Shepherd University recently received a three-year award from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Division of Science and Research and the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) for $81,000, which was secured by Colleen Nolan, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and professor of biology.

The project targets increasing preparedness and the number of students pursuing graduate training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This is the first time Shepherd has been awarded this grant.

The grant will be used for student research, travel and presentation of research and will also aid in the mentoring of students and provide support to fund supplies.

Funds will be distributed by actively recruiting students from STEM disciplines at Shepherd. Students who apply for funding will be chosen based on a selection committee.

“It provides a great opportunity for our students,” Nolan said in a press release. “It allows them to do research early on in their field and encourages them to continue with research either in undergraduate or graduate school.”