Arising-2019.Pdf

ARISINGARISING The Savannah State University Journal of Research

SPRING 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Arising Vol. 7, Num. 1, Spring 2019 Mission Possible Arising is published by University Advancement, which includes 04 Savannah State’s eCYBERMISSION program teaches area middle schoolers to recog- alumni relations, marketing and communications, special events, and nize the real-life applications of STEM. development.

DOD at SSU SENIOR ADMINISTRATION 05 Learn about some of the many grant programs funded by the U.S. Department of CHERYL DAVENPORT DOZIER, DSW Defense at Savannah State over the past five years. President MICHAEL J. LANEY, PH.D. 06 Cybersecurity for a New Generation Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs SSU’s 2018 GenCyber summer camp introduced area middle schoolers to cybersecu- EDWARD B. JOLLEY JR., MBA rity, cyber safety, programming, network fundamentals and more. Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs

ELAINE CAMPBELL Fellowship for the Future Interim Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs 08 The SSU Masters in Mathematics and Marine Sciences program is helping graduate students Napoleon Martin and Kristopher Maedke-Russell realize their dreams. PHILLIP D. ADAMS, MS Vice President for University Advancement Path to a Bright Future in Geosciences F. CARL WALTON, PH.D. 10 A new National Science Foundation-funded Improving Undergraduate STEM Educa- Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management tion: Pathways into Geoscience grant seeks to change the way that students learn about MABLE MOORE, PH.D. earth sciences. Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and CIO

Seeds of Change OFFICE OF SPONSORED RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION 11 SSU Environmental Science Instructor Shawn Rosenquist, Ph.D., and a team of local experts are tackling urban food deserts by creating an aquaponic garden at Gadsden CHELLU S. CHETTY, PH.D. Elementary School. Associate Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs NANCY RIGGS A Desire, A Dream and a Destiny to Be a Scientist Director of Research and Sponsored Programs 12 A $1.3 million National Institutes of Health NIBIB-ESTEEMED grant gives incoming SSU students a chance to grow into ethical, well-rounded scientists ready to tackle ARISING STAFF advanced degree programs. LORETTA D. HEYWARD Virtual Forensic Science: SSU Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications/ Executive Editor 14 Forensic science takes center stage at Savannah State thanks to exclusive virtual crime scene software and a new certificate program launching in the fall. AMY K. PINE Managing Editor/Writer

Faces Around Campus: Chellu Chetty, Ph.D. HON LOW 16 Chellu Chetty, Ph.D., associate vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs, Art Direction/Design/ Photography has mentored numerous students and colleagues over the years. SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY MISSION Savannah State University, the oldest public historically black Faculty Spotlight: Christina Davis, Ph.D. university in the State of Georgia, develops productive members 18 Meet Christina L. Davis, Ph.D., assistant professor and program coordinator of of a global society through high quality instruction, scholarship, Africana studies. research, service and community involvement. The University fosters engaged learning and personal growth in a student-centered environment that celebrates the African American legacy while Alumni Spotlight: Reynard Scott nurturing a diverse student body. Savannah State University offers 20 graduate and undergraduate studies including nationally accred- SSU alumnus Reynard Scott is taking the world of international business by storm at ited programs in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions. Walmart corporate headquarters. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). A unit of Window to the World the University System of Georgia. 21 SSU’s global logistics and international business (G-LIB) major and G-LIBER Center for Excellence are preparing students for international careers. WWW.SAVANNAHSTATE.EDU For more information about Savannah State University’s grant Gearing Up for Success and sponsored research programs contact: Office of Sponsored 23 Research Administration, Chellu Chetty, Ph.D., associate vice SSU’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR president. 912-358-4277, [email protected], UP) has changed the lives of thousands of Savannah-Chatham County Public School www.savannahstate.edu/osra. System students. On the cover: Dhimani Still, a sophomore forensic science major with a concentration in chemistry from Marietta, Ga., tests out Student Voices: Kayla Hughes and Ja’Brekia Bass virtual reality crime scene technology developed by Karla-Sue 24 SSU students Kayla Hughes and Ja’Brekia Bass share their experiences as participants Marriott, Ph.D., a professor and coordinator of the forensic science in the university’s GEAR UP program. program, and the software firm Vizitech. Savannah State University is the only place in the world with access to the high-tech forensic science technology. Grant Funding at SSU 26 Learn more about grant funding at Savannah State. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Arising magazine debuted in 2013 as our university’s premier research publication. Our goal was to showcase the research in which our faculty and students were engaged. Through Arising, we have told countless stories about revolutionary research, students and faculty working in pursuit of academic excellence, and vital community outreach programs that have made a difference in our area. This year’s issue of Arising is no exception. We feature some compelling research and acknowledge Chellu Chetty, Ph.D., associate vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs, who has worked tirelessly to raise the research profile of Savannah State to its current level of prominence. Whether it’s helping faculty secure grant funding, sponsoring student research or planning conferences, Dr. Chetty and his team are committed to the university’s mission to educate and prepare students for the workforce. The most rewarding benefit has been the students’ experiences as researchers. The enthusiasm and expertise with which they present their research is evident at the university’s annual research day conference. They are seriously impressive. We are inspired by student researchers who take great pride in their work. Recently, three of them pre- sented at a Board of Regents meeting and awed the audience with their forensic science—facial reconstruc- tion—research. Two of the students already have secured employment with law enforcement entities and the third, who just completed her undergraduate degree, is headed to a doctoral program in chemistry. It is because of our excellent teaching and research faculty, who are successful with grantsmanship, and inquisitive young minds that we are able to give students the opportunity to follow their passions and succeed. Many of our graduates, who were involved in research, are now in careers related to biostatistics, clinical research, management and logistics, and operations at major companies and corporations. Some have gone on to graduate school. In January, I announced my retirement as president of SSU effective June 30, 2019, after eight years of service. Since my arrival in 2011, we have generated more than $41 million in funding, providing faculty with unprecedented opportunities to engage in high-level research in their respective fields. Our grant and research programs are thriving and I am appreciative to all who have supported and will continue to support Savannah State University.

Sincerely, Cheryl Davenport Dozier, DSW President

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 3 our mission, should you careers and to broaden, deepen and diversify of Engineering Technology and the grant’s choose to accept it, is to solve the pool of STEM talent in support of the principal investigator (PI). real-world STEM problems, U.S. Defense Industry Base. Working alongside co-PIs Mir Hayder, submit your project to a Every other week, the students, who were Ph.D., associate professor of engineering Ynational competition, and prepare for selected from four Savannah-Chatham technology; Mohammad Mustafa, Ph.D., your future college degree and dream County Public School System middle professor of civil engineering technology career. schools, meet on the SSU campus and break and interim dean of the College of Sciences into teams of four. The teams, led by teach- and Technology; Suman Niranjan, Ph.D., More than 70 middle school students ers at their respective schools, work with associate professor of supply chain and from across the city accepted the challenge faculty mentors to solve real-world prob- logistics, director of the Interdisciplinary to participate in Savannah State University’s lems in areas such as engineering, robotics, Transportation Studies program, and coor- eCYBERMISSION program, a national ini- alternative energy, national security and dinator of the university’s Global Logistics tiative that promotes self-discovery among safety, physics, chemistry, applied math- and International Business Education and young scientists and enables participants to ematics, cybersecurity and environmental Research Center of Excellence; and Manoj recognize real-life applications of STEM. science. Prasad, Ph.D., assistant professor of chem- Funded through a one-year, $39,800 grant “The goal is to work with minority stu- istry, the mentors introduce students to from the U.S. Army Educational Outreach dents so that we can encourage them to go concepts in their fields of expertise and give Program (AEOP) through the U.S. Depart- toward STEM majors,” says Asad Yousuf, them ideas as they work to complete their ment of Defense, eCYBERMISSION aims Ed.D., professor of electronics engineering projects. to engage students in STEM training and technology, interim chair of the Department In addition to working with the faculty

4 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY Since 2014, the U.S. Department of Defense/ U.S. Air Force Office of Spon- Defense (DOD) has funded numerous sored Research grants at Savannah State University Principal Investigator: Kai Shen, Ph.D., totaling more than $3.3 million. The associate professor of chemistry

The eCYBERMISSION grants have enabled SSU faculty members Duration: 2017-20 mentorship team, to engage in cutting-edge research in a Award: $671,465 clockwise from center: Manoj Prasad, Ph.D.; Asad number of scientific fields, while creating Yousuf, Ed.D.; Suman unprecedented opportunities for students, HBCU Research/Education Program: Niranjan, Ph.D.; Moham- mad Mustafa, Ph.D.; and especially underrepresented minorities. Acquisition of Laser Confocal Micro- Mir Hayder, Ph.D. scope SNAPSHOT OF RECENT U.S. Funding Agency: U.S. Department of DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GRANTS Defense/Army Research Office Principal Investigator: Takayuki Nitta, Marine Mammal Associations with Ph.D., assistant professor of biology Environmental and Prey Variability of Duration: 2017-18 Cape Hatteras Award: $360,438 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Defense/Research and Education HBCU/ Design and Synthesis of New Het- MI Program eroleptic Lanthanide Complexes to Principal Investigator: Amanda Kalten- Catalyze Ring-Opening Polymeriza- berg, Ph.D., assistant professor of marine tion of Cross Linkable Gamma Lac- sciences tone Monomers to Exclusively Obtain Duration: 2018-21 Unsaturated Polyesters Award: $487,000 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Defense/Army Research Office Role of Lipids Reorganized by Viral Principal Investigator: Pascal Binda, Ph.D., Proteins and Restriction Factors in associate professor of chemistry Viral Life Cycle Duration: 2015-18 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Award: $332,633 Defense/Research and Education HBCU/ MI Program Mediating Role of Metavinculin on the mentors, the students engage in hands-on Principal Investigator: Takayuki Nitta, Mechanical Properties of Extracelluar STEM activities and enjoy guest speakers Ph.D., assistant professor of biology Matrix and Smooth Muscle Cells (with who introduce topics and expose them to Duration: 2018-21 2 HSAP supplements) career possibilities. Award: $557,172 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Once they complete their projects Defense/Army Research Office in the spring, the students will submit Sigma-1 Receptor Agonists as Novel Principal Investigator: Kai Shen, Ph.D., them to the national eCYBERMISSION Therapeutic for Brain Mitochrondrial associate professor of chemistry program competition, which takes place Dysfunction in Gulf War Syndrome Duration: 2015-18 in Washington, D.C., in June. Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Award: $332,972 “Introducing students in our commu- Defense/Congressionally Directed Medi- nity to STEM is a priority at Savannah cal Research Programs MRI: Acquisition of a Raman Micro- State,” says President Cheryl Davenport Principal Investigator: Kai Shen, Ph.D., scope for Interdisciplinary Research Dozier, DSW. “The exposure to our faculty associate professor of chemistry and Training and our facilities, along with the prob- Duration: 2017-20 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of lem-solving techniques learned in the Award: $672,888 Defense/Army Research Office eCYBERMISSION program, will serve the Principal Investigator: Kai Shen, Ph.D., students well as they continue on in their Sigma-1 Receptor Agonists as Novel associate professor of chemistry secondary school careers and eventually Therapeutic for Circadian Rhythm Duration: 2014-17 work toward college degrees.” 1 Disruption-Induced Fatigue Award: $331,997 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 5 Middle schoolers from around the city gathered on the SSU campus in June 2018 to participate in SSU’s GenCyber summer camp.

All photos courtesy of Bryan Knakiewicz, Ph.D.

6 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY (Left) Students engaged in hands-on activities during the weeklong GenCyber camp. (Right) SSU Coordinator of Computer Science Technology Alberto De La Cruz (third from left) worked closely with students, introducing them to programming, network fundamentals, operating systems fundamentals and cybersecurity principles.

n 2018, SSU received a $92,723 grant from the National Sci- police officer. ence Foundation and National Security Agency to launch “Not only did this program get the students interested in STEM GenCyber, a national program that seeks to increase interest disciplines, but it also taught them basics in cybersecurity, and issues in cybersecurity careers, create diversity in the cybersecurity such as cyber bullying and online safety, which is very important. Iworkforce, help students understand appropriate and safe online [These are topics that are] not covered in a lot of middle schools behavior and how to be good digital citizens, and improve secondary when [the students] start engaging in online activities,” Knakiewicz school teaching methods for the delivery of cybersecurity content. says. “The exercises were [designed] to stimulate their interest and While the national program is geared toward a wide range of knowledge of computers and to allow them to have fun so they [will ages — kindergarten through 12th grade — Program Director Bryan want to] pursue [these areas of study] later in their education.” Knakiewicz, Ph.D., assistant professor of civil engineering technol- During the weeklong camp, Knakiewicz and De La Cruz were ogy and the grant’s principal investigator (PI), and Lead Instructor assisted by 10 Savannah State computer science students, who Alberto De La Cruz, coordinator of computer science technology and served as mentors and helped with hardware and software installa- co-PI, chose to focus on Savannah-Chatham Public School System tion, along with several SCCPSS teachers, who helped manage the 6th-8th graders. classroom setting. “Most students [at that age] are willing to learn anything about And while many students were skeptical when they arrived, the new technology,” says De La Cruz. feedback Knakiewicz and De La Cruz received at the end of the pro- Though many of the students came in with little knowledge about gram showed just how far the middle schoolers had come in a short computers, hardware or software, they jumped right in, learning period of time. how to build Raspberry Pis — small single-board computers that “Before I came to this camp, I didn’t know much about cybersecu- have all of the processing capabilities of standard computers. They rity. We did many activities that were very fun and interesting,” one also learned about networking infrastructure, using routers and participant stated. switches, configured a small network and even had the chance to Another participant said that it was interesting to see how many design their own video games. cybersecurity jobs are left unfilled each year, while another was “We took them from introductory level to intermediate program- excited to learn about coding. ming skills [in five days],” says Knakiewicz. The students also learned very important lessons about online In addition to learning about programming, network fundamen- safety. tals and operating systems, the students also were introduced to “I learned that even though you may have something private, various elements of cybersecurity, including cryptography, safe people can always get into it. I also learned that people may not be online practices, online ethics and other Cybersecurity First Prin- what they seem that they are,” one participant noted. ciples. Each day featured a different speaker, among them an FBI The SSU GenCyber camp recently received funding to offer the agent, cybersecurity professional, lawyer, cryptology expert and program again in Summer 2019. 1

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 7 8 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY n Fall 2018, Napoleon Martin was enrolled in his first completion of his master’s degree and eventually work as an semester as a graduate student in mathematics at Savan- engineer. “And they’ve done everything to help us be success- nah State University, working full time at Home Depot ful.” and starting to build a new life with his wife, Savannah. Kristopher Maedke-Russell found himself in a similar posi- IJuggling his study of high-level applied mathematics with tion when he entered the graduate marine sciences program work and family time was challenging. When the physical at Savannah State in 2018. Working full time at Whole Foods, demands of his job caused intense back pain, Martin knew that tackling graduate studies and providing for his wife, Rebecca, something had to change. and young daughter, Lottie, made focusing on coursework and “I told my wife that I couldn’t work and go to school full research challenging. time,” says Martin, who received a bachelor of science degree “The goal for any graduate student is to not have to work full in mathematics from SSU in 2015. time and do a full course load and do your thesis and research,” That’s when Martin learned about a new grant program at says Maedke-Russell, who received a B.S. in biology from Arm- SSU that would cover his tuition and provide a generous sti- strong State University (now Georgia Southern University). pend, enabling him to concentrate full time on his studies and Maedke-Russell learned about the SSUMMS Fellowship engage in high-level research. during that difficult first semester of his graduate studies and The SSU Masters in Mathematics and Marine Sciences knew it would help alleviate the burden of working full time (SSUMMS) program, launched in 2018, aims to increase the while being a full-time student. While the financial compensa- number and strengthen the preparedness of low-income and tion initially attracted him to the program, he quickly discov- minority master of science graduates in mathematics and ered that there were other benefits to the fellowship as well. marine sciences. The six-year, $2.6 million program, funded “The financial aspect was certainly part of it, but to have through a U.S. Department of Education Title VII grant, sup- someone investing in your research, is like a [boost] for your ports 10 qualified merit scholars each year. The goal of the emotional well-being and minimizes the stress that goes along program is to recruit and retain high-quality students and to with a [graduate] program,” he says. prepare them to compete in the STEM workforce or for admis- Under the direction of his faculty mentor, Maedke-Russell sion to doctoral and professional degree programs. spends his days researching the ecology of freshwater systems, “I was surprised by how well-funded the program was. [I identifying how human impacts can affect marsh ecosystems. was told] they would try to make it as financially feasible as He also serves as a crew member on one of the marine sciences possible, but I didn’t expect something like this,” Martin says. department’s boats, the RV Margaret Robinson, to fulfill the “This is like a dream — a once-in-a-lifetime deal.” service component of the fellowship. In addition to providing students with stipends and covering “It’s great because I get field experience and get to be out on tuition, SSUMMS fellows receive support for research and the water,” says Maedke-Russell, who has taken 6th graders financial assistance for conference travel and work closely from a local middle school on educational trips through the with a faculty mentor. In exchange, the fellows are required to estuary to conduct water sampling and trawl for fish. conduct research and complete a thesis, engage in community Maedke-Russell will present his research at various confer- service on the Savannah State campus, and attend workshops ences this spring, complete his graduate coursework in May and seminars. and finalize his thesis over the summer. He eventually plans Martin serves the university community by working in the to work for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources tutorial lab, assisting undergraduate students with math work. Coastal Resources Division and then pursue a Ph.D. in marine He completed a summer research project in which he helped sciences. local businesses maximize profits by calculating optimal sales “There’s no way I would have been able [to graduate] in two prices. In January, Martin traveled to Baltimore to present his years if I were working full time,” he says. “The funding has summer research at the American Mathematical Society and really made it possible to [complete] the program. 1 the Mathematical Association of America’s annual Joint Math- ematics Meeting, the largest gathering of mathematicians in the U.S. He is currently conducting thesis research to create a Napoleon Martin (left), a second-year graduate student in mathematics, and Kristopher Maedke-Russell (right), a second-year marine sciences graduate code to help self-driving cars avoid obstacles. student, are both receiving support through the Savannah State University “The goal [of SSUMMS] is to see us succeed,” says Martin, Masters in Mathematics and Marine Sciences (SSUMMS) grant program. who plans to apply for a Ph.D. program in engineering upon

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 9 s a young girl growing up in ation specifically targeting HBCU teacher tutions will engage in a self-assessment to Savannah, Ga., Sue Ebanks, preparation programs. determine how they can implement changes Ph.D., was introduced to the “What we’re seeing is that in many cases, or sign up to have a group of professionals earth sciences through her students aren’t getting a chance to see a conduct an on-site visit to help execute best parents,A who were both environmentally teacher that looks like them talking about practices. The goal is for the institutions conscious. But for many kids in the Savan- geoscience, being confident about geosci- to identify gaps and find ways to improve nah area, exposure to the discipline is ence and promoting geoscience as a career geosciences instruction, thus better serving limited, particularly for minorities. Ebanks, option,” Ebanks says. “We want to change their students and helping create pathways an associate professor in the Department that environment so that those who are to careers in the field. of Marine and Environmental Sciences at studying and teaching and promoting the Brown, who taught science before shifting Savannah State University, is hoping to geosciences have diverse backgrounds, eth- into his role as curriculum director, believes change that by helping equip educators with nically, culturally, [even] age [wise] — tradi- the opportunity to empower teachers and the tools necessary to increase the number tional versus nontraditional students.” eventually expose students to geosciences and diversity of students pursuing careers in To help achieve that goal, Ebanks; Cora beyond textbook instruction will have a last- geosciences. Thompson, Ed.D., assistant professor in ing impact. In 2018, Ebanks received a $177,512 award the SSU College of Education; and Tavares “This opportunity will provide teachers from the National Science Foundation for Brown, curriculum director of Oglethorpe with professional development, additional year-one funding for Improving Under- Charter School in Savannah, are working resources and a real-world approach to pro- graduate STEM Education: Pathways into along with their colleagues at the other vide instruction for their students,” Brown Geoscience (I-USE GEOPATHS). The award, universities to develop an assessment and says. “One of my favorite sayings is that which is expected to receive an additional evaluation tool that will allow institutions ‘experience is one of life’s greatest teach- two years of funding, is a collaboration to better support students, particularly ers,’ and that relates to this project because between SSU, Tennessee State University, African-Americans, and garner interest students [will gain] exposure to know what and Florida A&M University that seeks to in the geosciences. The team is currently is offered to them in this vast world in which increase the diversity of the geosciences looking at best practices for instruction and we live.” 1 workforce through a data- and theory-driven curricular change. process of intervention design and evalu- Once the team develops the tool, the insti-

10 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY or many Savannahians, the only businesses, city government and Savannah planning, will work closely with SSU students option for purchasing food is to State students. throughout the process. Urban planning stu- visit nearby convenience stores “What we’ve proposed is to use urban dents will create surveys to determine which stocked with prepackaged, aquaponics in the proximity of urban food produce and fish products are most desirable Funhealthy snacks. These local residents live deserts on available vacant land that the to community members, while marine and in what is known as food deserts — urban city owns to meet the needs of [the resi- environmental sciences students will design areas in which it is difficult to purchase dents] with scaled food production,” says the aquaponic garden itself. affordable, fresh food. Rosenquist, explaining that the project will Once constructed, the aquaponic garden Shawn Rosenquist, Ph.D., is hoping to help mitigate environmental problems that will not only serve as a learning tool for the change the grim reality that so many local chil- are often associated with urban garden- Gadsden students, it will also be used as a dren and adults face on a daily basis through ing, such as waste runoff, while creating an demonstration site for community mem- a new Savannah State University-sponsored abundance of fresh produce and seafood for bers, who will be invited to tour the facility initiative based on the concept of aquaponics, a residents to eat. in hopes that they will, in turn, set up their system of growing plants in water that leads to Partnering with the Savannah-Chatham own entrepreneurial ventures on vacant the cultivation of aquatic animals. County Public School System, which is land in their neighborhoods. The team hopes In 2019, Rosenquist, an environmen- providing a vacant lot next to Gadsden that this will create a domino effect that will tal science instructor and coordinator of Elementary School, Rosenquist has enlisted lead to job creation, economic growth, envi- the College of Sciences and Technology’s the help of researchers studying aquaponics ronmental protections and improved health First-Year Experience program, received at Georgia Southern University Armstrong outcomes for urban food desert residents. a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department campus, community organizers, environ- “Growing food is a great tool for consen- of Agriculture/Sustainable Agriculture mentalists, and local farming businesses sus building within communities, something Research and Education program that Savannah Hydroponics & Organics and [that] is direly needed in Savannah,” says seeks to bring together several groups: Billy’s Botanicals. Andrew Morris, owner of Savannah Hydro- local university researchers studying Rosenquist, the grant’s principal investiga- ponics & Organics, one of the project’s part- aquaponics, community activists working tor (PI), and his co-PIs Sue Ebanks, Ph.D., ners. “The outcomes of [this] project will to eliminate food deserts, conservationists associate professor of marine and environ- help lower crime, feed the hungry and bring fighting to address urban nutrient pollu- mental sciences, and Philip Omunga, Ph.D., communities together by raising awareness tion in indigent communities, local farming assistant professor of urban studies and through aquaponics.” 1

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 11 SSU ADISRE students (from left to right) De’ja Glover, a freshman biology major from Orangeburg, S.C.; Savannah Buteaux, a freshman forensic science major with a concentration in biology from New Iberia, La.; Emmanuella Martin, a freshman forensic science major from East Dublin, Ga.; and Crystal Bride, a freshman biology major from Savannah, Ga., conduct research with Professor Karla-Sue Marriott, Ph.D.

12 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY How can I leave an impact on my community? How will my degree and position in a biomedical field affect my community? How can I give back? How am I making a difference? These are questions that Karla-Sue Marriott, Ph.D., is confident students will be able to answer after participating in Savan- nah State University’s Achieving Diversity through Integrative Scientific Research Experience (ADISRE) program.

unded by a five-year, $1.3 million chemistry, biology, forensic science or math- “The experience has been amazing so grant from the National Institutes ematics, are sponsored for two years by the far,” says Bride, who plans to study self- of Health (NIH) National Insti- program before transitioning to a compa- replicating viruses as part of her faculty-led tute of Biomedical Imaging and rable upper-level program at the university. ADISRE research. “I hope to get out of this FBioengineering’s Enhancing Science, Tech- Selected students, who receive a gener- program well-rounded knowledge of the nology, EnginEering, and Math Educational ous stipend for their participation, attend scientific and biomedical fields. I feel like I’ll Diversity Research Education Experiences a bridge program the summer before their be more prepared than a person who doesn’t (NIBIB-ESTEEMED) grant, ADISRE (pro- first year to familiarize them with the Savan- go through a program like this.” nounced “a desire”) seeks to create a spark nah State campus, science facilities, faculty In addition to supporting 28 scholars over within students to become self-directed and coursework. Once enrolled, the ADISRE the course of the five-year grant, ADISRE learners, as well as open-minded, caring and students attend workshops and presenta- also seeks to impact the entire university ethical scientists who will eventually pursue tions throughout the year and work closely community by designing a class based on the careers in biomedical sciences. with faculty mentors on research projects, core concepts from the program. Marriott, a professor and coordinator of all the while participating in special pro- “We can’t just leave [the concepts of the the forensic science program at SSU, estab- grams that expose them to art and culture. program] to that small group. We want to lished the program in 2018 with the inten- Upon completing the program and begin- institutionalize it and change the culture,” tion of inspiring students to be their best ning their junior year, the students receive says Marriott, who is in the process of selves as they pursue careers in the field. continued support from the ADISRE team, creating a course that will focus on ethics, “It’s just my little contribution into bring- who keep in close contact with them and scientific techniques and documentation. ing up a generation that is well-rounded and continue to nurture them. In turn, the stu- Marriott hopes the new course, along with involved in the sciences and the arts,” says dents promise to serve as big brothers or big the ADISRE program, will have a lasting Marriott, who serves as the grant’s principal sisters to incoming students in the program. impact on the students that they will carry investigator (PI). “[I want students to] have After graduating from SSU, the ADISRE into the STEM workforce and that will an appreciation for both [disciplines], [for] cohorts are expected to advance to biomedi- propel them to be thoughtful and ethical facilitating creativity and for ethical conduct cal graduate programs, enter the field as scientists. — especially in science and especially in how ethically sound and well-rounded profes- “I don’t just want [to produce] a scientist, it relates to serving the community.” sionals, and eventually serve their commu- but I want somebody who really feels an To meet those goals, Marriott and her nities. emotional connection with the community, team, co-PI and Associate Professor of Crystal Bride, a freshman biology major one who feels that they can be creative,” Chemistry Pascal Binda, Ph.D., and Program from Savannah, Ga., and one of the first Marriott says. “The appreciation for art and Manager Holly Sparks, recruit seven incom- seven scholars to be recruited, plans to use the creation of art really nurtures empathy ing freshmen each year to become ADISRE the program as a launching pad for her bio- and creativity. The scientist cannot truly scholars. The cohorts, who must major in medical career. make a meaningful impact without that.” 1

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 13 hanks to television shows reality crime scene software to train with scanners to document scenes three like CSI and major advances undergraduates. Utilizing the exclusive dimensionally,” says Marriott, who col- in technology over the past technology, students put on VR headsets laborated with the Vizitech team to develop decade, the discipline of and enter crime scenes in virtual real- the software using funds she received from Tforensic science has grown in popular- ity, using controllers to select forensic an SSU U.S. Department of Education Title ity among students across the country. tools and weapons, to position victims’/ III grant. “In addition, the forensic science Savannah State, the first college in perpetrators’ bodies, calculate gunshot program boasts a FARO 3-D scanner used Georgia to offer a B.S. in forensic science trajectories and blood spatter, and recre- to document crime scenes in 3-D. Students with tracks in biology and chemistry, ate/predict scene outcomes. Since Fall can take a scan of a room, and then also is leading the way, offering students 2017, the software has been used to teach have the option of using VR equipment to unparalleled access to technology that the program’s capstone forensic science will give them a leg up once they enter courses Crime Scene 1 and 2, giving Professor Karla-Sue Marriott, Ph.D., helps Dhimani the profession. students the opportunity to recreate real Still (VR headset), a sophomore forensic science Karla-Sue Marriott, Ph.D., a profes- crime scenes and create their own. major with a concentration in chemistry from Mari- etta, Ga., and Jarod Cox, a junior forensic science sor and coordinator of the forensic “Forensic science is going in the direc- major with a concentration in biology from Savan- science program at SSU, worked with tion of 3-D. [Real crime scene investi- nah, Ga., utilize the university’s exclusive virtual reality crime scene software. Vizitech to create the world’s first virtual gators] are going in [to crime scenes]

14 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY enter and explore [the crime scene science major with a concentration in virtual reality technology and the they just created] in virtual reality. If chemistry from Marietta, Ga., devel- crime scene lab through their course- they become law enforcement agents oped an interest in forensic science as work, the program will soon gain an [one day], they’re going to go into [the an elementary school student thanks even greater audience. SSU is launch- profession] already knowing how to to his crime-fighting family — a father, ing an 18-hour certificate in Virtual [work a crime scene].” who worked as a detective, and an Forensic Science: Evidence Process- Marriott says that the creation of a uncle, who served in the FBI. When ing, Documentation and Analysis open 3-D interactive and virtual forensics it came time to select a college, Still to students in any major at SSU, as training and simulations tool rich in toured schools across the South but well as professionals employed in law visual, spatial and kinesthetic content was ultimately drawn to SSU when he enforcement, military or an associ- with assessment capabilities offers the was introduced to Marriott and the ated area of forensic science, criminal ability to provide each student with a university’s forensic science facilities. justice or homeland security. first-person, realistic interaction with Having access to the virtual reality The certificate will provide an experiential content. technology and crime lab early in his immersive learning experience that “This virtual avatar-based mod- college career has reinforced his deci- utilizes the 3-D virtual reality technol- ule enables students to visually and sion to pursue a degree in the disci- ogy and covers procedures necessary kinesthetically step into the shoes of pline. for the proper use of 3-D technology in a suspect to better understand the “Being able to recreate crime scenes criminal investigations, including 3-D emotional and physical possibilities and solving automated crime scenes scanning, processing, analyzing and associated with crime scene investiga- [has been my favorite part of the pro- the use of 3-D virtual reality technol- tion,” Marriott says. “Experiments gram]. It helps keep your mind [think- ogy in courtroom presentation of that we are not able to safely conduct ing] outside of the box,” says Still, who crime scene evidence. currently such as gunshot projectile plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemis- The certificate is set to launch in experiments can now be safely con- try and hopes to one day own his own Fall 2019 and will be offered on both ducted in this virtual setting. With this forensics firm. “The software makes it SSU’s main campus and at Georgia advanced learning system, we usher easier to understand [the complexities Southern University’s Liberty campus in a new paradigm and raise the bar to of solving cases and helps us under- in Hinesville, Ga. 1 new heights in forensic science train- stand] what the mind of a killer was ing at an undergraduate institution like.” SSU’s 3-D virtual reality crime scene software nationally and internationally.” While students in the forensic enables students to simulate crime scenes and practice the skills they learn in class. Dhimani Still, a sophomore forensic science program enjoy access to the

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 15 or the past 26 years, Chellu Chetty, Ph.D., has been a fixture on the Savannah State University campus, Fserving in numerous capacities, overseeing major grant and research programs, and changing the lives of countless students. Chetty, Regents Distinguished Pro- fessor and associate vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs, came to SSU in 1993, having previ- ously served as a visiting faculty member at the National Center for Toxi- Faces logical Research in Jefferson, Ark.; University of Mississippi Medical Around Center in Jackson, Miss.; and Selma Campus University in Selma, Ala. He started his career as a lecturer and associate editor at Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India, from where he also received a B.S. in biology, an M.S. in zoology and a Ph.D. in physiology. Throughout the course of his academic career at Savannah State, Chetty has held many positions, including professor of biology, program director of the National Insti- tutes of Health Biomedical Research Program and dean of Graduate Stud- ies and Sponsored Research. He stepped into his current role in the Office of Sponsored Research Administration in 1997, first serving as associate/executive director before assuming the position of associate vice president in 2009. Under Chetty’s leadership, the university’s grant and research program has expanded tremendously. He has overseen numerous multimillion- dollar grant programs, including Minority Access to Research Careers Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research ($4.5 million), Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement ($1.1 million), and Strengthening Research Collabora- tions in Health Disparities – NIH/ NIMHBD Research Infrastructure in Minority Institutions ($3.9 million).

16 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY But perhaps Chetty’s greatest accom- demic careers. Dr. Chetty has fundamen- proposal. He is a wonderful mentor who plishment is the mentorship that he’s given tally impacted my personal academic career always has very practical and insightful to hundreds of students and young profes- through his mentorship and leadership. advice. Through his mentoring, research sors, both at Savannah State and earlier More importantly, he has crafted a mecha- and teaching over 40 years, Dr. Chetty has in his career. In 2003, he received the U.S. nism that promotes SSU faculty, especially positively impacted the lives of many young Presidential Award for Excellence in Sci- junior faculty members, to seek mentorship faculty members like me. His mentoring and ence, Mathematics and Engineering Men- from both inside SSU and other academic research experience have provided leader- toring from President George W. Bush at a institutions, which I believe will benefit ship to SSU in its commitment to serve ceremony at the White House in recognition their academic careers profoundly. minority students for their educational, of his achievements as a mentor. -Kai Shen, Ph.D., associate professor of intellectual and cultural development. Here, some of Chetty’s past students and chemistry, Savannah State University - Manoj Prasad, Ph.D., assistant professor of current colleagues reflect on how he has chemistry, Savannah State University impacted their lives. I have known Dr. Chetty for over 10 years. It would be an understatement to say that Mentors like Dr. Chetty are few and far Dr. Chetty first encouraged me to pursue he has been the single most influential per- between. He taught me by example and pro- my Ph.D. at Stony Brook University after I son in my life. He is an exceptionally gifted vided me with the environment for investi- graduated from SSU in 2001. At that time, I mentor that any mentee would dream about gative research. He stimulated and encour- had never considered such an opportunity. having. Right from the time I joined SSU in aged me to seek and push back scientific I think he saw something in me that I did 2010, Dr. Chetty has always helped me make knowledge. He is known for his unwavering not see in myself. I was 20 years old and the right decisions professionally. My $1 support of students and a major inspiration immature and not even really thinking about million external funding from the National in the careers of several pupils. He has been what my next steps would be. He always Science Foundation would not have been exemplary [in] his generosity and his gift encouraged but never pushed. I think that possible without his guidance and support. to realize the dreams of his students, and is what makes him unique; he knows how to Dr. Chetty’s selfless, helping nature, tireless this is his greatest professional accom- encourage you to push yourself to the next attitude and work ethic are his greatest plishment. The best teachers pass on the level. Outside of my family, he was one of my qualities found rarely in people. Numerous philosophy of the profession and influence biggest cheerleaders. We always remained accolades that Dr. Chetty received over the generations of students, and Dr. Chetty, in close contact — through graduate school, last 35 years nationally and internationally without doubt, is one of the finest teachers. postdoc, fellowships and faculty positions. speak volumes about his dedication toward When I think of guiding teachers who have He has been a great source of support. minority student success. In my 15-year helped the young minds in their academic - Teresa I. Shakespeare, Ph.D., associate pro- academic career, I have not come across a careers, I think of proponents and mentors fessor of biology, Savannah State University; person who is so passionate about others’ like Dr. Chetty, who have shown the path to former student of Chetty’s at SSU success. He is simply irreplaceable. many students to walk tall and proud today. -Suman Niranjan, Ph.D., associate professor -Srinivasa Karnam, Ph.D., professor of physi- Dr. Chetty helped me apply for a fellow- of supply chain and logistics, director of the ology and biophysics, Virginia Common- ship program and mentored me not only on Interdisciplinary Transportation Studies wealth University School of Medicine; former how to design and conduct health disparity- program, and coordinator of the university’s student of Chetty’s at Sri Venkateswara related research projects, but more impor- Global Logistics and International Business University tantly on how to engage SSU undergraduate Education and Research Center of Excel- students in the projects and mentor these lence, Savannah State University I have known Dr. Chetty since 1985. He next generation scientists for their future was my physiology professor in graduate STEM careers. Dr. Chetty [later] mentored I have known Dr. Chetty for the last nine school and later on, I did my doctorate work me to explore federal funding opportunities years through a collaborative research/ under his guidance. Dr. Chetty’s invalu- and to involve students in funded projects. mentoring program (RIMI) between Mercer able advice and guidance made me what I He reviewed my research proposals during University and SSU. After I moved from Mer- am today. He is shaping the next genera- his busy schedule and provided invalu- cer University and joined SSU as a faculty tion of biomedical professionals, is a great able feedback. Thanks to his continuous member, Dr. Chetty mentored me in writing researcher and educator, and above all, an mentorship, I was able to find the right research proposals and in academic/profes- outstanding role model, mentor and advisor. collaborators and was awarded with federal sional career development. His thoughtful- -Srinivas Pentyala, Ph.D., professor and grants that have involved more than 20 SSU ness, dedication and insight always inspire director of Translational Research of Anes- undergraduate students and nine Savan- me to dedicate my career to research and thesiology, Stony Brook Medical Center; nah region high school students in research teaching. He is the person who inspired and former student of Chetty’s at at Sri Ven- training and prepared them for their aca- helped me to submit my very first research kateswara University 1

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 17 uring a Summer 2018 trip to minor. The educators can now bring their Ghana with fellow educators, “Knowing that your history does not begin knowledge back to secondary school and Christina L. Davis, Ph.D., an with slavery in North America provides university classrooms to make the curricu- assistant professor and program students with a sense of confidence. Start- lum more relevant for African-American Dcoordinator of Africana studies at Savannah ing conversations about African-American students, who represent the largest segment State University, was bestowed the Ghanaian ancestry with West African civilizations also of the populations at both Savannah State name Dela at a ceremony at a small village. helps students understand where they fit and the SCCPSS. Davis returned with a pot emblazoned with in the world. It sheds light on present-day The trip, and especially the experience her new name, which means “savior” in Twi, inequality and structural racism,” Davis says. traveling through northern Ghana, reso- and a host of experiences to share with her “I teach students that if they know their his- nated with Davis, who seeks to help students students. tory and their worth, they can do anything gain an even deeper understanding of their “The ability to share items created in if they put in the work. I’m here to teach our roots and their place in today’s society. Ghana heightens the delivery of material,” students that Africana studies matters too.” “Going from south to north Ghana and says Davis, who illustrates classroom lessons When the opportunity to expand her seeing all the different people in just this with her own first-hand accounts from the knowledge even more by traveling to Ghana one country makes the case for diversity. To West African country. “It’s allows me to arose in 2018, Davis jumped at the chance. lump everybody on the continent as ‘African’ convey Ghana’s rich culture effectively and In May, she and 12 educators traveled to minimizes the diversity and robs different get their attention more quickly.” Ghana as part of a $100,000 U.S. Depart- ethnicities of cultural agency from so many Davis, who grew up in Hillsboro, Alabama, ment of Education Fulbright-Hays award, different groups. And that’s one of the things came to SSU in 2012 after completing a “Understanding Ghana’s History, Culture, I’m able to highlight [in the classroom],” Ph.D. in history at the University of Georgia and Geography through the North-South Davis says. “I’m grateful to Dr. Emmanuel (UGA). Though she received her undergrad- Divides: An Expansion of the 2015 Ghana Naniuzeyi (director of the SSU International uate and master’s degrees from Florida A&M Group Project Abroad.” The project, a Education Center and the Fulbright-Hays University (FAMU), she had not considered partnership with the Savannah-Chatham award’s principal investigator) for provid- the possibility of returning to a Histori- County Public School System (SCCPSS), ing this opportunity to expand our students’ cally Black College or University (HBCU) to supported seven SSU faculty members and understanding of the connections between teach. When she received an email about an six SCCPSS teachers to travel throughout African-American and West African culture.” opening at Savannah State from a class- Ghana for four weeks. Teaching those lessons to her students mate’s father, a former SSU professor, she In addition to continuing to build upon and celebrating the history of Savannah felt drawn to the University by the Sea. the knowledge and partnerships gained dur- State’s Africana studies program, established “The universe brought me here. I never ing a 2015 Fulbright-Hays-funded SSU trip in 1996 as a result of student protests, made thought that I’d end up at an HBCU. When to Ghana, the group studied the historically it all the more meaningful for Davis when I got here, I realized that it was like coming significant relationship between Savannah, students spoke up to prevent the deactiva- home,” Davis says. “The atmosphere at an a major port city during the trans-Atlantic tion of the program last fall. HBCU — the family and community — is Slave trade, and the West Coast of Africa, the With one Instagram post, students mobi- much stronger than at the historically place from which many African-Americans lized and sprang into action to speak out white university. Now I can’t imagine why in the U.S. trace their ancestry. against the change. The withdrawal of the I did not aim to teach at an HBCU from the The group went from Cape Coast to the motion affirmed Davis’ decision to become beginning.” border of Burkina Faso, visiting seven cities an educator. “Witnessing the outstanding Davis teaches approximately 250 students and numerous villages along the way. They advocacy that erupted from our students is each semester. While all SSU students take a focused much of their travel on studying hands down the proudest moment of course on the African-American experience, the less developed northern part of Ghana, my career.” 1 Davis believes that any student can benefit which was subjected to both the trans-Saha- from choosing the discipline as a major or ran and the trans-Atlantic slave trades.

18 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY Faculty Spotlight

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 19 REYNARD SCOTT Alumni Spotlight

Photo courtesy of Reynard Scott

n his first role at Walmart, Savannah Tech, Tom Thompson, saw Scott’s potential of the Savannah River. I knew that there State University graduate Reynard and recommended that he attend Savannah would be a great influx [of jobs] and logistic Scott managed an account that aver- State to earn a bachelor’s degree. opportunities,” Scott says. “I felt it would be aged over $2.5 billion. A nontraditional student, Scott worked beneficial to be a little bit multifaceted.” I “It was one of the largest lines on the full time during the day as a special educa- Scott credits Suman Niranjan, Ph.D., balance sheet [at Walmart] and one of the tion teacher in the Savannah-Chatham associate professor of supply chain and largest lines on the P&L (profits and loss County Public School System while taking logistics and coordinator of the university’s statement),” says Scott, who joined Walmart business classes at night. Midway through G-LIB Education and Research Center of in 2016 as a financial analyst on the com- his journey at SSU, he switched careers, Excellence, with helping make the program pany’s project accounting team. working as a lab technician at LensCrafters accessible for students with busy schedules. Scott’s journey from his hometown so that he could have a more flexible sched- “I like the way he tried to introduce dif- of Savannah, Ga., to Walmart corporate ule and take classes during the day. ferent concepts of teaching, especially being headquarters was a long one marked by hard When Scott first entered SSU, his plan was a teacher [myself],” Scott explains. “He also work and determination. to major in accounting. In 2013, when the installed cameras in some of the classrooms Scott graduated from Alfred E. Beach university launched the global logistics and and recorded sessions so that people taking High School in 2006 and enrolled in SSU in international business (G-LIB) program, classes online still got the same content and 2012 after receiving dual associate degrees Scott jumped at the chance to take on a sec- information [as students in class].” in business administrative technology ond major. Scott also enjoyed the coursework, and accounting from Savannah Technical “My first thought after they came out with especially the variety of topics covered and College. His department head at Savannah the program was the [proposed] deepening learning about the logistics of supply chains

20 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY in the context of international business. “In a lot of my classes we talked about robust supply chains and things of that nature, and of course Walmart was one of the main focuses because it has one of the Savannah State University’s four-year, interdisciplinary bachelor of business largest supply chains in the world,” Scott administration degree in global logistics and international business (G-LIB) says. launched in 2013 and was the first of its kind in the state of Georgia to focus But even then, Scott never anticipated on both global logistics and international business. The degree program that he would one day work for the world’s seeks to increase awareness and understanding of globalization, interna- largest corporation. tional business, global logistics and supply-chain management, taking full After receiving dual bachelor of busi- advantage of the resources available in the Savannah region, which include ness administration degrees in 2015, he the Port of Savannah, home of the largest single container terminal in North continued to work for LenCrafters while America. he applied for positions in his field. In G-LIB courses give students exposure to a wide range of topics, among January 2016, he received an offer from them Global Operations Management, Global Supply Chain Management, Walmart, and a few months later he left Global Business Logistics, International Marketing and Export Manage- Savannah with his wife, Silena, and headed ment, Business Strategies for Emerging Markets, International Business to Bentonville, Ark. Management, Global Electronic Business, International Transportation Scott began his career in the company’s Management and Retailing Management. The program also encourages the accounting department, then did a short study of foreign language, specifically Chinese (Mandarin) and Korean. stint in the auditing department before The G-LIB major is one of several initiatives of SSU’s Global Logistics assuming his current role in operational and International Business Research (G-LIBER) Center of Excellence. The support in Walmart’s international tech- center, which was funded through a U.S. Department of Education Title III nology division, where he is working on the grant, promotes economic development, trade, growth and job creation by global launch of the real estate software engaging SSU students and the local Savannah busi- system TRIRIGA. In his new position, ness community with institutions of higher Scott is responsible for the division’s education and businesses worldwide. The property management module, which has G-LIBER Center is supported by Centers already gone live in China and will soon for International Business Education be introduced in Latin America, Chile, and Research (CIBERs), which were Mexico and Canada. created by Congress under the Scott, who will travel to China, Japan Omnibus Trade and Competitive- and India in the coming year, credits his ness Act of 1988 to increase and experience at Savannah State, and espe- promote the nation’s capacity cially the challenges he faced as a nontra- for international understanding ditional student working full time, with and competitiveness. helping prepare him for a global position In addition to offering the with Fortune 500’s No. 1 company. G-LIB major and minor, the “[SSU helped me succeed] especially G-LIBER Center helps students from a time management perspective — secure internships with national not having a lot of time and working [full and international organizations, pro- time while learning new] concepts and motes faculty development, organizes ideologies [prepared me for my position at overseas trips that enable students to take Walmart],” says Scott, who took as many courses at universities abroad and engages as six courses per semester in order to with the local business community. complete his degree. “[As a student, under- “The university’s G-LIB major and G-LIBER Center for Excellence equip standing how] to apply [the new concepts], students with the tools they need to work in the international business sec- especially [within the context of] interna- tor,” says Michael J. Laney, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic tional business teams, [and learning about] affairs. “Whether our graduates choose to stay in Savannah and work for the different cultures, how they operate and fastest-growing port in the U.S. or accept a position with the world’s largest what the rules of engagement are helped corporation, they are well-prepared to succeed in an ever-changing global me to do business a little bit better.” 1 marketplace.” 1

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 21 Since 1890, we have prepared smart, bold students for amazing careers. That’s seriously impressive. WeAre.SavannahState.edu

Savannah State University is a unit of the University System of Georgia. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

22 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY or the past 18 years, the Gaining first-generation college students in 6th and year, Waterman and Jackson still keep in Early Awareness and Readiness 7th grade, offering them an array of services touch with their SSU cohorts, offering them for Undergraduate Programs including academic tutorial, Sensational advice, support and mentorship. (GEAR UP) at Savannah State Saturday sessions, summer bridge programs, Waterman says that the key to the suc- FUniversity has served thousands of students study skills, test preparation workshops, cess of the GEAR UP program is catching enrolled at Tompkins, Hubert, DeRenne and mentoring, job shadowing, parental the students while they are young and just Mercer middle schools, as well as Beach, involvement, financial aid information, beginning to think about their futures in Groves and the School of Liberal Studies at college application assistance, academic hopes that attending college will become Savannah High schools. In 2018, the grant advisement, assistance in secondary and their primary goal. program — a collaborative partnership postsecondary course selections, personal/ “The goal is to help the students get between SSU and the Savannah-Chatham social counseling activities, campus visits, prepared for college, to give them early County Public School System — received its educational/cultural field trips and financial exposure and assist them with their col- fourth cycle of funding from the U.S. Depart- literacy sessions. lege preparation needs,” she says. “We’ve ment of Education, with a total award of $3.9 If the students choose to matriculate at had quite a few students who have [trans- million over a seven-year period. Savannah State, they receive additional sup- formed thanks to the program]. Students During the current grant cycle, the port through their first year of college. SSU who people had written off are now college program will serve more than 700 students GEAR UP Director Tamara Waterman and graduates, business owners and productive per year from DeRenne and Hubert middle Program Coordinator Sherrie Jackson offer citizens.” schools and will support and track them lunch-and-learn programs; bring in speakers through entry into Beach and the School of to talk about topics such as financial literacy, For more information about the GEAR UP Liberal Studies at Savannah High and into financial aid and tutoring; and even start program, contact Program Director Tamara their first year of college. advising students about graduate school Waterman at 912-395-3201 or waterman@ GEAR UP, a unit of Savannah State’s Col- programs. And while the program may offi- savannahstate.edu. 1 lege of Education, targets low-income and cially end once the students finish their first

From left to right, GEAR UP Director Tamara Waterman, Coordinator Sherrie Jackson, and Ja’Brekia Bass and Kayla Hughes, who both transitioned from the GEAR UP program at Alfred E. Beach High School to SSU in 2018.

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 23 Student Voices

am from Savannah, Ga., and my high school. attended DeRenne Middle My favorite experiences with School, graduating from Alfred GEAR UP were my participation in E. Beach High School with the annual summer programs on the Ihonors in 2018. I enrolled in Savan- Savannah State campus, as well as the nah State University in Fall 2018. visits to local and out-of-state col- Thanks to earning college credits in a leges. GEAR UP influenced my deci- dual enrollment program at Savan- sion to attend Savannah State thanks nah Technical College, this is my to the mentorship I received from sophomore year at SSU. I am majoring SSU students while in middle and high in behavior analysis with a minor in school. forensic science. GEAR UP also had a major impact I started participating in the U.S. on my academics. The program pro- Department of Education Gaining vided me with SAT/ACT classes, writ- Early Awareness and Readiness for ing workshops and summer programs, Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) all in preparation for my first year of while in 6th grade. When I first started college. I still participate in GEAR UP participating in the program, I was activities today. I maintain a strong eager to see what GEAR UP had to connection with the GEAR UP staff offer. I had future career goals in mind and my fellow classmates. but was undecided on how to achieve I plan to continue my education at my goals. There was no doubt that I SSU and eventually obtain a doctorate was going to enroll in college, but I degree in psychology. My experience needed guidance to get there. GEAR with GEAR UP has prepared me for UP provided me with the guidance I my future because I have become needed to successfully transition from more confident and willing to par- middle to high school and college. ticipate in more organizations while GEAR UP had a big impact on my giving back to my community. GEAR middle and high school years. The UP is an excellent opportunity for any program taught me how to be a pro- young person who wants to get a head ductive student. The program leaders start on a great future. took me and my mom on college tours. They coordinated community service Kayla Hughes is a sophomore behavior activities for me and other students at analysis major from Savannah, Ga. 1

24 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY uring my childhood in Savan- It was beneficial to have the program onsite excited to have the opportunity to join the nah, Ga., I came across many in my school building as I was able to stop SSU Lady Tigers basketball team this year. opportunities to help advance by the GEAR UP office for assistance with all SSU’s GEAR UP program had a positive my education. As I matriculated my college preparation needs. The GEAR UP influence on my life and on my college deci- Dfrom middle school to Alfred E. Beach High staff shared many scholarship opportunities sion. GEAR UP helped me to become aware School, I was introduced to the U.S. Depart- with me, and they assisted me with signing that the world is bigger than Savannah. The ment of Education Gaining Early Awareness up for my college entrance exams. Through- program played a huge role in me attending and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs out my four years at Beach, I visited Savan- Savannah State. During my last few weeks of (GEAR UP). GEAR UP assisted me academi- nah State University, Emory University, high school, I was offered a $1,500 schol- cally and prepared me for enrollment in the Georgia Southern University, Georgia State arship from the university president, Dr. Savannah State University College of Busi- University, Albany State University and Cheryl D. Dozier. I also received a basketball ness Administration, where I am majoring in Kennesaw State University, but I ultimately scholarship from Savannah State. accounting. chose to attend SSU. The GEAR UP program continues to During my 9th grade year of high school, Additionally, I participated in a female- provide services throughout my freshman GEAR UP provided a tutor and mentors who only mentoring group that featured guest year of college. We meet monthly and I am worked alongside my teachers in all my core speakers and tips for dealing with real- already excited about looking at graduate curriculum classes. They were typically SSU life situations. The mentoring group met school programs. GEAR UP provides tutor- upperclassmen who shared their journey to monthly and focused on how to foster posi- ing and assistance with book purchases. I am college enrollment. The tutor and mentors tive relationships with others, and I received so grateful for the opportunity to be a SSU were alongside me and my classmates dur- tips on how to stay motivated to complete GEAR UP student. The program has pro- ing the school day, encouraging everyone to high school on time. I also attended summer vided me with the best opportunity possible. finish high school and enroll in college. program activities at Savannah State and I also received one-on-one counseling spoke with admissions office representatives Ja’Brekia Bass is a freshman business services from the GEAR UP coordinator, during their visits to our high school cam- accounting major from Savannah, Ga. 1 Sherrie Jackson, and the program specialist. pus. I played basketball at Beach, so I was

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 25 Current Grant Funding at SSU

Funding Agency Principal Investigator Grant Duration Award

National Science Foundation Kisha Aites, Ph.D. SSU/STC Noyce Teacher Scholarship 2014-19 $1,421,715 U.S. Department of Education Dedra N. Andrews, Ed.D. Title III-B 2018-19 $4,526,521 U.S. Department of Education Dedra N. Andrews, Ed.D. Title III-SAFRA 2018-19 $1,137,334 National Science Foundation Agegnehu Atena, Ph.D. HBCU-UP TIP: Developing a Minor in Math 2017-20 $399,972 Active Minds Jacqueline Awe Chapter Launch Grant Program 2018-19 $100 U.S. Department of Defense/Army Research Office Pascal Binda, Ph.D. Design and Synthesis of New Heteroleptic Lanthanide Complexes as Catalysts 2015-19 $341,633 National Science Foundation Abhinandan Chowdhury, Ph.D. Catalyst Award: Identification of Effective Heat Conductivity Coefficient of Particulate Two-Phase Materials 2018-20 $175,079 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration /Abt Assoc. Inc. Tara Cox, Ph.D. Technical Contract Support for LCP Chemicals Georgia Natural Resource Damage Assessment, Bottlenose Dolphin Injury Quantification and Restoration Planning 2019 $61,075 Georgia Department of Natural Resources Tara Cox, Ph.D. Assisting the Georgia Marine Mammal Stranding Network 2018-19 $5,000 National Science Foundation Tara Cox, Ph.D. REU: Bridge to Research in Marine Sciences 2015-20 $427,437 National Science Foundation IUSE Sue Ebanks, Ph.D. GP-IMPACT: Expanding HBCU Pathways for Geoscience Education 2018-21 $517,552 Georgia Department Human Services/Georgia State University Catherine Gayle, Ph.D. Title IV-E Georgia Child Welfare Student Training Program 2018-19 $150,242 U.S. Department of Education Gary Guillory, Ed.D. Student Support Services 2015-20 $1,223,843 Engineering Information Foundation Mir Hayder, Ph.D. Inspiring Young Women into Engineering Fields 2018-19 $14,993 Sea Grant Georgia/University of Georgia Christopher Hintz, Ph.D. Recovery and Response to Hurricane Irma 2018 $9,980 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/University of Maryland Eastern Shore Dionne Hoskins, Ph.D. Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) 2017-21 $536,548 Consortium for Ocean Leadership Dionne Hoskins, Ph.D. National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) 2018-19 $9,000 Federal Highway Administration Roxana Javid, Ph.D. Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship 2019 $24,500 National Institutes of Health/National Institute of General Medical Sciences Cecil Jones, Ph.D. MARC U-STAR Program 2012-23 $967,373 National Science Foundation Amanda Kaltenberg, Ph.D. HBCU-UP RIA: Physical Forces Impacting the Temporal Viability of Mesopelagic Prey at the Cape Hatteras Top-Predator Diversity Hotspot 2016-19 $282,106 U.S. Department of Defense/Army Research Office Amanda Kaltenberg, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Association with Environmental/Prey Variability of Cape Hatteras 2018-21 $487,000 U.S. National Security Agency Bryan Knakiewicz, Ph.D. GenCyber Middle School Summer Camp 2018-19 $92,723 Georgia Department of Transportation/University of Georgia Bryan Knakiewicz, Ph.D. Development of Road COnstRuction Database (RECORD) System 2017-19 $23,529 Lumina/University System of Georgia Mary Kropiewnicki, Ed.D. NASH TS3 Equity HIPS Grant 2018-19 $6,000 National Science Foundation Jonathan Lambright, Ph.D. HBCU-UP TIP: Targeted Infusion Project in Interdisciplinary Transportation Studies 2015-19 $477,824 NASA/Georgia Institute of Technology Jonathan Lambright, Ph.D. Georgia Space Grant 2015-19 $36,000 National Institutes of Health/ National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Karla-Sue Marriott, Ph.D. ESTEEMED - Achieving Diversity through Integrative Scientific Research Experiences (ADSIRE) 2018-23 $1,331,100 National Science Foundation/Georgia Gwinnett College Andrea Moore, Ph.D. IUSE Course Embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURES) 2018 $7,707 Mathematical Association of America Mihaela Munday, Ph.D. Math Teachers Circle Training Program 2019 $3,000 National Science Foundation/University of Georgia Mohamad Mustafa, Ph.D. Peach State LSAMP 2016-21 $450,000 National Science Foundation/University of Georgia Mohamad Mustafa, Ph.D. INCLUDES: Collaborative Research: Integrated Approach to Retain URM Students in STEM Disciplines 2016-18 $32,411 National Science Foundation Suman Niranjan, Ph.D. HBCU-UP TIP: Interdisciplinary Data Analytics 2017-20 $399,974 National Science Foundation Takayuki Nitta, Ph.D. HBCU-UP Research Initiation Award: Mechanisms of Interaction of Glyco-gag with Restriction Factors 2018-21 $299,961 U.S. Department of Defense/Army Research Office Takayuki Nitta, Ph.D. Role of Lipids Reorganized by Viral Proteins and Restriction Factors in Viral Life Cycle 2018-21 $557,172 National Institutes of Health/National Institute of General Medical Sciences Carol Pride, Ph.D. RISE Biomedical Research Training Program 2012-19 $1,123,953 U.S. Department of Education Carol Pride, Ph.D. HBCU Masters in STEM (Mathematics and Marine Sciences) 2017-23 $2,559,496 U.S. Department of Education Zenobie Purnell Educational Talent Search 2016-21 $2,334,889 U.S. Department of Education Bobby Roberts Jr. Upward Bound 2018-23 $3,260,892 Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program Shawn Rosenquist, Ph.D. Working Group to Address the Challenge of Food Deserts through Urban Agriculture 2019-21 $50,000 Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Augusta County Shawn Rosenquist, Ph.D. Biota Improvement in an Urban Stream through Aquatic Habitat Restoration 2018-20 $46,000 U.S. Department of Energy Kenneth Sajwan, Ph.D. Waste Management Education and Enhancing Environmental Science Program 2018-23 $760,000 U.S. Department of Defense/Army Research Office Kai Shen, Ph.D. Mediating Role of Metavinculin on the Mechanical Properties of Extracelluar Matrix and Smooth Muscle Cells 2015-19 $338,972 National Institutes of Health Kai Shen, Ph.D. SC2: Metavinculin Regulation of Cell Cytoskeleton Remodeling in Response to Substrate Stiffness 2015-20 $296,692 U.S. Department of Defense/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Kai Shen, Ph.D. Sigma-1 Receptor Agonists as Novel Therapeutic for Brain Mitochrondrial Dysfunction in Gulf War Syndrome 2017-20 $672,888 U.S. Air Force Office of Sponsored Research Kai Shen, Ph.D. Sigma-1 Receptor Agonists as Novel Therapeutic for Circadian Rhythm Disruption-Induced Fatigue 2017-20 $671,465 University of the West Indies Paramasivam Sivapatham, Ph.D. Developing a Strategy for the Mitigation of Cadmium in Cocoa 2015-Ongoing $208,615 U.S. Department of Education/University System of Georgia Cora Thompson, Ed.D. GEAR UP Georgia 2017-18 $177,036 U.S. Department of Education Tamara Waterman GEAR UP 2018-25 $3,920,000 U.S. Department of Education Tamara Waterman GEAR UP DeRenne 2011-19 $2,800,000 Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)/Battelle Asad Yousuf, Ed.D. eCYBERMISSION 2018-19 $39,800 U.S. Department of Defense/Army Educational Outreach Program Asad Yousuf, Ed.D. Research & Engineering Apprenticeship (REAP) 2018-19 $1,000 U.S. Department of Defense/Army Educational Outreach Program Asad Yousuf, Ed.D. JETS UNITE 2018-19 $34,360

26 · ARISING · SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY Funding Agency Principal Investigator Grant Duration Award

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY · ARISING · 27 SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY BOX 20439 PRSRT STD SAVANNAH, GA 31404 U.S. POSTAGE PAID TALLAHASSEE, FL PERMIT NO 904