With a high risk of natural disasters in Mississippi, the National Science Foundation has awarded JSU a nearly $400,000 grant that would help underserved communities with storm preparedness, provide mental therapy for weather-related trauma and inspire minority women to pursue STEM careers.
Project FAST (Females Advancing Science and Technology) aims to train a new generation of female emergency management and disaster-preparedness professionals. The future professional workers would be expected to strengthen vulnerable communities and steer people out of harm’s way.
This is especially important because Mississippi’s climate and location are recipes for stirring up devastating storms. Reportedly, approximately 60 percent of communities in the Magnolia state are rural, and many people lack resources and knowledge to protect themselves during deadly weather.
Dr. Dawn Bishop McLin is a professor in the Department of Psychology. A grant from the National Science Foundation is expected to increase undergraduate female minority students’ interest in emergency/disaster preparedness. McLin, the principal investigator, said
The NSF-sponsored program will involve several disciplines at JSU. They are computer science, technology, meteorology and psychology. In addition, partnerships include the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the National Weather Service.
The FAST program is being offered to rising sophomores and juniors in the qualified disciplines. After applying, eligible students will receive a monetary stipend.
Dr. Dawn Bishop McLin, the principal investigator and a professor in the Department of Psychology, said, “FAST will help strengthen the research and learning culture and infrastructure at the university. The project’s activities are expected to increase female students’ interest in emergency/disaster preparedness and increase retention and progression in STEM disciplines.” She also said
