Development of the Virgin Islands Center for Space Science at Etelman Observatory: Research, Education, and Economic Development Through Promotion of NASA’s Vision University of the Virgin Islands/NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Science Mission Directorate
Thanks in large part to the increase in visibility and physics research activity supported through this NASA EPSCoR project, The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is experiencing a dramatic increase in demand for physics and astronomy courses.
UVI students Jamar Liburd, Rafael Almonte, and Omani Tuitt presenting their research at the August 2015 Goddard Space Flight Center Summer Intern Research Symposium, Greenbelt, MD, August 3rd.
Dr. David Morris, Science PI, University of the Virgin Islands
Dr. Chryssa Kouveliotou, PhD, NASA Technical Monitor, Marshall Space Flight Center
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NASA Technology Roadmaps
Dr. J. Hakkila, Co-PI, College of Charleston
Enrollment in calculus-based introductory physics courses increased from a typical 2530 students to approximately 40 students last semester while enrollment in second year courses like Classical Mechanics and Modern Physics have increased from typical classes of four and eight (respectively) to classes of 11 and 16 (respectively). We welcome the increased interest in physics and astronomy but UVI’s physics faculty is presently understaffed to handle the increase in interest. To meet this need, the science PI has secured funding through the NASA MUREP Institutional Research Opportunity to support the development of a four-year major in physics and astronomy at UVI, including the hiring of two additional physics teaching and research faculty. This will be the first time any four-year degree in physics or astronomy has been offered in the Virgin Islands. We anticipate a first year (to graduate in 2018) class size of approximate 4-8 students. We will continue to actively promote the program in order to increase class sizes and to promote retention in STEM disciplines throughout UVI.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXN2rcEA8PA