The U.S. (NSF) has awarded 黑料吃瓜资源 (CSHL) and three partnered higher education institutions over $5 million to establish a new science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) center at the site of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.
The Arecibo Center for Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Science Education, Computational Skills, and Community Engagement (Arecibo C3) will focus on the three Cs of ciencia (science), computaci贸n (computation), and comunidad (community). Its goal is to promote STEM education, research, outreach, and workforce development, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity. In particular, the Center aims to create opportunities for women and girls, students with disabilities, and other groups historically underrepresented in STEM.
颁厂贬尝鈥檚 (DNALC) will provide the infrastructure, curriculum, and hands-on labs needed to teach students of all ages. Popular DNALC activities like summer camps, field trips, and DNA barcoding programs will be carried over and adapted for a new student body. Additionally, DNALC will lead Arecibo C3鈥檚 workforce development efforts, linking the Center to Puerto Rico鈥檚 extensive pharmaceutical sector. 颁厂贬尝鈥檚 will also play an active role, arranging local conferences that leverage the site鈥檚 prime location and lodgings.
, assistant director for diversity and research readiness at the DNALC, will serve as a project leader for Arecibo C3. He鈥檒l work with local collaborators, including Dr. Wanda D铆az Merced, the Center鈥檚 executive director from Universidad del Sagrado Coraz贸n. 鈥淲e see Arecibo C3 becoming a hub for scientific outreach and exchange not just across the island but internationally,鈥� Williams says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e focused on building an innovative science education platform that empowers people of all abilities to participate.鈥�
The collaborating institutions each bring their own teaching specialty to the center.
- Universidad del Sagrado Coraz贸n: astronomy and multisensory learning, with a focus on enhancing STEM for students with and without disabilities.
- University of Puerto Rico, R铆o Piedras: course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURES).
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County: computational, AI, and data science training, with a focus on women and girls in computer science.
鈥淭he new educational center builds on the great scientific, educational, and cultural legacy of the Arecibo Observatory and is closely aligned with NSF鈥檚 goal to create STEM opportunities everywhere,鈥� adds James L. Moore III, NSF assistant director for STEM Education. 鈥淭he center aims to create new opportunities for STEM education, exploration, discovery, engagement, and participation of students, scientists, and researchers in various STEM disciplines ranging from astronomy and radio science to biological, computer, and natural sciences in Puerto Rico and beyond.鈥�
Arecibo C3 is expected to open in 2024. For more information, visit the newly launched .
Written by: Luis Sandoval, Communications Specialist | [email protected] | 516-367-6826