Research Grants

PI: Dr. Jani Macari Pallis - University of Bridgeport

Funded by the Department of the Navy Science, Technology, Engineering & 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:

1. Submarine and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) operation and engineering.
2. Human-technology interface.
3. 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.

Exploring NUSTEM