Innovation & Impact Initiatives Drive BSU’s Grant-funded Projects

Record Year in Grants Helps to Fuel Programs with Global Impact

MEDIA CONTACT: Damita Chambers, dchambers@bowiestate.edu, 301-832-2628 mobile

(BOWIE, Md.) – From using research to understand COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on minority communities to developing hands-on activities to engage students pursuing STEM degrees, Bowie State University’s recent grant-funded projects showcase the institution’s expanding capacity for innovation and student success initiatives.

The university’s enjoyed a record $5.1 million in total grants in the last fiscal year, up 15 percent over the 2019 fiscal year. The outcome is helping to fuel research and retention programs with the potential to make a major impact on a global scale.

“Our recent grant-funded projects are seeking to address immediate challenges faced by our country,” said Dr. Anika Bissahoyo, BSU’s assistant vice president for research. “COVID-19-related projects in computer science, social work and nursing are helping us to better understand the disproportionate impact that this pandemic has on underrepresented minorities. This work will have far-reaching implications on current health and social/behavioral practices to better support our communities and may have global implications as well.”

Other projects include initiatives to enhance the university’s high-impact educational practices, including internship opportunities, for undergraduates to increase success in STEM, as well as examining diversity and inclusion in supporting educators and students in the technology pipeline.

“In this upcoming year, the university is poised to expand its reach in programs, research and educational partnerships that support our BSU campus, our community and beyond,” said Dr. Bissahoyo. “Bowie State is developing critical educational and research initiatives to increase retention for K-20 students and improve health outcomes for our communities and beyond.”

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.