Research Grants
PI: Dr. Jani Macari Pallis – University of Bridgeport
Funded by the Department of the Navy Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Workforce Program, Exploring Naval Underwater STEM (Exploring NUSTEM) leverages existing collaborations of two universities from different coasts of the United States, — University of Bridgeport (UB) and University of Southern California (USC) — high schools, informal science centers, community programs, and Naval partners. The project provides research opportunities for high school (grades 9-12), undergraduate, and graduate students to plan, develop and implement underwater exploration projects related to submarine and unmanned underwater vehicles in the project’s Key Knowledge Areas (KKA) of Navy relevance:
- Submarine and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) operation and engineering.
- Human-technology interface.
- Underwater communications.
The project provides students with iterative learning opportunities to integrate fundamentals in KKA. In addition, the project offers a mobile mission control center incorporated into a STEM on Wheels mobile laboratory, and manned and unmanned vehicle operation and control, including the unique capabilities of UB’s one-person, 8-foot, 2,300-pound submarine named “Explorer.” Through informal science experiences designed to reinforce learning in KKA, secondary and post-secondary students will be able to participate year-round through classroom activities and capstone projects, workshops, summer academies, and after-school programs.