“STEM is critical on a number of levels. In a global economy, the United States is really falling behind on the key science-based areas … The teaching techniques to close that gap are important,” Thieman adds. The new STEM lab is located on the second floor of the A.J. Palumbo Hall of Science and Technology and features state-of-the-art educational tools. A laptop and projector transform into a SMART board that enables students to share notes electronically and save them. Students have access to high-speed desktop computers with touch screens, allowing them to manipulate molecules, atoms, and chemical compounds. They also can use one of 10 iPads and the most advanced models and books. Thieman notes that Buhl believed furthering STEM education at Carlow was important because women traditionally have been underrepresented in STEM fields and Carlow’s dedication to such initiatives helps women access the educational resources so important to STEM careers. “We are so impressed with [Carlow’s] historic commitment to women; it’s also committed to women who are first-generation college attendees so it is reaching out into a population that has historically been underserved.”
Hilary Brown Purcell, project planner with PNC Charitable Trusts, says this project was a perfect fit for one of the trusts interested in supporting education in Western Pennsylvania. “We knew that Carlow would deploy these funds for the greatest impact—that this lab would make a big difference,” says Brown Purcell. She also believed that investing in Carlow’s STEM lab would have a reaching impact: “Carlow works with all different types of students at all different levels—that kind of education is reaching a population that sometimes hasn’t been given the opportunity, whether they are first-generation or an older student, or a student that needs a little bit of support. But [Carlow is] providing a quality education and giving them [skills] to find jobs right here in Pittsburgh.” Both Thieman and Brown Purcell note that the leadership of Carlow and the enthusiasm of the students and faculty is what truly makes it a worthwhile investment. “It is something that is important to the region, so it is just a perfect fit. The lab is beautiful and the faculty couldn’t be more sincerely excited,” says Brown Purcell. John W. Kowach, executive director of the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust, envisions
the STEM lab as a continuation of quality education at Carlow. “Carlow University has an outstanding tradition of academic excellence, especially in the areas of science and technology,” says Kowach. “The grant awarded by the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust will hopefully enable Carlow to fulfill its vision of creating a STEM lab that will provide an integrated learning experience for all of its students. The Palumbo Charitable Trust is proud to support this initiative that will help students secure the skills needed to succeed when faced with the demands and challenges of the contemporary college curriculum.”
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