Program Highlights (2015-2021)
LS-LAMP, the CREST Center, and the Timbuktu Academy worked in concert with officials from the LSU Discover Undergraduate Research Program in response to the newly established A&M Agenda, a 2022 collaborative agreement between Southern University (SU) and Louisiana State University (LSU) to leverage resources to facilitate meaningful exchanges and practical research experiences for STEM students and faculty. Led by Dr. Gloria Thomas-Fuller, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and LS-LAMP Co-PI, SUBR, the SU/LSU Summer Undergraduate Research Exchange (SURE) program was developed and successfully implemented in the summer of 2023.
Five (5) students (two (2) from LSU and three (3) from SU) were selected to participate in the program. Of the three (3) SUBR students, two (2) (Ms. Fahja Bonnett and Mr. D’Metrie King) are undergraduate scholars of the Timbuktu Academy’s program that stems the pool of future minority clinicians and to deliver COVID-19 educational outreach services. A key aim of this two-year project is to strengthen academically the selected minority students for the successful pursuit of advanced degrees in medicine, Nursing, or directly related fields. These students worked with faculty mentors for 20 hours per week on the campuses. During the SURE program, students and faculty partook in a welcome dinner, orientation, workshops/trainings, excursions, and social outings. The program culminated with research presentations during the Summer Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF). The A&M Agenda is poised to forge diverse partnerships among faculty across campuses for sustainability and broadening the participation of minorities for the next five (5) years. Details regarding this initiative are available at https://www.subr.edu/news/southern-lsu-sign-am-agenda.
Photo Credit: SUS Online Communications, September 6, 2022, Pictured from left to right: LSU President William F. Tate IV and Southern University President-Chancellor Dennis J. Shields
The award-winning Southern University National Quiz Bowl Team participated in the 34th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), April 15-19, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA. The team deployed sustained efforts and qualified for HCASC after winning a series of regional competitions throughout the academic year. The team comprises scholars of the SU Honors College and Ms. Deadre James-Mackie, coach and Assistant Professor in the SU Biology Department. The student members are SUBR LAMP and the Timbuktu Academy Scholar Karriem Upshaw (mathematics & physics), along with Noland Johnson (English), William Waddell (psychology), Akajiugo Amucheazi (biology), and Carrington Curry (electrical engineering). Mr. Upshaw completed his undergraduate studies at SUBR in the spring of 2023, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Physics. He is slated to begin the MS Mathematics and Physics program at SUBR in Fall 2023.
This annual event showcases academic excellence from HBCUs across the country. Teams from 64 HBCUs competed in this national championship tournament for a chance to win a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda. Although Stillman College earned top honors, we celebrate our SU team for their assiduity and fervor. Details regarding the event are available at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stillman-college-wins-the-34th-honda-campus-all-star-challenge-americas-premier-hbcu-academic-competition-301805307.html
(Photo Credit: The Advocate, April 7, 2023, Pictured from left to right: junior Carrington Curry, junior Akajiugo Amucheazi, team coach Deadra Mackie, senior Karriem Upshaw, and team captain Noland Johnson pose with trophies won at the national qualifying tournament in February.)
On May 13, 2022, Ms. Candace Chatman (Computer Science major) and Mr. Rason Irvin of Houston, TX, were recognized as Chief Student Marshals during the Spring 2022 SU Commencement Exercises. Both students were bestowed with this honor for possessing an excellent 4.0/4.0 GPA. This distinction is held by those who excel to the very top of their respective graduating class. Ms. Chatman, a native of Baton Rouge, LA, is a Scholar of SUBR LAMP and the Timbuktu Academy.
Candace was immersed in our systemic mentoring infrastructure, including research training, scientific advisement, and financial support, during her studies. She completed successfully several summer internships (2020 and 2021) with the Microsoft Corporation, where she secured a lucrative permanent position as a Software Engineer in Richmond, Washington. Throughout her undergraduate matriculation, Ms. Chatman was an active participant in several professional organizations (Beta Kappa Chi, National Honors Society, National Association of African American Honors Program, and the Honors Student Association, just to list a few), and served as a pre-college and peer mentor and tutor, as well as a Student Ambassador for the SU Computer Science Department. Candace conducted supervised research projects each semester and participated in national conferences and related professional development events. She is a Scholar of the SU DMRS Honors College, Top Jags, and a recipient of the J.S. Clark Presidential and Computer Science Department Scholarships.
(Photo Credit: https://www.subr.edu/page/spring-2022-student-marshals#:~:text=The%20Spring%20Class%20of%202022,students%20to%20enter%20the%20industry)
Raelyn Henderson, the senior mechanical engineering major and scholar of the Timbuktu Academy, SUBR-LAMP, and the CREST Center for Next Generation Multifunctional Composites, was selected by the Jaguar Nation to represent Southern University and A&M College as its 2021 OLAY x EBONY HBCU STEM Queen. EBONY Magazine celebrates Black female excellence and achievements. In partnership with OLAY, female STEM majors recognized as game changers in academia and their communities were selected from HBCUs across the nation. Ms. Henderson, along with her fellow HBCU STEM Queens, is featured in EBONY’s February 2022 commemorative print issue. (See EBONY cover page image to the right.)
Ms. Henderson is a formidable scholar of the SU DMRS Honors College and Top Jags, possessing an exceptional 3.2/4.0 GPA. Raelyn has enriched her research and technological skills during academic year research with the SU CREST Center and summer internships in academia and industry (Harvard University School of Engineering and Allied Science REU [2019], NASA Marshall Space Flight Center [2020], Booz Allen Hamilton [2021], and Chevron [2022]). She serves as President of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Program Chair for the Southern University Chapter of The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), President of the Greater Morning Star Baptist Church Youth Choir, and an active member of other professional organizations. Upon graduation, Ms. Henderson plans to pursue a Ph.D. prior to securing a high-tech position in the industry. Dr. Patrick Mensah, PI and Project Director, Statewide LS-LAMP and SU CREST, serves as her mentor and research advisor.
(Credit: https://www.subr.edu/news/engineering-student-raelyn-henderson-featured-as-ebony-stem-queen)
The Southern University Chapter of The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Outreach and Community Service – Scholars of SUBR-LAMP, the Timbuktu Academy, and the SU CREST Center have exemplified outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing minorities in STEM through their official roles, as well as active participation, in the Southern University Chapter of The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). These scholars include Ms. Dailynn Thomas (President), Ms. Chidinmay Dabels (Vice-President), Ms. Waynecia Porter (Secretary), Mr. Dondy Dorlus (Treasurer), Ms. Trinity Reed (Finance Chair), Ms. Raelyn Henderson (Program Chair), Ms. Kianna Davis (Membership Chair), Mr. Micheal Falodun (College Initiative Chair), Mr. Chase Robinson (Parliamentarian), and Ms. Lashonda Coco (Senator). Dr. Fareed Dawan, STEM Departmental Mentoring Coordinator for Engineering and Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, serves as the chapter’s Faculty Advisor.
During the week of October 25th- 29th, the chapter organized and held successfully the “NSBE Professional Development Week 2021” on the SU campus. This five-day event comprised interview preps, resume writing workshops, networking training sessions, and a career fair. Attendees included STEM undergrad and graduate students, faculty, staff, SU alumni, and industry partners. With more than 160 members, NSBE engages in various community-based outreach activities (i.e., K-12 mentoring and tutoring, donations, food & toy drives) and STEM recruitment. The mission of this organization is “to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.”
Pictured from left to right: (1) NSBE at the SU Organizational Fair, (2) Pre-College Outreach at Zachary High School, and (3) STEM Recruitment at Liberty High School
Dr. Patrick Mensah, Sr., ASME Fellow and Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Programs, and Faculty Development in the College of Sciences and Engineering at SU, was honored with the 2022 Outstanding Researcher Award by the SU Office of Research and Strategic Initiatives. This distinction is bestowed upon individuals exhibiting extensive achievements in scholarly research and the acquisition of external funds for sustainability. Dr. Mensah received the award on May 6, 2022, during the SU Office of Sponsored Programs Workshop Series. Over the last 15 years, he has secured and managed more than $45 million in funding for research and educational programs at SU. His more than 130 refereed journal papers, conference proceedings papers, and book chapters portend his commitment to generating new knowledge on applications of next-generation polymer matrix composites to benefit society.
Dr. Mensah serves as Principal Investigator and Director of several funded research projects, including the LS-LAMP STEM Pathways and Research Alliance, consisting of 14 partner institutions of higher education in the State of Louisiana, and the CREST Center for Next Generation Multifunctional Composites, both at SUBR. Components of these funded projects include K-12 outreach and recruitment, student mentoring, research experience for undergraduates (REU) and research experiences for teachers (RET) programs, and faculty development. These elements are pivotal to human resource capacity-building and sustainability, as well as promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity for a robust minority STEM workforce.
Recently, Dr. Mensah was selected to serve as a member of the 2021 inaugural Standing Council of the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA). Funded at a level of $8M through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering, ERVA is a five-year initiative for ensuring the United States' (US) position as a leader in technology, research, and innovation within the transformative engineering infrastructure.
The Southern University National Quiz Bowl Team participated in the virtual Annual Meeting of the National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP), Oct. 20-24, 2021. The team comprises scholars of the SU Honors College and Ms. Deadre James-Mackie, coach and Assistant Professor in the SU Biology Department. During the event, the team won second place in a rigorous competition against Morehouse College. The quiz bowl team includes SUBR LAMP and the Timbuktu Academy Scholar Karriem Upshaw (mathematics & physics), along with Noland Johnson (English), William Waddell (psychology), Akajiugo Amucheazi (biology), Amanda Turner (computer science), and Carrington Curry (electrical engineering). Affiliate Timbuktu Academy Scholar Frankie Dorsey (pianist) placed first in the "Honors Got Talent” Category. (Article & Photo Credit: https://www.subr.edu/news/honors-college-students-win-big-at-national-conference)
SUBR Formosa Endowed Professor and LS-LAMP Statewide Project Director Dr. Patrick Mensah has been selected to serve as a member of the inaugural Standing Council of the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA). ERVA is a five-year initiative funded at a level of $8M through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering. This alliance was formed to enable the United States (US) to maintain its leadership in research and innovation with respect to the evolving scientific and engineering landscape.
Dr. Mensah, along with 35 other distinguished individuals, serves on the ERVA Standing Council to provide critical input for visioning activities. The intellectual brain trust providing fuel to the ERVA engine is its Standing Council, which solicits and integrates input from all stakeholders with interests in engineering research. The Standing Council convenes quarterly to explore contemporary and future research/translational opportunities. Stakeholders from academia, industry, government, professional societies and foundations, and the general public will be invited to participate in topic-based task forces and to offer insight into new research directions.
ERVA is poised to convene, catalyze, and enable stakeholders in the engineering community to identify emerging opportunities and “priorities for engineering-led innovative, high-impact, cross-domain, fundamental research that addresses national, global and societal needs.” For more information on the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA), please visit www.ERVAcommunity.org.
Distinguished National Science Foundation (NSF) Program Officer Visits Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA – On February 19, 2020, Dr. A. James Hicks, Program Director for the Division of Human Resource Development (EHR/HRD) at the National Science Foundation (NSF), met with Southern University System (SUS) leadership, faculty, staff, and students on the Southern University-Baton Rouge, LA, campus. Hicks serves as Program Director of 57 nationwide Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP). Southern University-Baton Rouge, LA, is the lead institution of the Louisiana Alliance [Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP)]. LS-LAMP is a comprehensive, statewide, coordinated program comprised of 12 Louisiana institutions of higher education and a research facility.
Accompanied by the Project Director of the LS-LAMP, Dr. Patrick Mensah, and staff members, Dr. Hick’s met with SU System President, Dr. Ray Belton. The purpose of this meeting was to garner support from leadership to ensure the sustainability of the Louisiana Alliance through the acquisition of external funds. Furthermore, Dr. Hicks described the current state of NSF funding and emphasized the urgency of the alliances to seek additional resources. During the discussion, Dr. Hicks described the more than 25 years of success LS-AMP has in increasing the quality and quantity of underrepresented minority students (URM’s) who successfully earn science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees and increasing the number of those students who pursue the Ph.D.
Following the meeting with President Belton, Dr. Hicks was featured as a keynote speaker during the LS-LAMP and Timbuktu Academy seminar, which was held in the Pinchback Engineering Building on the campus. Attendees included LS-LAMP and Timbuktu Academy Scholars, SU faculty, staff, and graduate students. Dr. Hicks elucidated the illustrious history of LS-AMP and its global impact on supporting URM’s. He shared his research experiences in Biology as an undergraduate as well as his Ph.D. studies in Botany. He concluded his seminar by urging students to apply for the NSF Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) and to “Get Your Union Card!,” by earning the Ph.D.
Dr. Hicks is a notable Scholar and a champion for promoting the advancement of historically underrepresented minority students in STEM. Among his numerous accolades and extensive background in academia, he is a recipient of the White House Initiatives Faculty Award for Excellence in Science and Technology with a letter from President Ronald Regan in 1988.
SUBR Collaboration with the National GEM Consortium
For several years, Southern University and A&M College has been an active university member of the National Graduate Education for Minorities (GEM) Consortium. As stated on their website (https://www.gemfellowship.org/), “GEM is a network of leading corporations, government laboratories, top universities, and top research institutions that enables qualified students from underrepresented communities to pursue graduate education in applied science and engineering.” In conjunction with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, LS-LAMP Project Director Dr. Patrick Mensah served as co-host of the Fall 2020 Virtual GEM Getting Ready for Advanced Degrees Laboratory (GRAD Lab) on October 31, 2020. The purpose of this event was to provide participants with pertinent information for generating competitive applications for graduate school and applying for the GEM Fellowship Program. SUBR minority undergrad and graduate students, faculty, and staff attended the event. Two (2) LS-LAMP scholars, Ms. Daria Bentley and Ms. Ella Dodor, traveled to Knoxville, TN, September 27-28, 2019, to participate in the Fall 2019 GRAD Lab at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Ms. Ella Dodor, a senior Computer Science major, has been selected by GEM to complete her summer 2021 internship with the Hess Corporation. She is slated to graduate from SUBR this summer.
Former Scholar Ms. Daria Bentley is a recent awardee of the GEM Fellowship. Ms. Bentley is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at The Ohio State University. Daria was profiled as an “Outstanding Scholar” in the Louis Stokes Center for the Promotion of Academic Careers Through Motivational Opportunities to Develop Emerging Leaders in STEM (LS-PAC-MODELS) Spring 2021 Newsletter (https://lsu.edu/osi/ls-pac/partnerspot.php).
Daria earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering in the spring of 2020. During commencement, this Ohio native was distinguished as the College of Sciences and Engineering (CSE) Student Marshal for earning a 3.74/4.0 GPA, with Magna Cum Laude honors. In addition to LAMP and the Academy, she was a Scholar of the D. M. R. Spikes Honors College. While at SUBR, Daria served as a peer tutor/mentor, an advocate for assisting those in need, as well as an active member of the Beta Psi Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As an undergraduate, Daria was immersed in the Ten-Strand Systemic Mentoring Model of the Timbuktu Academy and LS-LAMP. The central focus of these undergraduate mentoring programs is to increase the quantity and quality of minority students earning Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and to increase the number of those graduates who pursue advanced degrees, with an emphasis on the Ph.D
SUBR Scholars Attend Annual Conference - Each year, thousands of college students, faculty members, university officials, and representatives from business and the non-profit sector gather to partake in the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), the conference was held on February 6-8, 2020 in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme was “Celebrating 10 Years of ERN.”
Four (4) scholars of LS-LAMP and the Timbuktu Academy attended and gave technical presentations on their research. These scholars included Ms. Ashley Alfred (Senior, Mathematics and Physics major), Ms. Lauri Kight (Senior, Mathematics and Physics major), Ms. Raelyn Henderson (Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering major) and Ms. Jera’Nae Garner-Donald (Junior, Biology major). Ms. Alfred placed 1st in the Mathematics and Statistics Section for her poster presentation and DMR Spikes Honors College thesis, entitled “Studying the Effects of Proton Therapy on Human Tissue Using the Pennes Bio-Heat Equation.” Ms. Henderson was a recipient of an ERN Travel Award. During the conference, scholars attended scientific plenary sessions along with professional development workshops and seminars. This annual conference serves to expose students to a plethora of opportunities, including graduate programs, scholarships and fellowships, summer internships (national and international), and careers in the global workforce.
Mr. Oscar McClain, a scholar of the D. M. R. Spikes Honors College, the Timbuktu Academy, and the Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) Program, was selected as the 2018 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar for Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge (SUBR), LA. This distinction is a part of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Mr. McClain is slated to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Southern University and A&M College in the spring 2019 semester. For more information, please visit http://www.subr.edu/news/three-southern-university-system-chosen-as-2018-hbcu-competitiveness-scholars.
Nine (9) scholars of the Timbuktu Academy and LS-LAMP participated in the 76th Joint Annual Meeting of Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society and the National Institute of Science (BKX/NIS). Hosted by Fort Valley State, the meeting was held at the Westin Buckhead Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, GA, March 28-30, 2019. Seven (7) scholars give technical presentations. Ms. Jalilah Muhammad, a spring 2019 graduating senior in Chemistry at SUBR, placed 3rd for her oral presentation in the Chemistry/Engineering category. For poster presentations in the Engineering/Computer Science/Mathematics/Physics category, Ms. Angelique McClellan, a junior Mathematics and Physics (Math. Concentration) major, placed 3rd, and Mr. Oscar McClain, a spring 2019 graduating senior in Chemistry, placed 1st. A total of 45 students from SUBR attended the conference, along with five (5) faculty members. The theme of the conference was “Implementing STEM Technology to Aspire and Engage Society.”
Southern University System Distinguished Professor of Physics, Dean of the D. M. R. Spikes Honors College, and Director of the Timbuktu Academy and the Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) Dr. Diola Bagayoko was elected as 2018 Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) in September 2018. As stated in the notification letter from the APS President, Roger Falcone, this distinction is bestowed each year upon no more than one half of one percent of the membership of APS.
Per the APS website (https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/fellowships/archive-all.cfm?initial=&year=2018&unit_id=FED&institution=), Dr. Bagayoko was selected “For improving undergraduate physics education for all students through curriculum development, program development, and administrative leadership, and broadening participation in physics through the preparation and mentorship of numerous ethnic/racial minorities in physics.”
During its September meeting, the APS Council of Representatives, from the recommendation of the APS Forum on Education (FEd), selected Dr. Bagayoko for this prestigious recognition. Presentation of Dr. Bagayoko’s fellowship certificate will be held during the annual meeting of the APS Forum on Education. For details, please visit the website above and http://www.subr.edu/news/distinguished-professor-named-american-physical-society-fellow-receives-40k-grant-for-scholarships.
In the spring of 2019, Eleven (11)-Year-old Prodigy Mr. Elijah Precciely began his undergraduate matriculation at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge (SUBR), Louisiana. Mr. Precciely, a home-schooled student, began auditing courses at SUBR some years ago. He is currently enrolled as a full-time student as a sophomore, pursuing a dual degree in Mathematics and Physics, with a concentration in Physics and Mechanical Engineering. Since his arrival at SUBR, Dr. Diola Bagayoko has mentored and academically advised Mr. Precciely and has been instrumental in his endeavor to enroll full-time at SUBR.
On May 25, 2018, the Southern University Board of Supervisors recognized Elijah for his academic accomplishments. During the ceremony, Mr. Precciely received the prestigious J.S. Clark Presidential Scholarship (a full-support academic award at SUBR). "It feels great. I thank God that all my hard work and all the pouring (into me) did not go in vain," Elijah told The Advocate. Elijah, along with his parents, Mrs. Pamela and Mr. Stephen Precciely, expressed their gratitude for this opportunity.
Elijah, a Timbuktu Academy and LS-LAMP scholar, will continue to receive mentoring from Dr. Diola Bagayoko and by Dr. Patrick Mensah, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, College of Sciences and Engineering and Co-PI for LS-LAMP. Elijah is also a scholar of the D. M. R. Spikes Honors College, a published author, and an inventor, for which he has submitted five (5) patents. (Photo above by The Advocate.) For more information on Mr. Elijah Precciely, access the link below.
On January 20, 2018, Diola Bagayoko, SU System Distinguished Professor of Physics, Director of the Timbuktu Academy and LS-LAMP, and Dean of the DMR Spikes Honors College, and the late Dr. Ella L. Kelley, Co-Director of the Timbuktu Academy and Campus Coordinator for LS-LAMP, were honored during the First Inaugural Timbuktu Academy Legacy Banquet. This momentous event was organized by former Timbuktu Academy and LS-LAMP scholars (Dr. Jeremiah Abiade, Dr. Rachel McKinsey, Dr. Trey Crosy, Ms. LaKindra Francis-Jones, Atty. Monika Wright, and Dr. Cacey Stevens) and staff of the Timbuktu Academy and LS-LAMP (Ms. Brenda McNeely, Ms. Chandler Modica, and Ms. Lashounda Franklin).
The ceremony was held at 5:00 PM in the Cotillion Ballroom in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union on the SUBR campus. Over 70 guests attended. These guests included former scholars of the Timbuktu Academy and LS-LAMP, parents of both pre-college and undergraduate scholars, graduate students, and university faculty and staff. Highlights of the event included keynote speaker and former scholar, Dr. Renee Horton, SLS Core Stage Lead Weld and Metallic Engineer, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, and emotional expressions of gratitude to Drs. Bagayoko and Kelley by former scholars and by their beloved daughter, Attorney Kelley Bagayoko. Audience members also viewed a video message (https://youtu.be/bGQ7TlVRXbA) to the honorees from Dr. Robert Louis Shepard, author, chemist, Founder of The Shepard Institute, and former Director of the Science and Engineering Alliance (SEA). During the video, Dr. Shepard spoke about the impact Drs. Bagayoko and Kelley have made on his life. He explained how working with them through the years has been truly a great honor and a pleasure.
The event also featured presentations of awards to current and former scholars. Mr. Oscar McClain, a Chemistry and Chemical Engineering major and scholar, received the award for “Outstanding Current Student in the Timbuktu Academy.” Dr. Anthony Stewart was honored for his “Outstanding Achievements in STEM Outreach,” and Mr. Tommy Rockward received the award for “Outstanding Leadership in STEM.” Participants of the event nominated these award recipients. The ceremony culminated with closing remarks by Dr. Bagayoko and photo sessions.
Proceeds from this event were utilized to establish the “Timbuktu Academy Legacy Endowment Fund” through the Southern University System (SUS) Foundation. The purpose of this fund is to support the activities of the Academy for generations to come and to assist alumni in transition to graduate and professional schools. Specifically, proceeds will be utilized for financial support for meritorious undergraduate students who are mentored, pre-college academic enrichment, summer and academic year research by scholars (undergraduate and pre-college), and fundraising endeavors. Planning is underway for the second annual Timbuktu Academy Legacy Banquet, which will be held in the fall of 2018. For more information on the legacies of Dr. Diola Bagayoko and the late Dr. Ella L. Kelley and announcements on upcoming events, please visit https://bagayokocelebratio.wixsite.com/mysite. What is important about this event is the establishment of this fund to support STEM education and broaden participation at SUBR.
Bagayoko, along with two (2) other colleagues from SUBR, were honored during the Becoming Everything You Are (BEYA) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Global Competitiveness Conference in Washington, D.C. This conference was held February 9-11, 2017 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Dr. Bagayoko received the 2017 BEYA STEM Innovation Award. The citation for this award for Dr. Bagayoko included his leadership in the development of the Master’s Program in Mathematics and Physics and the Ph.D. Program in Science and Mathematics Education at SUBR, the building of the SUBR internet infrastructure, the integration of computers in teaching, mentoring, and learning (TML), and the extensive creation of new knowledge disseminated through 180 publications. Of special mention was Dr. Bagayoko’s correction of 50 years of misunderstanding of density functional theory (DFT) and his completion of said theory in practice. (Pictured in the photo from left to right: Dr. G. L. Zhao, Dr. Diola Bagayoko, and Dr. Rau Uppu.)