPACE Day with a theme “Be the Astronaut!”. Through our online registration site, we have over 455 students registered to attend. This year, we are doing things a little different. Instead of holding exhibits where students can freely roam, we are going to have 30-minute workshops that are more akin to a classroom setting. Our goal is to have a more profound impact on the students to encourage them to think about space-related topics. 2) Establishing Mentoring Pipeline of Women through Education and Research in STEM (EMPOWERS). WVSGC, in collaboration with like-minded partners, created an organization to engage K-12 female students in STEM disciplines in the state of WV.

These and other IE activities contribute directly to WVSGC IE goals and all SMART objectives were met.

D. MILESTONES Included in the following section, please find a list of Milestones that was included in the 5th year funding extension proposal with relevant updates not listed above and completion dates:

• Summer Undergraduate Internships (NIFS). TBD April – June 2020. • Undergraduate Student Research Fellowships (NIFS). 14 significant awards (seven females, seven males, 21% minority) to students from six academic institutions. Targeted to complete May 2020. • Graduate Student Research Fellowships (NIFS). 15 significant awards (six females, nine males) to students from the two major research institutions in the State. Targeted to complete May 2020. • Undergraduate NASA Scholarships (NIFS). 99 significant awards (47 females, 52 males, 9% minority, 3 veterans, 6 disabled) were made to students from 12 academic colleges and Universities. Inclusive of the only two MSIs in WV. Targeted to complete May 2020. • College Course Development (HE). Targeted to complete June 2020. • Competitive Team Projects (e.g. Rocketry, WV SPOT) (HE). Targeted to complete August 2020. • Community and Technical College Systems of WV (HE). Targeted to complete September 2020. • Space Flight Design Challenge (HE). Four teams (inclusive of one MSI and one CTC), 24 WV students involved in the program. Targeted to complete September 2020 • Research Initiation Grants (RI). Targeted to complete June 2020. • Research Enhancement Awards (RI). 30 seed grants to faculty members (21 males, 9females) in STEM disciplines from 12 colleges and universities, including the only two MSIs in West Virginia. Targeted to complete June 2020. • K-12 Professional and Curriculum Development Program (PC). Nine educator professional development workshop and 20 student STEM engagement activities are targeted to complete September 2020. • Extension and Public Outreach Programs (IE). 92 student hands-on activities and 66 public at large events are targeted to complete September 2020.

E. PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS TO NASA EDUCATION PERFORMANCE GOALS

• Diversity: WVSGC has always focused on providing broad participation across West Virginia in its activities. The geographic distribution of our affiliates reflects our commitment to include remote and economically challenged areas. We also have a variety of small and large universities/colleges as well as industry and government representatives serving on our Board of Directors. Of our 20-member Board, eight (8) are female and one is African American. WVSGC- sponsored students and faculty from each of the 12 Academic Affiliates representing diverse academic backgrounds. In this reporting cycle, 128 students (47% female; 14 % minority) from 39 distinct academic majors participated in programs offered by WVSGC in the NIFS category.

• Minority Serving Institution Collaborations: The only two MSIs in WV are members of the WVSGC. (BSC) is represented by Dr. Guy Sims, and WV State University is represented by Dr. Naveed Zaman on the Board of Directors of the NASA WVSGC. Both institutions were active in the Consortium and participated in a number of programs sponsored by WVSGC.

Examples of WVSGC collaborative activities with the two MSIs in WV are as follows: . WVSGC continued its support of the Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) at Bluefield State College. The goal of this program is to recruit and train minority college students in STEM fields to be mentored by a faculty member. These students visit area high schools and talk to minority students to encourage them to attend college and serve as a role model for them. ELI was established at Bluefield State College several years ago to provide African American students majoring in STEM fields with opportunities for leadership development through a comprehensive program based on leadership theory and practice. The program stresses civic service and academic productivity while emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of individuals and organizations. BSC is one of the most affordable schools in West Virginia, and the curricula are second-to-none for building a great career. More than 60 percent of graduates earn degrees in STEM disciplines, including nursing, biology, and engineering.

. During this reporting cycle, WV State University, using the funding from support of WVSGC, made a total of five research enhancement awards to faculty (four male, one female) for support of their R&D efforts and student involvement in research and five student Fellowships (3 female, 2 male).

. Also, Ms. Hannah Payne, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CASTEM) at WV State University, through the support of WVSGC, initiated a program entitled “Rocket Girls” at WV State University. The Rocket Girls Project was designed to address the following goals: 1) increase the number of girls interested in the fundamentals of rocket flight, while gaining fundamental engineering and science knowledge, 2) to provide a safe and empowering space to develop growth mindsets through the practice of the engineering design process, and 3) to provide a club that extends the learning opportunities and strengthens the relationships formed at camp. This project promoted interest in STEM through hands-on, stimulating and age-appropriate activities from a curriculum designed by MIT Edgerton Center. It provided a supportive environment for campers to engage in the Engineering Design Process (EDP), which helped them develop growth mindsets and self-confidence.

• Office of Education Annual Performance Indicators (APIs  API 3.3.3: STEM 19-1 128 Total Significant, direct student awards; 18 Underrepresented students; 60 Women; 8 Disabled;

 API 3.3.5: STEM 19-5 14

F. IMPROVEMENTS MADE IN THE PAST YEAR WVSGC continued its effort to engage the active and continuous involvement of all affiliates. The lead institution maintains a strong focus on the National Space Grant College and Fellowship program goals and objectives, and the Director ensures impacts are aligned with the NASA Strategic Plan and needs of West Virginia. To encourage interdisciplinary training, research, and public service programs related to aerospace, we have continued our collaboration with, and support of, the WV Community and Technical College Systems (CTCS) of WV. The involvement of our affiliates with the community college partnership has also led to increased visibility and a more extensive range of faculty and students involved at our affiliate institutions who are building lasting relations with our community college partners (e.g., SFDC, FIRST FLL championship tournament, internships, etc.). WVSGC welcomed Mr. Marcus Fisher of Fairmont State University and Dr. Kevin Evans of to our Board of Directors who replaced Dr. Stacey Jones and Dr. Gary Morris, respectively.

G. CURRENT AND PROJECTED CHALLENGES Our continuing challenge in the state of West Virginia is the inclusion of underrepresented groups in our programs. According to the US Census, the demography for WV is 93.6% white, 3.6% black, 0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.8% Asian, Hispanic or Latino 1.6% and 2% classified as “other.” The WVSGC Director, Dr. Majid Jaridi, has made a personal commitment to overcome this obstacle by engaging STEM students in enrichment activities at all our affiliates. Our intent is that by engaging students in a unique opportunity embedded within scientific experimentation that we can retain their interest in STEM disciplines and thus help to populate the STEM pipeline.

H. PROGRAM PARTNERS AND ROLE OF PARTNERS IN PROJECT EXECUTION

The Consortium is governed by a Board of Directors. We are grateful for the active participation of the WVSGC affiliates and partners in our programs. In accordance with its Mission Statement and its By-Laws, the Board sets all policies and procedures governing the Consortium operations. Characteristics of our academic and other affiliates of the Consortium are as follows:

• West Virginia University, the largest public university in the state, Land Grant, primarily research-oriented, represented by Dr. Melanie Page, Associate VP for Creative and Scholarly Activities. • , the second largest public university in the state, research-oriented, represented by Dr. Jon Maher, VP for Research. • Bluefield State College, an MSI, primarily teaching-oriented public university, represented by Dr. Guy Sims, Assistant to the President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. • WV State University, an MSI, Land Grant, primarily teaching-oriented public university, represented by Dr. Naveed Zaman, Dean, College of Natural Science and Mathematics. • NASA Katherine Johnson IV & V Facility, represented by Mr. Wesley Deadrick, IV&V Office Lead. • Bethany College, teaching and research-oriented private college, represented by Dr. Julia Wilson, Director of Government, Foundation and Academic Grants. • Community and Technical College System of WV, represented by Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, Chancellor. • Dr. Anne Cavalier, Educational Consultant. Mayor - City of Smithers, WV; prior Economic Development Representative for WV and Maryland – U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development. • Fairmont State University, teaching and research-oriented public university, represented by Mr. Marcus Fisher, Assistant Professor Information Systems Management. • Glenville State College, teaching and research-oriented public college, represented by Dr. Kevin Evans, Professor of Chemistry, Department of Science and Mathematics. • Green Bank Observatory, home to the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, represented by Dr. Karen O’Neil, Site Director. • Polyhedron Learning Media, Inc., a technology development company specializing in creating educational software, audio/video, and print materials, represented by Dr. Jeanne Finstein, President. • Shepherd University, primarily teaching-oriented public university, represented by Dr. Reza Mirdamadi, Chair, Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Engineering. • TechConnectWV, represented by Ms. Anne Barth, Executive Director. A Statewide economic development organization dedicated to the advancement of STEM and innovation economy in WV. • The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, non-profit organization with the mission to inspire creativity, learning and wonder through experiences in the arts & sciences, represented by Mr. Al Najjar, President and CEO. • , primarily teaching-oriented public university, represented by Dr. Karen Kettler, Interim Dean, College of Sciences. • , teaching, and research-oriented private university, represented by Dr. Chuck Wood, Executive Director, Center for Educational Technologies and NASA-sponsored Classroom of the Future • WV High Technology Consortium Foundation, non-profit organization to promote high- technology and economic growth in the state, represented by Mr. James Estep, President and CEO. • WV Wesleyan College, teaching and research-oriented private college, represented by Dr. Joseph Wiest, Professor of Physics. • WVU Institute of Technology, research and teaching-oriented public university, represented by Dr. Paul Steranka, Interim Dean and Professor, Mechanical Engineering; Acting Chair, Engineering Technology Department.