2021-10-14: ODU CS selected for national NASA@ My Library STEAM programming initiative

 

 

Dr. Poursardar, a lecturer in ODU computer science department and a member of the Web Science and Digital Libraries Research Group (WS-DL), has been selected through a competitive application process to be part of NASA@ My Library, an education initiative created to increase and enhance STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underrepresented in STEAM education. Check out more details on this project on Science-Technology Activities and Resources for Libraries (Star Net) website.

ODU is one of just six universities nationwide to be selected to support this initiative, and we’re thrilled to be part of this project, we look forward to our students helping libraries bring STEAM concepts to younger patrons and exploring the universe together with people of all ages during their public programs in 2021 and 2022.

As a NASA@ My Library Partner University, we will provide near-peer subject matter experts from undergraduate and graduate programs to libraries as they explore NASA science and technology, specifically around NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Launch (fall 2021), the James Webb Space Telescope First Image (spring 2022), and as part of the Collaborative Summer Library Program (summer 2022).

Through this funding, along with support by the NASA@ My Library team, Dr. Poursardar will support students and libraries to conduct relevant and engaging NASA STEAM programming and activities. NASA@ My Library will create compelling learning experiences for communities across the United States and share the story, science, and adventure of NASA’s scientific explorations of planet Earth, our solar system and the universe beyond. In this project Dr. Poursardar work with a diverse group of undergraduates:

• Maulahna Robinson: Sophomore, Female, African American, first generation college student
• Ethan Landers: Sophomore, Male, interested in game development and problem solving
• Cole Baty: Sophomore, Male, military member for 10 years, has a degree in music

NASA@ My Library is offered by the National Centerfor Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (SSI) in partnership with the ALA Public Programs Office, Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and Education Development Center (EDC). This material is based upon work supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under cooperative agreement No. NNX16AE30A. This work was also assisted and supported by the Space Science Institute, which was the recipient of the cooperative agreement. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASA or the Space Science Institute. 

Faryaneh Poursardar