2022 US Black Engineer & Information Technology | DEANS - Vol. 46, No. 2 by Career Communications Group

HBCU presidents share how they are transforming higher education USBE&IT Deans Issue www.blackengineer.com2022 David K. Wilson, Ed. D, President, Morgan State University INSIDE: Jobs in the metaverse 15 ABET-accredited HBCU engineering school directory BEYA rising stars leading the way for all students in 2022 A ERANEW DEANS ISSUE COMPLIMENTS OF

WORLD.CHANGEWETOGETHERCANTHE Leidos is a proud supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. We are committed to hiring qualified candidates with diverse perspectives and the skills necessary to solve our customers’ most demanding challenges. We’re seeking powerhouse talent for positions in the areas of IT, engineering and science. © 2022 LEIDOS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 22-570752. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/DISABILITY/VET. JOIN US: careers.leidos.com/usbe

US BLACK ENGINEER & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 26 TOP SUPPORTERS OF HBCUS - Find out who made the exclusive 2022 Top Supporters of HBCU Engineering Schools list, now in its 20th year . 28 THE 2022 HBCU ABET-ACCREDITED ENGINEERING SCHOOL DIRECTORY 40 HBCU INNOVATION - HBCUs have a long tradition of producing alumni who have a passion for problem-solving, creativity, and are trailblazers in their fields. 42 COVER STORY - Dr. David Wilson gives USBE an exclusive interview as he reflects on a glorious past and looks to a bright future. 52 STEM CITY LEADING VOICES SUMMIT - The one-day event will feature four sessions and expositions from exceptional innovators.. 54 INFRASTRUCTURE BILL OUTLOOK - What’s in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act?4CONTENTSUSBE&Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com ONE ON 10ONE

Dr. Tony Allen, center, with 2021 Delaware State University graduates Marco Robinson, left, and Corban Witherspoon, right, who is co-author of the book Let Us Make A Man: The Black Man’s Guide to Creating a Life of Significance, Impact & Power. Delaware State Dr.president,University’sTonyAllen

With

Content Officer People and Events ............. 8 Exciting highlights of recent promotions, breaking news on

professionals. Education ......................... 16 Check out these outstanding student achievers who were honored at this

conversation about

BEYA STEM DTX conference. Deans provide representation and guidance for students; therefore, it is important for deans to accurately reflect the student body. Meet this diverse group of deans from major universities. Leading Voices ................. 48 • Dr. Karen Marrongelle - The Vital Role HBCUs Play in Building a Robust Science and Engineering Enterprise. • Philip June - Investing in our STEM Communities for the Long run. Career Outlook .................59 The metaverse is here. We have the information you need for this exciting new area. PUBLISHER'S PAGE VOLUMEDEPARTMENTS46NUMBER2 NOW THE MOST READ BLACK TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE REACHING OVER 100,000 READERS IN THE UNITED STATES, UK, AND SOUTH AFRICA 42 Visit us online

One of the staples in the spring edition of US Black Engineer magazine is the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Engineering Directory. The listing features key figures and current events at 15 ABETaccredited HBCU engineering schools with up-to-theminute information on academic programs.

Tyrone D. Taborn Publisher and Chief HBCU campuses, the STEM sits with Delaware State University’s president, Dr. Tony Allen, for a HBCUs being the best STEM year’s

This June, the Leading Voices Summit in the STEM City USA metaverse promises a blockbuster session on the role of HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. During the summit, award-winning innovators, inventors, and changemakers will highlight achievements in the thriving, collaborative research environment.

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HBCU LEADERS: ADAPTABILITY, RESILIENCE, AND DEDICATION

Before that, please read about how two HBCU presidents transformed their campuses and how STEM students can make a difference. Their stories share a common thread of adaptability, resilience, and dedication to impacting the STEM universe, just like trailblazing innovators like Andrew Jackson Beard, Henry Blair, Solomon Brown, Lewis Latimer, Sarah Boone, and Marjorie Joyner. Without a doubt, the world would be markedly different without the contributions of great minds such as those. With more than 10 million American households and 400,000 schools or facilities lacking clean, safe drinking water, we took a deep dive into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The legislation plans to enable the rebuilding of America’s roads, bridges, and rails; expand access to clean drinking water; ensure every American has access to high-speed internet; tackle the climate crisis; advance environmental justice; and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. According to Fast Facts compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics, in fall 2019, there were 7,313,623 students enrolled in distance education courses at degreegranting institutions. But while some thought leaders receive their education from prestigious universities, others are self-taught or seize the chance to learn tech while holding down a job. They all have in common the desire to create a more inclusive world through the metaverse and for the metaverse to influence the world we live in.

and major events happening in

community. One on One ...................... 10 USBE

return on your investment. Career Voices ................... 14 How do you level up your career? This is one of the most-asked questions by

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Events Script and Speech Writer Rutherford & Associates, Conference Planning ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE Career Communications Group, Inc. 729 E. Pratt Street, Suite 504, Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: (410) 244-7101 / Fax: (410) 752-1837 US Black Engineer & Information Technology (ISSN 1088-3444) is a publication devoted to engineering, science, and technology and to promoting opportunities in those fields. US Black Engineer & Information Technology cannot be responsible for unsolicited art or editorial material. This publication is bulk-mailed to colleges and universities nationwide. Subscriptions are $26/year. Please write to US Black Engineer & Information Technology, Subscriptions, 729 E. Pratt St., Suite 504, Baltimore, MD 21202. Copyright © 2022 by Career Communications Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/BEYASTEM: Follow us on Twitter: @BlackEngineer For more information, call us at 410-244-7101 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/BEYASTEM Follow us on Twitter: @BlackEngineer The37 th SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 9-11, 2023 www.beya.org

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At Lockheed Martin, inclusion drives success. We are proud to be named the lead Top Corporate Supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Engineering Programs for the seventh year in a row. Diverse backgrounds, experiences and points of view help us create incredible work, solve customers’ toughest challenges and engineer solutions around the world. We don’t know what’s going to change the world next. But we’re probably already working on it. Learn more at lockheedmartin.com/diversity Lockheed Martin. Your Mission is Ours.®

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The event also distinguished research achievements, including honors bestowed for intellectual property innovation awarded to a student, instructor, and staffer in life science, physical science, information science, and community innovation.

Rhonda D. Fitzgerald, a Ph.D. mathematics professor and center director at Norfolk State University, was elected vice president of the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM). Fitzgerald took office on Feb. 1. NAM’s mission is to promote excellence in the mathematical sciences and the mathematical development of all groups underrepresented in the field. NAM was founded in 1969, when American mathematical organizations excluded mathematicians of color from their membership, editorial boards, research symposia, and other professional activities.

Also, this spring, Morgan State University’s Division of Research & Economic Development, Office of Technology Transfer announced the winners of the fourth annual “Innovation of the Year” awards. Held virtually, this year’s ceremony celebrated 18 members of Morgan’s research community for their significant contribution to their field of study and the successful claim to inventions and methodologies by way of six newly awarded U.S. patents.

Morgan State University’s 4th Annual ‘Innovation of the Year’ Awards

On Feb. 17, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and dignitaries celebrated the opening of the Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering Research and Innovation Complex at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. College of Engineering Dean, Robin N. Coger, Ph.D., hosted the event. The Martin Complex, a 130,000-square foot building equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, open concept laboratories, high bay areas, and maker spaces, stands four stories tall in the East Greensboro community.

8 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com by Denise editors@ccgmag.comStephens &PEOPLEEVENTS

PVAMU hosts a national engineering conference promoting engineering education The 2022 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) GulfSouthwest (GSW) Section Conference was held at Prairie View A&M University on March 16–18. The theme was “Engineering Education for Productive People: Preparing Students for the Changing Work Environments.” The event marked the second time a historically Black college and university hosted an ASEE GSW conference since the engineering education organization was founded in 1893.

Rhonda D. Fitzgerald, a Ph.D. mathematics professor and center director at Norfolk State University

N.C. A&T holds a grand opening for the Martin Complex

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering selected to lead aviation projects for NASA NASA’s University Leadership Initiative (ULI) program recently selected researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering for a novel proposal that involves hybrid-electric propulsion. The academic industry-inspired project focuses on the avoidance and elimination of harmful aviation emissions. It represents one of four sustainable aviation projects led by universities that received funding from the ULI. The other teams include the University of Central Florida, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign. S Stay up to date on all news and events visit our webpage l.ead.me/bbUBoU

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Hampton University becomes Delta Airlines’ First HBCU Propel College Delta Airlines announced in February that Hampton University joined the Propel Collegiate Pilot Career Path Program. According to Hampton, the association builds upon the significant legacy people of color have in their contribution to aviation. For this effort, “Hampton University will develop aviation students into future first officers with Delta,” said Dr. William R. Harvey, president of Hampton University. “The Propel program shares Hampton formissionDepartmentUniversity’sofAviation’stoprepareourstudentsaviationcareers.”

Partnering with Hampton aligns with a commitment to reimagining talent strategy while maintaining the high standards of a Delta pilot. MINORITIES’ IN ENGINEERING (AMIE) 2022 Nashville, Tennessee www.amiepartnerships.org

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USBE: What are you doing for HBCUs in addition to everything else? Dr. Allen: I’m humbled to be the White House Advisory Board chair on HBCUs. We are putting together a committee now. That advisory board has been up and running since the Carter administration in 1976. Its import has been significant, but it does vary with respect to impact. I plan to make sure our committee is very active and impactful throughout our tenure with the Whenadministration.Ifirsttookthe appointment in September, I wrote a “Dear Colleague” letter to HBCU presidents. In that, I floated what could be four priorities. One was physical infrastructure. This notion that we could do a much better job advocating and demanding support for the historical inequities that have beset us via our mainstream peers around learning and living spaces on our campuses is critically important. I already know that the quality of instruction you receive at an HBCU is excellent. Our living and learning spaces need to match that quality of Theinstruction.second piece was about building capacity around HBCUs ready to go from R2 status to R1. There are 11 HBCUs that are R2, and none are R1.

USBE: What are your thoughts on HBCU underfunding?

Why

NEW

opportunityeducationalmissionportfolio$27millioninstitutioncomprehensiveState(HBCU).collegehistoricallycontemporarydiverseBlackanduniversityDelawareUniversityisaresearchwitha$140budgetandamillionresearchwithacleartoincreaseaccessandforall.

USBE: Research universities are categorized as R1, R2, and R3 by the Carnegie Classification of A ERA HBCUs are the best return on investment Tony Allen, Ph.D., is the CEO of the nation’s most

Dr. Tony Allen: Over the last 24 months, I would say the elevation of HBCUs is in considerable measure because, as I’ve said many times, one pandemic exposed another—when you think of COVID-19 and its spare realities particularly on communities of color and then, right on its heels, the almost unwatchable murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and so on across the country. It became a moment for Black institutions and, quite frankly, many Corporateinstitutions.America responded in kind, relative to wanting to put their stamp on diversity, equity, and inclusion in a renewed way. I’ve said to my colleagues that we have to turn this moment into a movement. One of the ways to do that is making sure we are using our dollars wisely, particularly those that have come unusually, and sometimes from unusual places, to make the right investments for the future. But also continue to keep the momentum up with respect to the elevation of HBCUs

ONE ON ONE

T he 1890 land-grant institution is home to four academic colleges, a burgeoning graduate school, and recently completed the acquisition of nearby Wesley College. The school serves over 5,000 undergraduate students, graduate students, and adult learners in Delaware, online, and internationally. Below are excerpts from a Zoom interview with US Black Engineer magazine.

10 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com by Lango editors@ccgmag.comDeen

Myoverall.strong view is that we are the best return on investment in higher education, particularly when you think about our ability to educate more Black students thoughtfully than many other institutions in the country and to be the core driver of Black students coming into the Black middle class. So, you think about 3 percent of all universities today, and we are still educating 20 percent of all Black students in the country. That is a significant return. The untold story of all of that is that we continue to do more with less. And now we are starting to say less is no longer acceptable. So, when I look into the opportunities that have come our way, whether it be federal government infusion, which has been significant, or support from the corporate community, which has also been important, I don’t expect the window will be that wide open forever. It behooves us to keep our institutions at the forefront of reconsidering social and economic mobility because nobody else can do better.

USBE: The report titled “HBCUs Transforming Generations: Social Mobility Outcomes for HBCU Alumni” offers an in-depth review of the “move into middle class mobility rate” and its efficiency as a measure of social mobility for Black students attending HBCUs. It provides a breakdown of access, success, and social mobility rates of HBCUs, Ivy Plus institutions, the nationwide average, and the averages of non-college attendees.

Dr. Allen: We have the capability, the scholarship, the faculty, and support to propel several of our institutions into R1 status. I know that folks like Dr. David Wilson (Morgan State University president) are very much in agreement, and we are working collaboratively on how best to get that done. I can tell you that was also a core tenet with respect to President Joe Biden’s emphasis on HBCUs. He recognizes that more of us should be on the R1 status, and that takes funding and federal support as it relates to research grants and the like. The third was more money for students from low-resource communities. As I said at the top, nobody does it better than us as it relates to taking folks from low-resource communities and putting them into the Black middle class. It will help if you look no further than the United Negro College Fund’s latest report on this issue that among higher institutions, HBCUs are the primary driver for infusion in the Black middle class among higher education institutions.

Tony Allen, Ph.D., President, Delaware State University

Dr. Allen: There are more HBCUs, as you know, than the ones you often hear of. Many of those are smaller and deserve equal attention like all of us. So, we can’t just continue to think of the Howards, Delaware States, Morgan States, and North Carolina A&Ts. We have to think about the Bennetts and Claflins as well. Those sister institutions are doing yeoman’s work too but are often unattended to. Those were the four priorities we laid out, and we hope to start our business in earnest in the new year, but that’s what we are focused Concomitantlyon.

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to your point about the administration’s commitment, I am not only buoyed by what I’ve heard from the administration but from what I’ve seen. The American Rescue Plan delivered $4.7 billion to HBCUs, including $1.6 billion in capital. In Build Back Better, there is $10 billion for HBCUs, MSIs (minority-serving institutions), and HSIs (Hispanicserving institutions), including $3 billion in support for research and infrastructure. So, it is notable when you start adding up what the administration is doing in its first year. So much so that I took the opportunity to get HBCU chancellors and presidents to sign a letter to the Senate encouraging them to act on Build Back Better soon because of its import on HBCUs specifically. Sixty-six of us signed that letter, and it was the first “My strong view is that we are the best return on investment in higher education, particularly when you think about our ability to educate more Black students thoughtfully than many other institutions in the country and to be the core driver of Black students coming into the Black middle class.”

Institutions of Higher Education. R1 is considered “very high research” and R2 is considered “high research activity.”

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time that HBCU presidents attached our names to the effort. You usually see our great advocacy partners, Thurgood Marshall College Fund and United Negro College Fund, doing that heavy legislative advocacy work. We thought it was important that we attached our names to the effort and are now working aggressively with our respective congressional delegations around the country to make sure that we can get to the finish line.

When you talk about having the ear of the administration, that’s overstated. You may not know this, but President Biden started his first Senate campaign on the hallowed grounds of Delaware State University. He’s recognized our importance since 1972. You already know that an HBCU graduate stood in South Carolina and said, “I know Joe Biden, and Joe Biden knows us.”

Congressman (James) Clyburn changed the state of the election. And then, the president picked Kamala Harris, an HBCU graduate, and has since that time put significant figures from the HBCU community in significant places in the government. Think about Michael Regan (the United States Environmental Protection Agency) from North Carolina A&T and Cedric Richmond (senior advisor and director of the Office of Public Engagement) from Morehouse College. The president has lots of folks who understand the importance of HBCUs all around him. We want to make sure that we are clear on our priorities; we are speaking loudly and encouraging the infusions and support that will help us not take the final step but take a significant step toward a more equitable community.

USBE: What’s on your wish list for 2022? Dr. Allen: I hope Build Back Better has passed. That would be a significant boost to us, particularly those priorities in my outline earlier; I hope to have continued momentum from the private sector, which I think will happen because, particularly among the employees at Fortune 500 companies, there is a continued emphasis on pushing their companies to do more and think more clearly around pipelining. When you think about finding the right talent of color, the first order of business is going to an HBCU. When you talk about visibility and momentum, you will also see our HBCU community continue to do more together. That R1 status shouldn’t be for just one HBCU, and there are 11 of us on the precipice here. We are beginning to work together along with those goals, and we need to continue to do that until we get all 11 HBCUs into R1 status and the others in R3 or not yet in a research category at all. I said earlier that folks must recognize that there are not 10 HBCUs in the country. There are 101. Building capacity for folks who produce 350,000 graduates each year and making sure they are successful is a core goal. If you didn’t have HBCUs in the 21st century, you’d have to invent us. I very much believe no one can do what we do, or do it as well as we do, not only for the benefit of our community but for others. USBE: Are there any plans for Delaware State to become an ABET-accredited HBCU?

Dr. Allen: Delaware State is building a broader capacity for engineering disciplines. We are partnering with sister institutions, and some we are doing on our own. So, I’ll say we are on our way. Our summer program for aviation is a little-known fact. We produce more pilots than any other place in the country and have our aircraft, about 22 planes. We are doing a yeoman’s job of preparing folks for the future. We are going for a deeper accreditation with United Airlines and the like. We will take a deeper dive into many of our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines. It’s going to produce significant results for us. Just this past legislative session, the Delaware General Assembly passed what we call the INSPIRE Scholarship. It’s a full, four-year, tuition-free scholarship at Delaware State for any graduating high school senior in Delaware with a 2.75 GPA. We’ve already seen a significant increase in enrollment. As a result, we have to ensure that we have the disciplines those folks are looking for, and many are looking, as you might imagine, at STEM. So, while we have great STEM curricula, we know we can do better, and we’re doing that. S ON ONE President Tony Allen (center) is flanked by Delaware State University alumni and supporters

ONE

Ad “At Jacobs, I’m able to ser ve as a leader in my company and my communit y – making a positive impact for our teams and clients locally and all around the world.” Ever y day, our team of visionaries, thinkers and doers deliver innovative solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. From interns to our senior leaders, alumni from Historically Bl ack Colleges and Univer sities use their exper tise, dedication and passion to make our world more connected, sustainable and equitable. Jacobs is proud to par tner with HBCUs to suppor t the next generation of brilliant minds and inspirational leaders. Visit Careers.Jacobs.com to find your next career oppor tunity. Jacobs suppor ts the recruitment, development, and retention of Bl ack talent. Follow us @JacobsConnects | jacobs com Cleophus Thomas, Vice President, Director of Operations Global Digital Center of Excellence (GD CoE) Tuskegee University ‘91

“I love diamonds in the rough,” she says. “I love working with people that others no longer want to invest in. I love turning them around, showing them I care, and showing them that I’m

“The best leaders don’t see problems; they see challenges to overcome and opportunities to shine that weren’t there before,” she says. “You can get so consumed with every negative thing, but that gets exhausting.”

O f course, that can be easier said than done; growing a business or getting promoted takes hard work, perseverance, and a bit of planning. It also helps to have an advocate like Somerville in your corner to offer advice and coaching along the Atway.the most recent Women of Color STEM Conference, Somerville joined us to offer some advice on how to take your career to the next level. Here are some of the tips she gave to the audience: OWN YOUR JOURNEY

BREAKING THROUGH THE GLASS CEILING: TAKING YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL

As the CEO of Somerville Consulting Group and mentor to countless businesses“levelher,professionalsyoungaroundshehelpspeopleup”theirandcareers.

NURTURE RELATIONSHIPSPROFESSIONAL

She explains that she constantly monitors her outlook to remain the most effective leader she can be.

“When you think of leveling up in your career, the first thing I want you to do is to be happy with yourself,” she says. “If your work doesn’t give you purpose and you don’t feel like you’re constantly growing and maturing in your career, then make some changes today.”

“Every day before I leave my office, I ask myself if I have contributed more than I’ve criticized,” she says. “That’s one of the ways I maintain a healthy environment in my office.”

According to Somerville, the most important task on any professional’s to-do list is to be happy with oneself. If you’re not happy, it means that something needs to change, and you need to make that change happen.

www.blackengineer.com editors@ccgmag.com

Somerville stresses the importance of being someone that others want to be around in the workplace. Maintaining a positive outlook and avoiding negativity will help you form stronger relationships with your colleagues.

CAREER VOICES

However, Somerville adds that it’s important to raise your voice about concerns, especially for women, who aren’t as represented in every level of the business work. “Don’t allow [your concerns] to fester,” she says. “To come into work and stay positive, you also have to be true to yourself. Be a game-changer by being honest about your concerns and offering any TEACH THROUGH LEADERSHIP One of the best ways to move upward in your career is to help others progress in their careers. Somerville sees this as an informal but crucial part

To Watch this full seminar, follow this link: be/MPsinqv7fIwhttps://youtu.

www.blackengineer.com happy to help them reach their full Shepotential.”recommends every professional take an active mentorship role in their workplace. “Seek out someone to help,” she suggests. “Find someone who you believe can, with a bit of coaching and mentoring, get to a place that they didn’t imagine they could be.”

Ultimately, teaching helps you grow as much as it helps the person you teach. “Knowledge sharing is reciprocal,” she says. “I’m always learning things from the people I mentor. Through sharing information, stories, and technical knowledge, we all grow.” S “I love diamonds in the rough,” Somerville says. “I love working with people that others no longer want to invest in. I love turning them around, showing them I care, and showing them that I’m happy to help them reach their full potential.”

Adrienne Somerville CEO, Somerville Consulting Group

JAMES “DYLAN” HALL James “Dylan” Hall is a 20-year-old junior at Alabama A&M University studying mechanical engineering with a concentration in propulsions and minor in computer science. He was born in Huntsville, AL and raised in Ardmore, AL. He is a small-town student with very big goals. One of those goals is to be able to use his hands and his mind to make something that could help Heothers.ishoping his good character and actions help him as well as others advance at work and in the community.

The Student Leadership award is presented to the students who best exemplify hard work and dedication. These students go above and beyond helping others in their communities through volunteer work, programs, and even military service. They maintain exceptional grades and GPA and serve and inspire others through their work. CCG would like to recognize the following students with the SLAD award for 2022.

Hall hopes to find a career that will allow him to not only provide for his family but help other people along the Theway. reason he chose engineering is because he was torn about what to pursue as a career. He observed his peers and their career choices and asked friends and family to help match him with a career path. He has always been interested in science and math and has excelled in those subjects througout his life. On top of excelling Ada

really solidified this choice were two courses I took while in high school,” Davis said. “My junior year I took AP physics and for the first time truly enjoyed what I learned.”

JARED DAVIS Jared Davis chose to major in engineering for a couple reasons. He always felt more aligned with STEM topics than any other. He was always good at math and found science interesting as well. “As long as I can remember, I knew that my future would involve STEM. In about 5th grade my parents got me my first LEGO set,” Davis said. “I didn’t touch it for weeks, but once I finally got around to it I had a blast putting it together.” Davis became more interested in building and purchased more LEGO sets to build. This hobby helped him develop an interest in design and aviation. He was intertested in planes at a young age, and his curiosity only grew as he got older. Over time this love for planes transitioned to cars. By the time he was in high school, Davis knew that he wanted to pursue engineering. Davis’ fascination with vehicles allowed him to narrow down his interest to mechanical engineering. At first, he didn’t know much about engineers, but he did know that they built and designed things and that was good enough for him to choose this career “Whatpath.

SLAD Award

Being a student and maintaining exceptional grades can be a challenge in today’s world. Students have to juggle family, work, friends, andextracurricularacademics,activities,hobbies.

Davis said that in this course he realized just how little he knew about the world and realized how fun it was to see how things operate. “Not only that, but I could see how I could use these concepts in real time and felt what I was learning was worthwhile. Taking that course really opened my eyes to what the future held for me,” Davis said.

During his senior year of high school, Davis took a calculus course where he developed new professional relationships with his fellow students. Most of the people in this course were planning to go into STEM for their career paths, and their presence made the course exciting for him. “I found myself surrounded by fun people who had the same interests as myself. The class was challenging but still enjoyable,” Davis said. “I had a wonderful teacher who was funny and taught effectively.”

After taking these two courses, he knew that he would be well suited for a future in engineering. He felt that he could enjoy following this career path while also doing the things he loves.

T hat’s why CommunicationsCareer Group (CCG) celebrates students who are not only excelling academically but using their talents and drive to serve their communities. These students embody dedication and hard work and are making a great impact in the STEM universe. Here are some of the most successful STEM students today.

A DIFFERENCE AT HBCUs EDUCATION

aromano@ccgmag.comRomano RISING STUDENTSSTARS:MAKING

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Currently, his focus of study is cyberphysical security of generators and motors. This project is interdisciplinary, and he works heavily with cyber systems majors at the academy.

“I love the challenge and process of solving difficult problems presented in my engineering courses and gaining a better understanding of some of the driving principles of the way our world works. My experiences growing up greatly influenced the way I approach engineering,” Hargrow said.

Hargrow was heavily involved in Taekwondo in high school, competing in national and international competitions. He said electrical engineering is heavy in abstract thinking, very similar to sparring, which is one of the reasons he was drawn to “Iit. love the process of approaching abstract concepts in concrete ways and simplifying them,” Hargrow said.

KAILYN S. HAYE Kailyn S. Haye began her studies in fall 2020 as a presidential scholar and dual computer engineering and mathematics major. She has become a highly successful and active member of the Honors Program at Virginia State HayeUniversity.hasserved on the Honors Student Council where she has assisted in organizing programming to increase

He applied to the Coast Guard Academy as a government major and noticed in his first semester courses that his passion was in subjects like physics, math, and computer coding. This is when he knew he needed to get into an engineering major.

Hargrow switched to taking Calculus 2, introduction to computing, and engineering mechanics: statics, all courses not traditionally taken by government majors, during his second semester. This furthered his interest and passion in math and engineering and ultimately led him to switch to electrical engineering.

Although the classes have proved to be difficult, Hall has fully embraced this career path and hopes to make an impact in the future.

KHALFANI HARGROW Khalfani Hargrow was born and raised in Tennessee, where he lived with his mother, father, younger brother, and dog. He was homeschooled by his mother, where he learned to understand his own unique process of learning and problem solving.

Outside of academics, he currently serves as the regimental chief of staff at the Coast Guard Academy, which is the third highest cadet leadership position. He has practiced and grown in many useful skills like compromise, problem solving, and communicating with many diverse groups.

in these subjects, Hall learned that he likes to use his hands to build things.

In addition to his military leadership, he is the powerlifting and bodybuilding club president/captain. The club provides an outlet for members to learn about and participate in strength sports. The team is made up of people who have never been in a gym before as well as people who have years of experience. Hargrow said his involvement in the club has been one of the highlights of his Academy career. “It is awesome to watch members’ discipline and dedication directly translate into them becoming stronger and more confident,” Hargrow said.

Top to bottom: Jared Davis, James “Dylan” Hall, and Khalfani Hargrow

17USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022www.blackengineer.com

Currently, Ishimwe is working on an advanced cyber systems research project, where she and three other cadets and are building an image recognition application that will identify military insignias on buildings and vehicles. She is also pursuing research in one of the maritime cybersecurity topics where she will be researching how cybercriminals exploit maritime cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

JARVIS PREWITT Jarvis Prewitt has always had a passion for math and science, therefore choosing a career path was a no brainer. He plans to impact today’s society by bringing innovative STEM ideas and opportunities back to the “Magic City” of Birmingham, AL to promote diversity and representation. Being Black in the engineering field is rare. Therefore, being a mechanical engineer will allow him to be a role model to young Black men and inspire them to continue their future engineering journey. He is a brave and fearless individual, well-spoken, and a team player who hopes to change his community and beyond. Prewitt hopes to be on the frontlines to serve in his community. A major goal of his is to give back to the community where he once lived in Birmingham. He stated that spreading knowledge, showing affection, and putting smiles on the great civilian faces of his community is all it takes to change someone’s life.

student engagement, including the Honors Book Club and the mid-term essential study kits. She was also on VSU’s Honda Campus All-Star Team. In addition, Haye is involved within her major through participation in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Her faculty reference described her as having “excellent leadership skills and taking the initiative to be very helpful to other students and her professors.”

“In the future, I want to continue to pursue a STEM career as a software engineer,” Ishimwe said. “My ultimate goal is to continue learning, researching, and finding different ways to be more innovative.”

Ishimwe has written a number of different research papers including “The Impacts of Health Information Being Shared on Social Media Platforms by Healthcare Providers,” where she briefly explained how the rapid development of communication technologies and social media among healthcare providers raises potential privacy issues for patients. She also wrote a paper called “Cyber Incidents Affecting Healthcare and Public Health Sector,” where she did a situational assessment of how cyber incidents affected a hospital.

VIVINE ISHIMWE Vivine Ishimwe, an international cadet from Rwanda, is a cyber systems major. Her interest in STEM started when she was 10 years old. “I just wanted to prove a point that women belong in STEM,” Ishimwe said. When she was in primary school, she told her teacher that she wanted to be a doctor and he told her, “Women are not a good fit for science and are not smart enough to treat people.” Ishimwe used this comment as motivation and began competing with the boys in her class for grades. Since then, she started taking science classes. She joined science clubs and participated in different science Mostprojects.ofthe time, she was the only female in science classes, which was challenging, but she said she enjoyed every second of her journey because it served as a great learning experience.

Along with four of her classmates, Ishimwe built a web application called CadetChat, where cadets can post memes and funny pictures. She also worked on a project called “change counter,” where she designed and built an automated device that can count and sort coins in accordance with their size.

TARAMI READUS Tarami Readus is in his fourth year in the electrical engineering program at the University of Houston, and currently maintains a 3.5 GPA. He has been active in student organizations on campus since his freshman year, Top to bottom: Kailyn S. Haye, Vivine Ishimwe, and Jarvis Prewitt

18 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com

CHANTELLE WILLIAMS Chantelle Williams is a 21-year-old junior double majoring in mechanical engineering and mathematics at Alabama A&M University. Upon graduation, she plans on using her knowledge and skills in the aerospace engineering career field. “I decided to go into the STEM career field after the movie Hidden Figures was was produced. This movie highlighted the lives of three incredible female mathematicians: Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan,” Williams said. “It was not until 2017, one year prior to graduating high school, that I had received any knowledge about who these women were and what their contributions to society were. This is because unlike women such as Rosa Parks, Bessie Coleman, and Sojourner Truth, they were not spotlighted in our history books but should have been.”

Khalel Drew Robinson is a third-year student at Virginia State University (VSU), where he is pursuing a B.S. in mechanical engineering technology. He is a member of the Honors College and has been recognized as a VSU STEAM scholar for his continuous outstanding academic achievements. Robinson has participated as an undergraduate research assistant in investigating methods of metal additive manufacturing. He has also interned with the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) on the surface engineering team. On campus, Robinson has participated in many leadership activities including being a department ambassador, parliamentarian, and treasurer of the VSU chapter of National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), historian of the Beta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the chair of the VSU chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). He decided to focus on mechanical engineering technology due to his passion for hands-on work where theory can be applied to meet everyday needs and demands in the community. He is intentional about demonstrating commitment and excellence for his peers and increasing awareness of and access to STEM opportunities. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, he intends to apply to graduate school to further his knowledge and advanced skills for engineering in research and development and fabrication.

Williams is active in a number of activities on campus such as the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Incorporated, AAMU Bulldog VETS, AAMU Rocket Team, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She serves as the president of the Rocket Team and OutsideACE. of Alabama A&M University, she serves in the United States Air Force Reserve. She is the president of an organization known as Airmen Committed to Excellence, or ACE. With this organization, she is involved in volunteering at the Children’s Specialty Hospital as well as March of Dimes. Upon the completion of her contract and degree, she plans on becoming an officer as a developmental engineer.

www.blackengineer.com including the NSBE, the NACME, and the Program for Mastery in Engineering Studies. He is passionate about the intersection between technology and business and aspires to be a product manager. In his free time, he enjoys performing with his African drum ensemble and playing the trumpet.

S Top to bottom: Tarami Readus, Khalel Drew Robinson, and Chantelle Williams Hear from some of our past https://youtu.be/wHUd5N2GrSEthiswinnersLeadershipStudentawardbywatchingvideo:

KHALEL DREW ROBINSON

19USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022

“I love to lead, motivate, and inspire others,” Williams said. “I hope that I can use my positive energy and attitude to encourage others to actively participate within their communities as well as to better them in positive ways.”

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The FBI — a place where all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives belong and succeed. It is essential to the success of our mission that we foster a culture where all employees feel comfortable speaking up, contributing their unique perspectives, and being themselves at work.

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21 Our energy future will be powered by diversity. Dominion Energy is proud to be recognized as a Top Supporter of HBCU Engineering Schools. Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Careers in Energy Diversity Student Conference Learn more: Careers.DominionEnergy.com

EDUCATION

22 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com by Ada aromano@ccgmag.comRomano

AMERICA’S

Diversity in an educational setting is a crucial factor in the advancement of minorities in the academic field. Deans reflectfortherefore,guidancerepresentationprovideandforstudents;itisimportantdeanstoaccuratelythestudentbody.

Winston Erevelles, Ph.D. Dr. Winston Erevelles is a professor of engineering and dean emeritus of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. Erevelles served as dean for 12 years before deciding to jump back into teaching. He previously served at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA. During his tenure, he served as dean of the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, and associate vice president for academic affairs. He was the founding director of the PRIME Coalition, a partnership delivering innovative manufacturing education and career development in Pennsylvania. In addition, Erevelles served as the director of the Manufacturing Engineering program at Kettering University in Flint, MI. He raised $7 million at these two institutions to support education and research. Erevelles has worked as a manufacturing engineer and plant manager at Mikron Engineers in India, responsible for machining systems and maintenance operations. He was recognized as a fellow of the Accreditation Board for Engineering (ABET) in 2015 and is a recipient of the 2011 Texas Diversity Council Individual Award, the 2008 SME Education Award for contributions to the manufacturing profession, the 2005 Carnegie Science Center Award for Excellence – University/Post-Secondary Educator, the 1997 Rodes Professorship at Kettering University for research in robotic polishing, the 1996 Society of Manufacturing Engineer’s Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award, and the 1996 GMI Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Teaching in Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Erevelles earned his B.S. in electrical engineering from Bangalore University in India and his M.S. and Ph.D. in engineering management from Missouri-Rolla. He is a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), and the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Erevelles serves as an adjunct director of accreditation for the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. He served on the commission and its executive committee from 2004 to 2015 and served as chair of EAC from 2013 to 2014. He has served as a manufacturing engineering program evaluator for EAC/ABET since 1997 and is a member of SME’s Accreditation Committee. He serves as an evaluator for the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He also serves as a proposal reviewer for the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Louisiana Board of Regents. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Leadership Advisory Council of the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, the Education Committee of the San Antonio Manufacturers Association, and the Education Committee of the TOP ENGINEERING DEANS

Although Nnanna worked in the Midwest, his academic journey has its roots in Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech before earning both master’s and doctorate degrees in the same discipline from UT-Arlington. “It’s a delight to come back to Texas, where I spent so much of my academic career, where I learned what it means to be an engineer,” Nnanna said. “And to join The University of Texas system is especially rewarding. There’s no university system like this in the world, and the support we can offer our students is second to none.”

C areer engineeringGroupCommunications(CCG)hascelebrateddeansfromHBCUs in the past, but who are the other deans? Here are five deans who are playing a key role in the representation and development of their students. George Nnanna, Ph.D. Dr. George Nnanna is the engineering dean at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Nnanna joined UTPB after leading the mechanical and civil engineering departments of Purdue University Northwest in Indiana, another widely respected engineering school. During his tenure at Purdue, Nnanna oversaw several major expansions of the engineering program, including record enrollment numbers, a world-class water research laboratory, a doubling of research opportunities, expanded endowments, and major growth in industry partnerships. “My time in Indiana was very rewarding and very instructive,” Nnanna said in a statement on the UTPB website. “I learned how to keep engineering education at the leading edge. And with the support of my staff, colleagues, and students, we were able to implement major expansions of our reach and impact.”

San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the SME Education Foundation, as chair of the Grants Trustee Committee, and as secretary to the board. He has also served on the Board of Directors for Biomed SA and KIPP San Antonio. When it comes to academic achievement, Erevelles is no stranger. He continues to inspire and guide students as the current engineering dean at St. Mary’s University. Ayanna Howard, Ph.D. Accomplished roboticist, entrepreneur, and educator Ayanna Howard, Ph.D., became dean of The Ohio State University College of Engineering in March 2021. Previously, she was chair of the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Interactive Computing in the College of Computing and founder and director of the Human-Automation Systems Lab (HumAnS). Her career spans higher education, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the private sector. Howard is the founder and president of the board of directors of Zyrobotics. This Georgia Tech spin-off company develops mobile therapy and educational products for children with special needs. Zyrobotics products are based on Howard’s Amongresearch.many

Howard also is a tenured professor in the college’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering with a joint appointment in computer science and engineering. As dean, she holds the Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean’s Chair. She is the first woman to lead the College of Engineering. Nationally, only 17 percent of engineering deans or directors are female, according to the Society of Women Engineers. She also is the college’s second Black dean. Throughout her career, Howard has been active in helping to diversify the engineering profession for women, underrepresented minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Ayanna Howard, Ph.D. Dean, The Ohio State University College of Engineering

accomplishments, Forbes named Howard one of America’s Top 50 Women in Tech. In May 2021, the Association for Computing Machinery named her the ACM Athena Lecturer to recognize fundamental contributions to developing accessible human-robotic systems and artificial intelligence and forging new paths to broaden participation in computing.

23USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022www.blackengineer.com

“It’s a delight to come back to Texas, where I spent so much of my academic career and learned what it means to be an engineer,” Nnanna said. “And to join The University of Texas System is andlikenorewarding.especiallyThere’suniversitysystemthisintheworld, the support we can offer our students is second to none.”

Howard earned her bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Brown University, her master’s degree and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California, and her M.B.A. from Claremont Graduate FromUniversity.1993 to 2005, she worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she held multiple roles, including senior robotics researcher and deputy manager in the Office of the Chief Scientist. Among other projects, Howard developed SmartNav, an autonomous, next-generation Mars rover, and SnoMotes, toy-sized robots that can explore icy terrain that is too dangerous for scientists. She joined Georgia Tech in 2005 as an associate professor and the founder of the HumAnS lab. The lab focuses on humanized intelligence, which uses techniques such as sensing and learning to enhance the autonomous capabilities of robots or other computerized systems. The HumAnS lab has generated more than 250 publications and $8.5 million in principal investigator-led research funding. by Gale Horton Gay

Among other roles at Georgia Tech, Howard was program director of the nation’s first multidisciplinary robotics Ph.D. program, associate chair for faculty development in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and associate director of research at the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines. In 2013, she founded Zyrobotics to help translate the lab’s research into commercial products for children with special needs. Zyrobotics spun off as a nonprofit in 2020. Samuel Sambasivam, Ph.D. Samuel E. Sambasivam, Ph.D., is the engineering dean at Azusa Pacific University. He has done extensive research, written for publications, and given presentations in computer science, data structures, and Sambasivammathematics.has taught computer science for 27 years at three universities in the U.S. and has taught mathematics for 32 years at five universities in the U.S. and India. He was a distinguished visiting professor of computer science at the United States Air Force Academy during the 2008–09 academic year and interim associate dean of APU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2004–05.

24EDUCATION

Lynden A. Archer, Ph.D. Lynden Archer joined the Cornell University faculty in 2000. He received a Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering from Stanford University in 1993 and a B.S. degree in chemical engineering (polymer science) from the University of Southern California in 1989. Between 1993 and 1994, he was a postdoctoral member of the technical staff at AT&T Bell Laboratories, and from 1994 to 1999, he was a member of the chemical engineering faculty at Texas A&M University. From 2010 to 2016, he served as the director of the School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at Cornell, and in the fall of 2017 was appointed director of the Cornell Energy Systems Institute.

24 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com

Sambasivam teaches database management systems, object-oriented programming with C++ language, client/ server applications development, advanced database applications, applied artificial intelligence, and other courses and has developed several methods for computer science majors. He directed the regional Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Programming Contest for six years and is the coordinator of the client/ server emphasis of the M.S. program. He is also a voting member of the ACM and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Kappa Mu Epsilon, and Ypsilon Pi Epsilon. Sambasivam serves as an associate editor for Information Systems Education Journal and is a referee for ACM-SIGCSE conferences, INSITE, ISECON conferences, and IEEE Transactions on Computers.

Archer is a fellow of the American Physical Society and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He was elected the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering in July 2020. His research contributions have been recognized with various awards, including the National Science Foundation award for Special Creativity, the American Institute for Chemical Engineers Centennial Engineer & Nanoscale Science and Engineering Forum awards, and the Thompson-Reuters “World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds” recognition in materials science. At Cornell, he has been recognized with the James and Mary Tien award for excellence in teaching and three times by Merrill Presidential Fellows as the most influential member of the Cornell University faculty.

Archer’s research focuses on the structure, dynamics, and transport of phenomena liquid-solid-solid interfaces. This interest ranges from fundamental science studies of how condensed liquid phases (polymers, particles, ions) move and partition near interfaces to applications-motivated studies centered on understanding how molecular-scale fluid motions at interfaces influence behavior macroscopic length scales. In one class of problems, Archer and his students investigate how and why motions of polymers at interfaces impact the classical no-slip hydrodynamic boundary condition taken for granted in analyzing all liquid flows. Extensions of these ideas to the design of novel self-suspended inorganic-organic hybrid materials, which allow interfacial polymer phase behavior to be isolated and studied from bulk experiments, is an area of significant ongoing work. Applications of these concepts to create electrolytes and artificial solid electrolyte interphases that regulate medical, morphological, and hydrodynamic stability at interphases in electrochemical cells have likewise emerged as a fruitful area of study in the Archer group. S

Lynden A. Archer, Ph.D. Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering Cornell University

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science. For 170 years, we have applied our unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics to develop products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives. We succeed through sustained investment in R&D, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and close collaboration with customers to solve tough technology challenges.

THE OFFICIAL LIST

26 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com CAREER C O M M U N I C A T I O N S GROUP, INC. 2 0 22 HBCUs

• Job offers related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields

For too long, HBCUs have had their efforts and very existence questioned and doubted and have lacked all they need to live out their missions. The world is beginning to understand the formidable challenges these institutions face and the extraordinary job they have done in nurturing and educating Black engineers, scientists, physicists, and other high-caliber STEM professionals.

For HBCU engineering programs to continue their extraordinary efforts in educating, training, mentoring, and empowering future leaders who will innovate and shape our world, they require a proportional degree of support.

This list recognizes the commitment these companies and government agencies have made to HBCU engineering programs and should serve as a signal to others about the impact they, too, could have on these institutions and their students.

Top supporters are identified as companies and government agencies considered most helpful to HBCU engineering programs and that contribute to the institutional missions of these schools.

• Faculty development opportunities

• Research • Scholarships • Student projects

• Stipends • Internship and co-op opportunities

O vercoming obstacles and challenges while achieving success has been standard operating procedure for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). However, doing so has not been possible without support from farreaching sources. Exactly which organizations are the biggest supporters of HBCU engineering programs is a question we’ve clarified and answered for nearly a decade. For the past 20 years, the engineering deans of the 15 ABET-accredited HBCU engineering programs and representatives of Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) corporate-academic alliance have completed a survey from US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine. The survey determines Career Communications Group’s Top Supporters of Historically Black College and University Engineering Schools list.

Among the areas HBCU engineering deans take into consideration in determining which entities have been most supportive of their programs are:

• Participation on advisory councils

• Infrastructure modernization and enhancement

27USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022www.blackengineer.com THE FULL LIST OF 2022 Top Supporters of HBCU Engineering: TOP 20 GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT SUPPORTERS PUBLISHER’S CHOICE TOP 20 INDUSTRY SUPPORTERS SUPPORTERSCAREERCOMMUNICATIONSGROUP,INC. 2 0 22 HBCUs 1. Lockheed Martin Corporation 2. IBM 3. Microsoft 4. The Boeing Company 5. Raytheon Technologies Corporation 6. Apple Inc. 7. Amazon.com, Inc. 8. Boston Scientific Corporation 9. Google 10. Northrop Grumman 11. The MITRE Corporation 12. Micron Technology, Inc. 13. Abbott 14. Oracle 15. Dominion Energy 16. Leidos 17. JPMorgan Chase & Co 18. Accenture 19. Capital One 20. General Motors Alaska3M Airlines, Inc. Autodesk Inc. Brasfield & Gorrie, L.L.C CDM Smith Inc. Chevron Corporation Cisco Systems, Inc. Corning Incorporated Dell FergusonF5,ExelonDowTechnologiesCorporationInc.Enterprises, LLC GE GeneralHealthcareDynamics Information Technology, GreshamInc. Smith Herman Miller, Inc. Intel NetAppCorporation Netflix, Inc. Oncor Electric Delivery Company Lc Optum, Inc. Procter & Gamble Qurate Retail Group Republic Airways SmithSiemensSAICSeckman Reid TennesseeSpaceX Valley Authority Texas Instruments Incorporated Textron VolkswagenInc. of America, Inc. Whiting ZoomInfoTurnerTechnologies LLC ZYNGA INC. 1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 2. National Security Agency (NSA) 3. Department of Energy (DOE) 4. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) 5. Department of Transportation (DoT) 6. National Science Foundation (NSF) 7. Department of Defense (DoD) 8. United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 9. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) 10. United States Army 11. United States Intelligence Community 12. Los Angeles Department of Power and Water 13. United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) 14. United States Navy 15. Sandia National Laboratories 16. United States Air Force 17. Maryland Department of Transportation 18. Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory 19. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency 20. Northrop Grumman Foundation AirAMIEForce Office of Scientific Research Army Research Labs DC College Access Program Department of Education Department of Homeland Security DEVCOM C5ISR Center Idaho National Laboratory Intel LawrenceFoundationLivermore National Laboratory Metro Water Services- Nashville Oakridge National Laboratory Penn State Applied Research Laboratory Purdue TennesseeRiversvilleUniversityFoundationDepartment of Environmental and Conservation Tennessee Department of Transportation United States Department of Agriculture United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. Ford Motor Company The Goodyear Tire & Rubber JohnsonCompany&Johnson Services, L3HarrisInc. NationalMcDonald’sTechnologiesOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration WorldWalmartSouthwestSnap-onIncorporatedAirlinesCo.Inc.WideTechnology LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TOP SUPPORTERS OF HBCU HONOR TOPSUPPORTERSLIST.COMAT

THE 15 ABET-ACCREDITED2022 ENGINEERING

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND

OVERVIEW

The Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Engineering Directory is the most current at press time. The listing features key figures at ABET-accredited engineering schools at 15 HBCUs, including Alabama A&M, FAMU-FSU, Hampton, Howard, Jackson State, Morgan State, North Carolina A&T, Norfolk State, Prairie View A&M, Southern University and A&M College, Tennessee State, Tuskegee, University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Virginia State University

28 www.blackengineer.com

Alabama A&M University College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences Dr. Z.T. Deng, Interim Dean & COLLEGE/SCHOOLProfessor

The College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences is organized into three departments, each headed by a department chair: (1) Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Construction Management, (2) Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and (3) Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the B.S. degree in the computer science program. The ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission accredits the B.S. degrees in civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering programs. In collaboration with the College of Education, the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences offers various certified and non-certified teaching programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The college actively collaborates with government and industry partners in the vibrant Huntsville, AL research ecosystem

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science » Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering with Concentration in Nuclear Power » Mechanical Engineering, Concentrations in Manufacturing System and Propulsion System » Civil Engineering » Computer Science, Computer Science with PROGRAMS

The list also has at-a-glance information on academic programs. Bachelor of Science (engineering) programs include civil engineering, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering. Graduate degrees include master’s and a doctorate in computational and data-enabled science and engineering, environmental engineering, and industrial engineering. Research initiatives run from joint effort research in cyber warfare, cyber defense, and high-tech computational research and data analysis to the resources that train minority students and establish faculty collaborations in materials research. Some centers strengthen the capacity to research environmental health and health disparities that serve as a foundation for creating the next generation of innovative researchers to help solve challenges.

USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2021

UNIVERSITY ENGINEERING SCHOOLS 29USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 20212022www.blackengineer.com Concentration in Cyber Security » Physics » Mathematics » Chemistry » Construction Management Graduate Degrees » Master of Engineering (Systems and Materiel Engineering) » Master of Science in Computer Science » Master of Science in Applied Physics » Ph.D. in Applied Physics RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » Materials science and engineering and IC fabrication » Crystal growth, large and small bandgap, and piezoelectric material » Image and signal processing and real-time embedded systems » Cybersecurity, neural networks, modeling, and simulation in biometrics » Computational electromagnetics, computational fluid dynamics, and finite element analysis » Advanced manufacturing » Unmanned aircraft systems and robotics » Intelligent manufacturing systems and advanced robotics » The Mach 4 wind tunnel, rating 1000 cleanroom, and three particle accelerators Dr.CONTACTZ.T.Deng, Interim Dean and Professor College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical AlabamaSciencesA&MUniversity Arthur J. Bond Hall 4900 Meridian Street Normal, AL 35762 P 256-372-5560 • F 256-372-5850 Email: engineering-technology/pages/default.aspxWebsite:zhengtao.deng@aamu.eduhttp://www.aamu.edu/academics/

The unique partnership between an HBCU and a leading research university allows the college to offer the most advanced research capabilities and graduate education of any historically Black university. The college has attracted an outstanding faculty from all over the world. It has first-class programs with world-class research facilities, such as the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the High-Performance Materials Institute, the Center for Advanced Power Systems, and the Aero-propulsion Mechatronics and Energy Center. Because of its unique model, the college has a student population that is more reflective of the overall U.S. population than any other ranked engineering school in the country, thus preparing its students well for working in the real world. of

Science » Biomedical Engineering » Chemical Engineering » Civil Engineering » Electrical Engineering » Computer Engineering » Industrial Engineering » Mechanical Engineering Graduate Degrees » Master’s and Doctorate in Chemical Engineering » Master’s and Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering » Master’s and Doctorate in Civil Engineering » Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering » Master’s and Doctorate in Electrical Engineering » Master’s and Doctorate in Industrial Engineering » Master’s and Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering » Master’s in Systems Engineering » Master’s in Sustainable Energy RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » Polymers, materials, nanomaterials, and nanotechnology » Renewable, advanced, and sustainable energy » Biomedical imaging and cellular and tissue engineering » Advanced transportation systems, structures, and hydraulics » Environmental sustainability and water resources » Advanced power systems » Intelligent systems, control, and robotics » Communication, information technology, and cybersecurity » Active and supersonic flow controls » Superconductivity materials and applications » Manufacturing and operations research Dr.CONTACTJ.Murray Gibson, Dean, and Professor FAMU-FSU College of Engineering 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Suite 8206, Tallahassee, FL 32310-6046 P 850-410-6161 • F 850-410-6546 Email: Website:dean@eng.famu.fsu.eduwww.eng.famu.fsu.edu

Florida A&M University and Florida State University share a combined college of engineering. The college offers comprehensive academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It works to continually evaluate, expand, and improve programs to ensure that engineering students are prepared for an innovative global society’s demands.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor

Florida A&M–Florida State University FAMU–FSU College of Engineering Dr. J. Murray Gibson, Dean COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

» Biofilm Engineering and Drug Discovery (BEDD) Laboratory

» Computer Networks and Distributed Systems Laboratory

» Electromagnetic Imaging and Modeling Laboratory (EMM)

» Digital Manufacturing Laboratory (DML)

Howard University College of Engineering and Architecture Dr. John M. M. Anderson, Interim Dean

» Geotechnics and Materials (SIGMa) Laboratory

Bachelor of Science

» Howard Nanoscale Science and Engineering Facility (HNF)

» Applied Mechanics and Materials Research Laboratory (AMMRL)

» Ph.D. (in Civil & Evironmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering) » Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate

» The Howard University Structural Simulation Laboratory Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (EWRE)

» The Power Optimization for ElectroThermal Systems (POETS)

» Master of Architecture » Master of Engineering (in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering) » Master of Science in Chemical Engineering » Master of Computer Science

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

» Surface Engineering and Nanofluids Laboratory (SENL)

30 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com HBCU ENGINEERING DIRECTORY

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW The School of Engineering and Technology (SET) is home to academic architecture, aviation, and engineering programs. The school enrolls more than 300 students and produces about 40 graduates annually. The SET strategic plan calls for expanding and strengthening the undergraduate offerings, building graduate engineering programs, and developing research areas of excellence. The school also builds relationships with contractors in various applications across agencies. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science » Electrical Engineering » Computer Engineering » Chemical Engineering » Aviation Management » Air Traffic Control » Flight Education Graduate Degrees » Master of Architecture RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering » Integrated Photonics and Optical Sensing » Sea Level Rise and Architectural Design » Unmanned Autonomous Systems » 3D Modeling and Simulations » Material Science Engineering » Data and Network Security » Sensors and Data Fusion » Aviation Technology » Aerospace Science » Nanotechnology » Robotics » Imaging Dr.CONTACTJoyceT. Shirazi, Dean School of Engineering and Technology Hampton University Olin Engineering Building 168 Marshall Ave • Hampton, VA 23668 P 757-728-6970 • F 757-728-6972 Email: Website:joyce.shirazi@hamptonu.eduhttp://set.hamptonu.edu

» Bioenvironmental Engineering Laboratory

Dr. Joyce T. Shirazi, Dean

» Motion Control and Drives Laboratory

» Chemical Engineering » Civil and Environmental Engineering » Electrical Engineering » Computer Engineering » Mechanical Engineering » Computer Science Graduate Programs

» Data Science and Cybersecurity Center (DSC2)

» Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (CEINT)

» Computational Biology and Algorithms Laboratory

» Embedded Systems Security Laboratory

» Bio-nano Interfaces

» Software Engineering Laboratory

» Applied Fluid Dynamics Research Laboratory (AFDRL)

Hampton University School of Engineering and Technology

Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) continues to play a vital role in producing our nation’s top engineers and architects. The CEA ranks among the leading producers of male and female African-American engineers. The CEA is one of Howard University’s 13 schools and colleges. The CEA comprises five departments: Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering. The CEA offers fully accredited Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Architecture, and Master of Architecture degree programs. Its graduate degree programs provide research opportunities in the engineering disciplines that lead to Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. A certificate in cybersecurity is also offered. CEA graduates can apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, design, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems and understand the impact of architectural and engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.

» Stout Infrastructure

» Howard University Transportation Research Center (HUTRC)

» Nanomaterials Processing Laboratory Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory

» Signal Processing and Communication Laboratory

» Functional Materials & Biotechnologies Laboratory

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

» Biomolecular Assemblies and Nano mechanics (BAN) Laboratory, Physical/ Chemical Environmental Processes Laboratory

» Passive Seismic Protective Systems (PSPS),

» Affective Biometrics Laboratory

» Cybersecurity and Wireless Networking Innovations Laboratory (CWiNS)

» Center for Energy Systems and Control (CESaC)

RESEARCH CENTERS AND LABS

» NSF Engineering Research Center for Power Optimization for Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS)

Morgan State University

31USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022www.blackengineer.com 2022 Dr.CONTACTWilburL. Walters, Jr., Dean College of Science, Engineering & JacksonTechnologyState University 1400 JR Lynch Street - JSU Box 18750 Jackson, MS 39217 P Website:Email:601-979-2153wilbur.l.walters@jsums.eduwww.jsums.edu/science

» The Strategic Cyber Science Warfare Security Application Development and High-Performance Computer Research Center was established in partnership with the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The joint effort includes research in cyber warfare, cyber defense, and high-tech computational research and data analysis

» The RCMI Translational Research Network-Data Technology and Coordinating Center provide a secure website, data management, data sharing tools, staff, hardware, and software to collect, analyze, store, and exchange clinical or multi-site studies

Dr. Wilbur L. Waters, Jr., Dean

RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES

Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr., Dean COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

» Civil EnvironmentalEngineeringEngineering

Track General Civil Engineering » Computer Engineering » Computer Science » Electrical Engineering » Biomedical Engineering Graduate Degrees (Engineering) » M.S. in Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering

» Ph.D. Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering

Howard H. Mackey Building 2366 6th Street, NW • Suite 100 Howard University • Washington, DC 20059 P Website:Email:202-806-6565ceadean@howard.eduwww.cea.howard.edu

» M.S. in Computer Science » M.S. and Ph.D. in Engineering w/ Civilconcentrations:Engineering

» The Coastal Resilience Center of Excellence produces educational curricula focused on natural disasters that serve as a firm and enduring foundation for building the next generation of highly educated, creative, and innovative researchers to help solve current and future Department of Homeland Security challenges related to natural disasters in coastal areas

Dr.CONTACTJohnM. M. Anderson, Interim Dean College of Engineering and Architecture

Jackson State University College of Science, Engineering and Technology

» Ph.D. Engineering

» The Center for Environmental Health catalyzes biomedical and translational research. The specific aims are to strengthen the capacity to conduct environmental health and health disparities research at Jackson State University

Offering comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and innovative academic programs through the doctoral degree drives the philosophy of Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering (MSOE). Currently, the school has four departments that support four ABETaccredited programs including electrical, industrial, and transportation systems. Transportation systems engineering is seeking accreditation in 2022 and nanomechatronics engineering, its most recent bachelor’s degree program, will seek initial accreditation in 2024. The MSOE ranks first in the state of Maryland for bachelor’s degrees awarded in civil, electrical, and industrial engineering, third in Maryland for master’s degrees awarded in electrical engineering, and first in the state for doctoral degrees awarded in engineering to African Americans. MSOE enrolls about 850 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels who are inspired to dream by an outstanding faculty engaged in research to improve society and humanity. Smart cities, intelligent adaptive structures, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, advanced materials, communications, transportation, and hydrology are just a few research areas of interest to the MSOE. Computer CoastalGeologicalEnvironmentalElectricalComputationalEngineeringEngineeringEngineeringEngineeringEngineeringEngineering

» CREST Interdisciplinary Center for Nanotoxicity develops novel approaches to nanomaterials’ practical applications and toxic effects on living organisms

» The Partnerships in Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Program provides the resources to train minority students and establish faculty collaborations in new areas of materials research. The goal is to broaden the capacity of JSU in materials research and develop a scientific workforce in materials science and engineering

COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Bachelor of Science (Engineering)

The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Jackson State University is committed to implementing the university’s mission and to focusing its intellectual, experience, and other resources on improving the quality of life for its students, the surrounding community, the state, the nation, and the global community. It is comprised of six academic departments. Among them are the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Industrial Systems and Technology and the Department of Critical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science, which provides students with quality, ABET-accredited undergraduate and graduate programs that incorporate the systems aspect of professional engineering practice.

32 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com HBCU ENGINEERING DIRECTORY Operational Issues » Smart Infrastructure Asset Management » Public & Freight Transportation Network Performance Analysis and Optimization » Demand Responsive Transportation » Multimodal Transportation Planning –Complete Street Initiatives Dr.CONTACTOscarBarton, Jr., Ph.D., PE, Dean Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., School of MorganEngineeringState University 5200 Perring Parkway • Baltimore, MD 21251 P 443-885-3231 • F 443-885-8218 Email: Website:oscar.barton@morgan.eduwww.morgan.edu/soe Norfolk State University College of Science, Engineering & Technology Dr. Michael Keeve, Dean COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW The College of Science, Engineering, and The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET) has more than 1,900 students and presently comprises over 30 percent of the university’s student enrollment. Undergraduate programs are ABET-accredited, and graduate programs are driven by innovative, state-of-theart research programs that enhance the educational experience for students and prepare them for national defense, industrial, and academic careers. CSET has eight academic departments: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Nursing and Allied Health, Technology, Computer Science, and Engineering. The college currently houses several research centers—the Center for Materials Research (CMR); the Information Assurance, Research, Education and Development Institute; the Micron-NSU Nanofabrication Cleanroom; the Creative Gaming and Simulation Laboratory; and the Cyber Security Complex. NSU is designated as a DOD Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity Research/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), a CREST Center for Research and Education in Quantum Leap Science and Technology, and a Louis Stokes Regional Center of Excellence: Southeast Coalition for Engagement and Exchange of Nanotechnology Education ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science » Electrical and Electronics Engineering » Optical Engineering » Computer Science—Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, and Software Engineering » Information Technology Graduate Programs » M.S. in Computer Science » M.S. in Cyber Security » M.S. in Electronics Engineering » M.S. in Materials Science » Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » Cybersecurity » Information assurance » Cognitive wireless networks » Cloud computing security » Digital forensics » AI » Machine learning » Smart grids security » Modeling of biological neurons » Optics » Plasmonic and meta-materials » Nanomaterials and nanotechnology » Advanced functional materials and devices » Semiconductor materials and devices » Neural probes » Biosensors » Photovoltaics » MEMS actuators » Multifunctional sensors » High-K dielectrics. Dr.CONTACTMichael Keeve, Dean College of Science, Engineering, and NorfolkTechnologyState University 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504 P 757-823-8180 • F 757-823-9114 Email: Website:mokeeve@nsu.eduhttps://www.nsu.edu/cset ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science » Civil Engineering » Electrical Engineering » Industrial Engineering » Mechatronics Engineering » Transportation Systems (Applied Science) » Transportation Systems Engineering » Certificate Programs » Post Baccalaureate Certicifate (PBC) in Urban Transportation » Cybersecurity Graduate Degrees » Master of Engineering » Master of Science in Electrical Engineering » M.S. in Urban Transportation » Doctor of Engineering » Ph.D. in Secure Embedded Systems » Ph.D. in Transportation & Urban Infrastructure Systems RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » Electrical and Computer Engineering » Cybersecurity Operations and Physical Systems » Software-Defined and Cognitive Radio Systems » RF/Microwave/MM Wave Communication Systems » Computational Engineering and Analytics » High-performance Analog Integrated Circuits » Biomedical Engineering Systems » Wireless AssuranceCybersecurity/Information » Engineering Education » Image and Signal Processing » Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Resources and Ground Water Systems » Bridge/Large-scale Structural Systems » Geotechnical Studies » Geospatial and Remote Sensing Studies » Fluid Mechanics » Industrial and Systems Engineering, Lean and Advanced Manufacturing » Robotics and Automated Manufacturing » Project and Engineering Management » Ergonomics/Human Factors Engineering » Energy Systems » Data Mining » Industrial Safety and Health » Operations Research » Transportation and Urban Infrastructure Systems » Safety and Behavioral Analysis » Transportation Inequity and Challenges in Underserved Urban Communities » Intelligent Transportation Systems - Autonomous & Connected Vehicle

in Research and Education for Big Military Data Intelligence (CREDIT) » Center of Excellence for Cybersecurity

» Smart Micro grid Advanced Research and Technology Center

for High Pressure Combustion in Microgravity » Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration » Center of Excellence for Communication Systems Technology Research » Thermal Science Research Center » Future Aerospace Science and Technology » Texas Gulf Coast Environmental Data Center Dr.CONTACTPamelaHolland Obiomon,

» Center for Computational Systems Biology » Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability

College

» Electrical

Email:

and

33USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022www.blackengineer.com

» Computer

Clusters » Autonomous Systems » Cybersecurity and Resilience » Energy and Sustainability » Healthcare Applications » Complex Systems and Networks Dr.CONTACTRobinN. Coger,

» Chemical Engineering » Civil Engineering » Computer Engineering » Computer Science » Electrical Engineering » Mechanical Engineering Graduate Degrees » Master

in Electrical Engineering RESEARCH CENTERS AND CAPABILITIES » Center

Prairie

and

» Computational Data Science and Engineering (Ph.D.) » Computer

degrees are also offered in Civil,

» Data Science and Engineering

» Industrial and Systems Engineering

» Computational

and

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Departments »

and Engineering » Computer Science » Electrical and

The College of Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University is committed to engineering the future and revolutionizing the world. It is proud of its education and research quality and inspired by the innovativeness, capabilities, and achievements of its engineering and computer science students, graduates, faculty, and staff. Its 10 bachelor’s, eight master’s, and five doctoral degree programs are distributed across seven departments—where all 10 of N.C. A&T’s College of Engineering’s undergraduate programs are ABET-accredited.

The college’s prioritization of innovative research, the global competitiveness of its students and graduates, and an innovation ecosystem enable the college to serve as a solid technical epicenter for regional, national, and international partners; and as the No. 1 producer of African-American engineering graduates for the nation. Civil, Architectural, Environmental Biological, Bioengineering Data Science Computer Engineering (B.S.) (B.S., M.S.) Biological Engineering (B.S.) Chemical Engineering (B.S., M.S.) Civil Engineering (B.S., M.S.) Engineering (B.S.) (M.S.) Science (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) Engineering (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.) Engineering (B.S., M.S., and (BeginningPh.D.) 2022, online M.S. Electrical, Industrial & Systems Engineering; Computer Science; and Data Science & Engineering.) Cross-Departmental Research Dean College of Engineering—McNair Hall North Carolina A&T State University 1601 Market Street Greensboro, NC 27411 336-285-2640 F 336-334-7540 TwitterWebsite:Rncoger@ncat.eduhttp://www.ncat.edu/coe@COENCAT@RobinCoger of the college is student learning. Undergraduate and graduate programs are structured for discovery, applied learning, interpretation, and learning communication shared interactive courses and laboratories designed to engage students and faculty at the college and students to become dedicated and productive members of society. The college receives about $14 million in funded projects annually from governmental agencies and the private sector. The college enrolls approximately 1,300 students; about 15 percent are graduate students. of Science of Science Ph.D. of Excellence (SECURE) (SMART) (CEES) Center Dean RoyProfessorG.Perry of Engineering View A&M University P.O. Box 519, MS 2500 Prairie View, TX 77446 Website:phobiomon@pvamu.eduwww.pvamu.edu/engineering

Engineering » Chemical,

COE

» Mechanical

Email:

Prairie View A&M University Roy G. Perry College of Engineering Dr. Pamela Holland Obiomon Dean and COLLEGE/SCHOOLProfessorOVERVIEW The Roy G. Perry College of Engineering offers six ABET-accredited undergraduate programs, four master’s degrees, and one Ph.D. degree. The college is a unique community of students, faculty, staff, and scholars dedicated to advancing, sharing, and communicating engineering and computer science knowledge. Housed in a six-building engineering complex on the PVAMU main campus, the most highly focused component

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor

in Fall

2022 North Carolina A&T State University College of Engineering Dr. Robin N. Coger, Dean COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

in Engineering with concentrations in Chemical, Civil, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering » Master of Science in Computer Science » Master of Science in Computer Information System » Master of Science in Electrical Engineering »

Engineering » Industrial and Systems Engineering » Mechanical Engineering Degrees Offered » Architectural

•

» Bioengineering

34 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com HBCU ENGINEERING DIRECTORY and wireless communication. The college currently has funded grants from the Air Force Research Lab, Army Research Office, U.S. Navy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Boeing Company, and the NSF. The college enrolls about 900 students and produces about 75 graduates annually. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science » Architectural Engineering » Civil and Environmental Engineering » Electrical and Computer Engineering » Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering » Applied and Industrial Technologies » Computer Science Graduate Degrees » Master of Engineering » Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems Engineering » Master of Science in Computer Science » Ph.D. in Engineering and Computational Science RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » Cybersecurity/physical systems » Advanced materials » Sensor and data fusion » Intelligent health monitoring and control systems » Data and network security » Wireless communication » Advanced transportation systems and infrastructure » Intelligent manufacturing systems and advanced robotics Dr.CONTACTS.Keith Hargrove College of Engineering, Torrence Hall Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209 P Website:Email:615-963-5401skhargrove@tnstate.eduwww.tnstate.edu/engineering Tuskegee University College of Engineering Dr. Heshmat Aglan, Dean Southern University and A&M College College of Sciences and Engineering Dr. Patrick Carriere, Dean COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW The College of Sciences and Engineering provides students with technological skills and opportunities that stimulate professional, educational, and personal growth. The college offers this growth through a diverse faculty and staff committed to teaching, research, and service. Students are encouraged to participate in laboratory research and cooperative education programs that enhance career confidence. They are also encouraged to participate in ongoing research with faculty members contributing to engineering innovations. The college maintains an atmosphere that enhances the student’s ability to achieve the optimum learning experience. The environment is collegial and focused on student and workforce needs. The civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. The computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET. The electronics engineering technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET. ACADEMIC UndergraduatePROGRAMSPrograms » Biology » Chemistry » Computer Science » Mathematics » Physics » Electronics Engineering Technology » Civil Engineering » Electrical Engineering » Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programs » Master of Engineering » Master of Science in Computer Science » Master of Science in Biology » Master of Science in Math/Physics » Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology » Ph.D. Science/Math Education RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » Industrial wastewater treatment, air pollution, solid wastes » Pavement design and management; nanomechanics of clay materials » Telecommunications and computer network engineering » Electronic materials and processing; semiconductor device fabrication » Advanced materials; micro and nanotechnologies » Renewable energy and energy optimization; computational fluid and heat transfer » Operating systems and architecture; algorithms and theory of computing » Software engineering; digital data communications » Database management and data mining Dr.CONTACTPatrickCarriere, Dean College of Sciences and Engineering Suite# 206, P.B.S. Pinchback Engineering SouthernBuilding University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA 70813-9969 P 225-771-5290 • F 225-771-5721 Email: Website:patrick_carriere@subr.eduhttp://www.subr.edu/cse Tennessee State University College of Engineering Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, Dean COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW The College of Engineering is committed to providing the highest-quality industrydriven curricula in engineering, technology, computer, and mathematical sciences. The college currently provides accredited B.S. degrees and graduate degrees in strategic and emerging disciplines for research and working professionals. The graduate programs are supported by advanced laboratories and research centers in cyberphysical and security systems, advanced materials, sensor and data fusion, control systems, bioinformatics, energy systems,

» Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program Graduate Degree Programs » Civil Engineering (M.S.) » Computer Science (M.S.) » Electrical Engineering (M.S.) » Mechanical Engineering (M.S.)

P Website:Email:334-727-8081haglan@tuskegee.eduwww.tuskegee.edu

» Biomedical Engineering (B.S.)

University of the Districtof Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dr. Devdas Shetty, Dean COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW

35USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022www.blackengineer.com 2022 Ph.D. with specialization in Civil Ph.D.Engineeringwithspecialization in Computer Ph.D.Sciencewith specialization in Electrical & Computer Engineering Ph.D. with specialization in Mechanical Engineering RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND ResearchCAPABILITIESCenters at SEAS » Center for Biomechanical & Rehabilitation Engineering (CBRE) » NASA-MIRO: Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Space Technology & Applied Research at UDC (CAM-STAR) » NSF-CREST: Center for Nanotechnology Research and Education (CNRE) » NIST-Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) » Additive Manufacturing Post Processing Partnership (AMP3) DOE Consortium Research Capabilities » Cybersecurity » Information assurance » High-performance computing » Sensor networks » Computational geometry » Robotics » Mechatronics » Thermal management of new material » Alternate energy research » Modeling and simulation » Advanced manufacturing » Product design » Nanotechnology » Renewable energy » Rehabilitation engineering and bio-assisted devices » Structural engineering » Water resources engineering » Construction engineering Dean,Dr.CONTACTDevdasShettySchoolofEngineering & Applied UniversitySciences of the District of Columbia Office of the Dean, Building 42, Suite 212 4200 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 P (202) Website:274-5033https://www.udc.edu/seas COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW The College of Engineering is regarded as premier for its production of exceptionally prepared graduates ready to perform with a broad educational background. The college provides an academic portfolio through engineering disciplines to engage students in envisioning learning excellence, research and exploration, and service to the nation and the global community. The college is programmed for excellence with the context of Booker T. Washington, the innovation of George Washington Carver, and the grit of the Tuskegee Airmen, armed with facilities, professional faculty and staff, and the resources that support public/private funding as demonstrated by its partners and friends. Graduate programs explore new frontiers for solutions that help with global issues. Accredited undergraduate programs have become a tradition for students to enter and complete postsecondary/graduate studies in engineering. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science » Aerospace Science Engineering » Chemical Engineering » Computer Engineering » Electrical Engineering » Mechanical Engineering Graduate Degrees » Master of Chemical Engineering » Master of Electrical Engineering » Master of Mechanical Engineering » Master of Materials Science and Engineering » Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » Aerospace: aerodynamics, flight simulation, human interface, aeronautics, and low Earth orbit satellites. » Chemical: bio-fluidics/fuels/chemical, corrosion, environmental, water and wastewater, modeling. » Electrical: electronic warfare, systems engineering, smart grid, adaptive networks, cybersecurity. » Mechanical: fatigue and fracture, corrosion, coatings, robotics, metallurgy, additive manufacturing, supersonic fluid mixing, and indoor air quality/flood abatement. » Materials Science: characterization, nanomaterials, evaluation.performance/nondestructive

» Computer Science and Engineering (Ph.D.) Ph.D. with specialization in Biomedical Engineering

Dr.CONTACTHeshmat A. Aglan, P.E. Dean and Professor Tuskegee University College of Engineering 200 Luther Foster Hall, Tuskegee, AL 36088

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) offers nationally competitive and fully accredited professional programs from bachelor’s to Ph.D. These programs enable immediate employment upon graduation or for continuation for advancedlevels studies. The school offers robust ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree programs in biomedical, civil, electrical, mechanical engineering, and computer science. SEAS also offers a bachelor’s degree program in computer engineering, cybersecurity, and information technology. UndergraduatePROGRAMSDegreePrograms

ACADEMIC

» Civil Engineering (B.S.) » Computer Engineering (B.S.) » Computer Science (B.S.) » Cybersecurity (B.S.) » Electrical Engineering (B.S.) » Information Technology (B.S.) » Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)

Leidos is committed to fostering a highly diverse, deeply inclusive workforce where every employee can leverage their unique talents to help drive innovative solutions. We’re seeking powerhouse talent in the areas of IT, engineering and science.

38 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com HBCU ENGINEERING DIRECTORY Keep up to date with the latest news on HBCUs and programsengineeringtheir l.ead.me/bbUBoU sensory platform design and development » Signal processing for detection and monitoring of electrical power signals » On-chip optical interconnected computer architecture » UAV design and testing Dr.CONTACTDerrekB. Dunn, Dean School of Business and Technology, University of Maryland Eastern Shore 30925 College Backbone Road Princess Anne, MD 21853 P 410-651-6067 • F 410-651-2375 Email: Website:ddunn@umes.eduwww.umes.edu/sbt/ Virginia State University College of Engineering and Technology Dr. Dawit Haile, COLLEGE/SCHOOLDeanOVERVIEW The College of Engineering and Technology is focused on solving challenging problems. The college defines success as the growth and discovery of fundamental knowledge and the movement of these ideas and results from the laboratory to the real world. The goal is to transform communities by attracting and retaining key industries, enhancing economic development, and creating jobs. Its research helps companies improve their products and services for items as diverse as jet engines, copiers, and cutting tools. The college aligns resources and capabilities with the workforce needs of local, regional, and national economies. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science » Computer Engineering » Manufacturing Engineering » Computer Science » Information Logistics Technology » Mechanical Engineering Technology » Electronical and Electronics Engineering Technology » Mathematics » Economics and Finance Graduate Degrees » Master of Science in Computer Science » Master of Science in Mathematics » Master of Art in Business/Managerial Economics RESEARCH INITIATIVES AND CAPABILITIES » Data analytics, multimedia data mining, machine learning » Cybersecurity » Additive manufacturingcyber-physicalmanufacturing/machining,manufacturing,nano-process,andtechnology » Robotics and autonomous system » Human-computer interaction » Enterprise systems and logistics, ERP integration analytics and business intelligence ORGANIZING UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS » Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (http://www.ccam-va.com) » Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (http://www.ccals.com) Dr.CONTACTDawitHaile, Dean and Professor College of Engineering and Technology, Virginia State University Petersburg, VA 23806 P 804-524-5461/804-524-1205 F Website:Email:804-524-5746dhaile@vsu.eduhttp://www.cet.vsu.edu S University of Maryland Eastern Shore Department of Engineering and Aviation Services Dr. Derrek B. Dunn, Dean COLLEGE/SCHOOL OVERVIEW The School of Business and Technology includes five academic departments: Business, Management, and Accounting; Engineering and Aviation Sciences; Hospitality and Tourism Management, including the PGA Golf Management program; Computer Science and Engineering Technology; and the Built Environment. The school’s faculty members are actively engaged in funded research and educational projects involving undergraduate and graduate students. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Bachelor of Science » Engineering » Aviation Sciences » Accounting » Business Administration » Finance » Marketing » Hospitality and Tourism Management » PGA Golf Management » Computer Science » Construction Management Technology » Engineering Technology » Technology Education Graduate Degrees » Master of Science in Applied Computer Science » Master of Education in Career and Technology Education » Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering Technology RESEARCH CENTERS » Aerial imaging and remote sensing for precision agriculture » Biofuels, sustainability, and geospatial information technologies » Renewable energy » Sparsity aware adaptive radar sensor imaging » Structural health monitoring » Air-propelled instrumented robotic

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HBCU s HAVE A LONG TRADITION OF PRODUCING ALUMNI WHO HAVE A PASSION FOR PROBLEMSOLVING CREATIVITY AND ARE TRAILBLAZERS IN THEIR FIELDS.

VALERIE THOMAS GEORGE ALCORN CHARLES SCALES PATRICIA BATH DENNIS VIA BLACK

HBCUs’ engineering, technology, and science programs have a long tradition of producing alumni who have a passion for problem solving and creativity and are trailblazers in their fields. Without a doubt, the world would be markedly different without the contributions of great minds such as these:

IPWatchdog.com has taken note of more recent patents applied for and received by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and reports on its website that: In 2013, Florida A&M University applied for a patent for an “artificial intelligence valet system that can use mobile technology, neural networks, and fuzzy logic to direct a vehicle to its owner… This system could be built into a vehicle or would be made available to the market through a ‘plug and play’ style device.”

T here’s no denying Black Americans’ intellectual prowess and creativity, having made significant contributions to this country and the world for centuries. During the 1800s, Andrew Jackson Beard created the Jenny coupler, which automatically locked train cars together when they bumped into each other. Henry Blair, the first Black man to be identified on a U.S. patent application, received patents for a corn planter and a cotton seed planter. Solomon Brown worked with Samuel Morse on the telegraph machine, and Lewis Latimer invented a fiber filament made of carbon, among other inventions. In 1892, Sarah Boone received a patent for improvements to the ironing board. A patent was awarded to Marjorie Joyner for a permanent hair-wave machine.

PATRICIA BATH Howard University graduate Patricia E. Bath, an ophthalmologist and laser scientist, was an innovative research scientist advocating for blindness prevention, treatment, and cure. She invented a device and technique for cataract surgery known as laserphaco in 1986. DENNIS VIA According to his LinkedIn page, Dennis Via, executive vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton, is a senior leader within the Global Defense Group, focusing on growth strategies, cybersecurity, data analytics, and supply chain logistics. He is a retired U.S. Army general who led a $50 billion global logistics and information technology enterprise with 120,000 employees. The page states that he directly reports to the secretary and chief staff of of the Army. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University. S

40 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com

WITHOUT

INNOVATION

THE WORLD WOULDN’T BE THE SAME

North Carolina A&T State University was issued a patent in 2012 for “a costeffective system capable of completely removing allergens from peanuts.” Jackson State University applied for a patent in 2011 to protect “a cost-effective method of producing hydrogen gas through a light-based reactive process between aluminum, sodium hydroxide, acetic acid, and another metal such as iron, copper, or tin.”

VALERIE THOMAS According to Massive Science’s website, Valerie Thomas, who retired from NASA in 1995 after a 20-year career, helped launch the longest-running satellite program imaging Earth’s surface. The Morgan State University graduate who studied physics also invented an illusion transmitter for which she received a patent in 1980, according to biography. com.

GEORGE ALCORN George Alcorn is a pioneering physicist and engineer noted for his aerospace and semiconductor inventions. His X-ray imaging spectrometer, patented during his career at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, allowed the detection of radio signatures at a more distant and accurate rate than previously possible and influenced the continued evolution of imaging devices. A graduate of Occidental College with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics, Alcorn went on to earn a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Howard University.

CHARLES SCALES Charles Scales, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Alabama A&M University, is best known for being the associate deputy administrator for NASA.

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42 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com DR. WILSON REFLECTS ON A GLORIOUS PAST AND LOOKS TO A BRIGHT FUTURE by Lango Deen Magic THEEducationOF

‘An Era of Transformation’ Wilson’s tenure at Morgan State University has been characterized as an era of immense transformation. However, the Board of Regents decided it should end less than three years into his presidency. “That period is difficult to explain,” Wilson told USBE magazine. “In many ways, Dr. Shirley Malcom said it best. A national publication, The Chronicle of Higher Education, interviewed her and asked what was going on.” In the Chronicle’s “Morgan State Faculty and Students Come Out Strong for Ousted President,” Malcom said, “You’re trying to figure it out, and guess what: So are we.” Currently, Malcom serves as a senior advisor and director of STEM Equity Achievement (SEA) Change at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and a regent of Morgan State University. “I believe in metrics,” Wilson continued in the interview with USBE. “I believe in setting goals, in holding people accountable, and that you have to move with alacrity—not stuck in a different era and be satisfied. So, yes, did I demand results? Absolutely! And I still do.”

ot a month passed in 2021 without news of endowments, gifts, and grants received by Morgan State University. One study showed that the impact of the largest historically Black college and university (HBCU) in Maryland topped $1 billion in that year alone.

The Calvin and Tina Tyler Scholarship Fund has supported more than 200 students at Morgan through 46 fulltuition and 176 partial scholarships. The gift is believed to be the most significant contribution by an HBCU alum to any of the 107 colleges in the United States identified by the U.S. Department of Education as HBCUs. “Morgan is so proud to call this son and daughter of the great city of Baltimore our own,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University, in February 2021. “Through their historic giving, the doors of higher education will most certainly be kept open for generations of aspiring leaders whose financial shortfalls may have kept them from realizing their academic dreams.”

The study also found that the HBCU supports 6,900 jobs, more than 4,000 within Baltimore City—accounting for $558 million in Maryland wages and $188 million in Baltimore.

Unbeknownst to Wilson in 2012, the faculty at Morgan held a secret vote of confidence and released the results showing that he had almost a 90 percent approval rating. When the Board of Trustees reconvened after the decision that sent shockwaves through higher education, they voted 14-1 to extend Wilson’s contract. Since 2014, Wilson’s term as university president had been an at-will appointment in which he served annually at the pleasure of the board. On Feb. 7, 2018, Morgan State University’s Board of Regents announced its unanimous vote to award Wilson a five-year contract, extending his term until 2023. The announcement and Dr. David Wilson, president Morgan State University

‘Realizing academic dreams’ Like Tyler, when David Wilson arrived at Tuskegee University in the fall of ‘73, he was the first in his family to go to college. During a Zoom interview with US Black Engineer magazine in the winter of 2021, the son of Alabama sharecroppers said that he felt like a fish out of water the first few days on campus. Wilson’s school experience in McKinley, AL, ran from a one-room school with a single teacher for five grades to a high school graduating class with 40 seniors. As Wilson described it, the walls of his childhood home were daubed with pages of Look and Life magazines to keep the chilly wind out. But the opportunities and promise of a bigger world out there came through those old magazines upcycled as wallpaper, which informed and educated him. They entertained Wilson and his brother and sisters closest to him in age. By the end of his first semester at Tuskegee, Wilson enjoyed student life so much that he struggled academically, setting off alarm bells in a system set up to provide early warning to students with less than a 2.0 grade point average. “I had to learn how to balance the student life aspect of college and the academic rigors,” Wilson told USBE magazine. “That’s one of the reasons I am so connected to students at Morgan. Many are first-generation college-going. “I understand the struggles that some bring with them in not knowing how to successfully navigate the first year of Atcollege.”Morgan’s homecoming gala held in the fall of 2011, Wilson announced a $5 scholarship initiative in commemoration of his father. The latter had given his savings to support his son’s college education at Tuskegee. Wilson also pledged $100,000 during his first convocation address, and Baltimore entrepreneurs Eddie and Sylvia Brown matched the commitment. Earlier in 2011, Janet Sudnik, editor of Tuscaloosa magazine, authored a story about the people in the small town of McKinley who helped shape Wilson’s future. Minnie Wilson Early, younger sister of Wilson and an elementary school teacher, told Sudnik that after K–12 students become whatever they choose to be, it is always heartening to see them bring back what they have learned. Sudnik added that this is precisely how Wilson has dedicated his career.

During Black History Month, Morgan announced a $20 million commitment from alum Calvin E. Tyler Jr. and his wife, Tina. Tyler’s success was stuff you can’t make up. In 1961, he enrolled at Morgan, the first in his family to attend college. But two years later, he was forced to drop out and work as a UPS driver. He retired in 1998 as a senior executive at the package delivery company. Sixty years after leaving his alma mater without a degree, Tyler returned to help students who continue to encounter financial hardships.

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Wilson went on to win a competitive Woodrow Wilson fellowship to work as an administrative fellow at Kentucky State University (KSU) under the leadership of Dr. Raymond Burse, a Rhodes scholar and the youngest college president at the time. A year and a half into the fellowship as executive assistant to the vice president for business affairs and finance at KSU, the president of the Woodrow Wilson Foundation tapped Wilson to become program officer and eventually director. At the foundation, Wilson’s mentor was Robert F. Goheen, a former president of Princeton University who led the institution through the turbulent 1960s in America.

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“I spent much time with him, just about leadership and conflict, crisis, and how you keep an institution moving forward “I had to learn how to balance the student life aspect of college and the academic rigors. That’s one of the reasons I am so connected to students at Morgan. Many are first-generation college-going; I understand the struggles that some bring in not knowing how to successfully navigate the first year of college.”

‘Learning about Leadership’ In 1979, Wilson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Tuskegee, then went on to complete a master’s degree in educational administration, planning, and social policy at Harvard University in 1984, and a Doctor of Education in 1988. Wilson said Tuskegee prepared him well.

official contract signing took place in a public session. “The Board of Regents of Morgan State University has been generally very pleased with the performance, administration, and leadership of Dr. David Wilson during his tenure as University President, and the Board wishes to underscore that satisfaction in good faith with a five-year employment contract,” said Board chair Kweisi Mfume in a statement. “We hope that this demonstrated commitment signals to donors, potential donors, our Governor, the State Legislature, the larger world of academia, alumni, supporters, and our students, that we support the leadership of President MfumeWilson.”is currently serving as the U.S. representative for Maryland’s 7th congressional district after first serving from 1987 to 1996.

As a result, he arrived at Harvard ready to take courses from eminent scholars such as Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, the first African-American woman to have an endowed professorship named in her honor at Harvard University; Charles “Chuck” Willie, author or editor of over 30 books on issues of race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, education, urban communities, and family relations; and Greg Jackson, technology leader, advocate, writer, analyst, and speaker with broad experience in higher education. Wilson completed his doctorate in educational administration, planning, and social policy at Harvard in 1988. His doctoral thesis was Going from Black to Black and White: a case study of the desegregation of Kentucky State University “By the time I finished Harvard, if you added up my student loans and my student loans from Tuskegee, I had enough student loans to purchase a two-bedroom house,” Wilson told USBE “I paid them off about 12 years ago,” he added. “I had to take on all these jobs; one of the jobs I took was associate director of housing for a graduate center. I began to develop relationships with graduate students who would become ministers of education and fill top leadership positions worldwide. So, I learned the value of taking advantage of networks and the art of networking.”

Wilson came to Morgan from the University of Wisconsin, where he was chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and the University of Wisconsin–Extension. Before that, he held numerous other administrative posts in academia, including vice president for university outreach and associate provost at Auburn University, and associate provost of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.

www.blackengineer.com when everything seems to be exploding around you,” Wilson told USBE magazine. “I learned about college presidential leadership while I served as a Woodrow Wilson Foundation Administration fellow at Kentucky State and as a director at the Woodrow Wilson Foundation at Princeton. Richard Couper, former president of the New York Public Library, then president of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, and a leading figure at Hamilton College, was another terrific mentor. I learned so much from these accomplished leaders.”

Because if you invest in Morgan, it will eventually lead to a very consequential institution that will address so many of the state’s issues. You will have more money to bring home to your districts when those are addressed. And that began to resonate. I said I’m not asking you to spend anything on Morgan. I’m asking you to invest, and because it’s an investment, you should hold me as president and the entire institution responsible for giving you a handsome dividend. As I approach 12 years, the capital appropriations that I have been able to get the state to invest in Morgan are approaching $1 billion. That’s come about with hard work and many miles to Annapolis and districts to build these relationships. Our standard is to be comparable to the top 100 academic institutions in the nation.”

Wilson has also steered Morgan’s financial stewardship, producing consecutive years of solid A1 and A+ bond ratings, as ascribed by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. Consequently, he has overseen an increase in the alumni participation-in-giving rate since 2010, going from 6 percent in 2010 to more than 17 percent to date, which, in turn, has ushered in an endowment increase from $14.3 million to $110 million. Morgan now boasts its first online degree programs and plans to grow that number over the next three years. In 2019, Morgan secured the most significant federal grant in university history, a $23 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to produce the next generation of minority bioscientists. The university also ensured inclusion in a $129 million energy innovation research grant. The National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security have designated Morgan as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Morgan’s School of Engineering’s Center for Reverse Engineering and Assured Microelectronics laboratory was also established to provide cybersecurity research. Continuing in this trend, Morgan has recently endowed three professorships—for the first time in the university’s history—including the endowed chair in brain science, the endowed chair in psychometrics and predictive analytics, and the Eugene M. DeLoatch endowed chair in cybersecurity Wilsonengineering.andhis executive team recently used the exacting process of developing the next 10-year strategic plan (2020–2030) for Morgan, building upon the momentum achieved during the previous decade and on the merits of its shared strategic vision to reach R1 status by 2030.

Wilson says he took examples from all those leadership styles and compared them to Dr. Luther Hilton Foster, the fourth president of Tuskegee University. “He is the president after which I have modeled my presidency,” Wilson said. “I thought he was an incredible president, in the mold of Benjamin E. Mays and Mary McLeod Bethune. He showed me a model of college presidential leadership that I eventually emulated.”

I have borrowed from my experiences at Rutgers, the University of Wisconsin, and Alabama, where I had responsibility in my leadership roles to the entire state, in terms of the legislature, to go all over the state and get to know legislators, not just the ones from the area where your campus is. Therefore, when I came to Morgan, I brought that same strategy with me, and I have spent a lot of time in southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore as I shored up support in Baltimore City. I’ve said to state delegates and legislators, ‘Think about an investment in Morgan done well.’

S LEADERSHIP TIPS: 1. Perfect the art of listening. 2. Don’t be so anxious to sit in the C-suite that you turn people away. 3. Spend time understanding an organization before figuring out where it should go. 4. It’s easy to come up with a lofty vision. But it’s more challenging to develop a shared vision where everyone sees a piece of themselves in it. 5. Understand the difference between local elected politics, state politics, and institutional politics. 6. Institutions shouldn’t get too caught up in celebrating the past. If you stay there too long, the institution might find itself in a state of irrelevancy.

Recent highlights of Wilson’s leadership are the elevation of Morgan from a moderate research classification to a status reserved for doctoral universities with high research activity; a secondyear retention rate of 70 percent for the 11th consecutive year—an accomplishment for which Morgan was nationally recognized; an alumni participation-in-giving rate higher than most private HBCUs and many public regional universities; procurement of a $28.5 million contract from NASA, with an additional $18 million renewal; and approval for a $220 million Health and Human Services Building, scheduled for opening in 2024, as well as approval for a $240 million science building, planned for opening in 2027.

“At Morgan State, we have developed a different approach to the state legislature,” Wilson told USBE magazine.”

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‘Advancing Morgan’s Momentum’

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Sartorius is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Leading Voices

Dr. Karen Marrongelle Chief Operating Officer National Science Foundation

Contributing Editors

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Dr. Karen Marrongelle, Chief Operating Officer, National Science Foundation

Leading Voices is available in print and online at www.blackengineer.com

The Vital Role HBCUs Play in Building a Robust Science and Engineering Enterprise Congress created the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1950 to recognize the increasingly profound impact scientific research was having on the nation’s economy, global leadership, and the well-being of all citizens of the United States. NSF is unique among federal agencies because we fund all fundamental science and engineering research areas. We take a bottom-up approach to funding research. By that, I mean we are highly community-directed. We set some general parameters but let the research community bring us its best ideas. Then we fund those absolute best ideas. Today, more than ever, we are witnessing the power of the work NSF funds to make deep and meaningful impacts on our lives and communities. In the past two years alone, we have dramatically underscored the importance of foundational research coupled with use-inspired innovations across the STEM Thefields.COVID-19 pandemic has capitalized on some basic research founded decades ago. The CRISPR technology that some may be familiar with has enabled PCR tests and vaccines, allowing us to quickly introduce vaccines into the general population and access those necessary tests. All our funding work in additive manufacturing and 3D printing took new life in printing crucial medical equipment such as face shields and ventilators. Decades of NSF investments have proven critical in providing the means for continuing the fight against COVID-19. These are but a few examples of many I could cite. We recognize these incredible discoveries cannot and do not happen on their own. They are powered by a talented STEM community discovered across the nation that has been given opportunities and the support needed to succeed in STEM. And we know there are so many out there who don’t have access to those opportunities and support. We are concerned about Whilethat. our research shows that the nation’s STEM enterprise continues to grow, we know there is still progress to be made in expanding participation for all individuals across the country. Data from NSF’s National Center for Science statistics shows us that to create a research community and a STEM workforce that fully reflects the talent that exists throughout the U.S. population, we still need to bring close to 4 million additional people, the “Missing Millions,” into our STEM community by the year 2030. Every year that ticks by brings us much closer to that time. Reaching the Missing Millions has driven the work at NSF over the past year and a half. We continue to ask ourselves very crucial questions: How do we get the additional 4 million people, and how do we make sure we’re leveraging all the talented ideas across our great nation? Many know the most successful models of increasing the participation of underrepresented and under-resourced groups in STEM are our nation’s minorityserving institutions and, notably, our nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). HBCUs represent seven of the top eight institutions that graduate the highest number of Black undergraduate students who go on to earn science and engineering doctorates. At NSF, we’ve had a long history of supporting and recognizing the importance of HBCUs. One of our earliest efforts to broaden participation in science was the launch of the HBCU program in 1972. Since then, this program has dramatically expanded, spurring innovative programs and approaches to enhance the quality of STEM education and research at HBCUs and to diversify the nation’s STEM workforce. But there is more work to be done.

US Black Engineer & Information Technology (USBE&IT) magazine launched the maiden issue of Leading Voices (LV) in the fall of 2017. Broken up into three or four columns written by inventors, entrepreneurs, and STEM policymakers, the section spotlights the 14 challenges outlined by the National Academy of Engineering, and disruptors such as artificial intelligence and bioengineering. LV has provided perspectives on smart cities, building a weather-ready nation, and where AI is in your future. An auspicious start for one of USBE magazine’s newest sections.

Philip June Vice President of Safety & Quality for Boeing Global Services (BGS) The Boeing Company

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Outreach, In-reach, and Partnerships

The resources, funding, and initiatives at NSF that we’re employing to broaden participation serve as the seeds for strengthening and diversifying the STEM community. That is the beauty of what NSF funding can do. It can give organizations the breathing room to test out ideas and not always feel pressure to succeed. These grants can help fund kernels of ideas. Further, they can show where the seeds are not working, where they can be improved, and how to think about taking them to scale. But to foster real growth and make lasting change, we need to institutionalize efforts that are shown to work and create environments that value inclusivity and diversity. Our nation’s HBCUs play a critical role in this mission, and they are at the front of an ever-changing academic and professional landscape. We need HBCUs to tell their success stories and share their failures where they’re accessible to a broader audience and can have a wider impact. NSF’s leadership wants to hear what is working and what is not. This is the only way to truly amplify the efforts of HBCUs and create an exponential impact throughout the country.

. A critical component of our approach is fostering meaningful engagement through our nation’s communities, research associations, and the many groups and organizations represented throughout the various STEM industries. NSF recognizes that no agency, institution, or organization alone can create the momentum needed to build a more inclusive science and engineering enterprise. We also realize that fostering meaningful change requires intense collaboration and intentional, strategic actions among all partners.

Leading Voices We have been challenging ourselves at NSF to think about how we can leverage the work we have been doing for the last several decades. We’ve asked ourselves what we haven’t been doing and where we can do more. To build on and enhance the efforts at speed and scale, NSF has created a framework consisting of four primary investment areas that are going to help guide our strategic actions moving forward: Research. Like all good science, understanding how to broaden participation in STEM requires a robust foundation of knowledge. That is why we are investing in a variety of curiositydriven and use-inspired initiatives that will increase our ability to expand access to STEM and illuminate barriers that restrict participation. NSF’s broadening participation research centers are one way to partner with HBCUs to conduct this critical research. We are learning from the lessons that HBCUs have shown us for Onedecades.ofthe most successful centers is the Center for Advanced STEM Leadership, or CASL. It is a multi-institutional collaborative founded by several HBCUs generating knowledge and research meant to equip the next generation of HBCU leadership with new theories, policies, and practices that can broaden participation in STEM more effectively. Founded in 2016, CASL has produced numerous peerreviewed publications. More importantly, it has expanded to include 30 HBCUs and two STEM-related professional societies across the United States. This is a critical way of disseminating our knowledge of what works, with the specific goals of (a) supporting Black students in STEM enrolled in HBCUs and (b) taking lessons learned and applying them to institutions across the nation. Education. We invest in initiatives that will enhance opportunities, build capacity, and increase students’ participation, retention, and career sustainability at our nation’s academic institutions. A notable example of this is North Carolina A&T State University, one of the leading HBCU STEM institutions. N.C. A&T uses an NSF Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) award for implementing and testing approaches that foster research identity development for engineering graduate students. By establishing a research engineer network and forming small research groups of faculty and students with shared interests, the project hopes to nurture and validate a sense of belonging in the education and research community for underrepresented minority students. This is important for a couple of reasons. First, it is a lovely melding of some social sciences research regarding the importance of identity formation and identity development. Second, it is an innovative application of that work at the graduate level. For example, we might mistakenly think that someone’s identity as a scientist has already been fully formed. This challenges that perception and underscores the need for additional work in this area.

S We need HBCUs to tell their success stories and share lessons learned from failed ventures where they’re accessible to a wider audience and can have a broader impact

I encourage you, the reader, to look for opportunities and, even better, create opportunities for yourself, your institutions, and organizations to interact with NSF’s awards and programs in new and innovative ways. Building a more robust and inclusive science and engineering enterprise is not easy, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, I do not doubt that we can create the change we need and build a diverse, inclusive national enterprise prepared to drive forward the frontiers of discovery and innovation for decades to come.

Research Infrastructure. NSF invests in our nation’s research infrastructure to ensure students, teachers, administrators, and researchers—specifically at HBCUs— have access to the tools and resources to advance their skills and build a more significant learning capacity. This is an area where we have paid particular attention to growing PIs from HBCUs who are leaders in infrastructural awards, and we are so excited about the possibilities ahead. What is important here is that we recognize how important it is to have HBCU leadership in these types of significant research infrastructural awards.

There is a great challenge and opportunity for us who work in STEM fields, industries, and organizations. It’s one thing for us to recruit top diverse talent via HBCUs and industry events, but what do we do once talent is inside our organizations? How do we ensure they thrive, develop, and become great representatives who will get even more diverse and inclusive talent? Much has been said about the Great Resignation, and that’s for a good reason. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 68.9 million people were separated from their jobs in 2021 alone. Of those, 47.4 million left voluntarily. This trend signals a massive shift of knowledge across all industries, specifically in STEM-related industries. However, this movement of knowledge only exacerbates a long-standing concern related to significant demographic changes, particularly in the aerospace and defense industries. Those challenges are well documented. There’s been an acceleration or amplification of the impact resulting from this COVID-driven Great Resignation. What does all this have to do with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)? Since 2020, many organizations have been focusing on DEI initiatives. That’s good for sincere companies and organizations investing in becoming more inclusive, but it’s also good for the country and the world. These efforts have resulted in a more diverse aerospace and defense industry, but they can also negatively affect the outcomes we hope to achieve. The movement of knowledge from the Great Resignation, the existing demographic headwinds in aerospace and defense that we have seen, flexible work arrangements resulting from our response to COVID, and other COVID-related shifts will make it difficult for minority and underrepresented employees in STEM fields to find their footing and excel in their positions. This is due to the mass movement of knowledge and people exiting the workforce, moving to distinct roles and responsibilities. And this leaves us with several questions: What can be done to nourish a more diverse workforce in STEM-related industries? What new tools can we bring forward to help with training and development? How do you train a workforce when there are few people to train? How do we harness the power of creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace? The answers to these questions start with creating a welcoming environment for diverse employees. Next, building intentional mentoring relationships will help make various employees feel more comfortable in unfamiliar spaces. I believe it’s essential to help create a community for diverse students, especially those coming from HBCUs and diverse Oncecommunities.youget talent in the door, make sure you onboard and train them effectively by understanding how diverse employees learn. We really must know how they learn. It’s more critical now than ever that our employees and teammates know as quickly as possible and apply that learning at speeds we previously thought impossible. In other words, understanding diverse learning styles assists significantly in learning agility. This is a skill I believe everyone will have to focus on as Moore’s Law continues to govern how quickly we need to learn and adjust. Continuous training and development must be an ongoing focus, as should working with digital tools and leveraging habits from outside of our working careers. It’s essential to complete the circle of development. That means investing in secession pipelines back to grade school. Encouraging STEM education from an early age plants the seeds of imagination and creativity that will pay off later. If roots are planted early, it will be our collective responsibility to give sunlight, water, and good soil to ensure they have everything to grow. We all know it will return impressive results, so we must focus on making that early investment. We must also focus on partnering with universities and STEM majors. They provide a direct influx of young, excited, educated adults that want to get into the workforce in their preferred fields. Finally, we must leverage retirees and get them to return and provide their experiences and connect them with new employees. That will help complete the circle. We have an opportunity to bring them back into the fold and help them create an excellent environment for our teammates, employees, and civil servants to thrive in.

“If seeds are planted early, it will be our collective responsibility to give sunlight, water, and good soil to ensure they have everything to grow.”

Do you want more career tips and advice? Check out our Seminar playlist on https://l.ead.me/ccgseminarsyouTube:

Philip June, Vice President of Safety & Quality for Boeing Global Services (BGS), The Boeing Company

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Investing in Our STEM Communities for the Long Run

The movement of knowledge resulting from the Great Resignation, coupled with our industry’s focus on DEI, creates both an opportunity and a challenge. We must lean into the challenge and double down on our collective commitment to the future. It’s more important now than ever. But with the right energy, focus, and foresight, STEM organizations can lead the world in the 21st century as they led the 20th century and make our future in STEM more inclusive, diverse, and prosperous. S

STEMCITYUSA.COM YOUR SAFE AND TRUSTED COMMUNITY

52 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR HBCU s SUMMITSUMMIT BEYA’s Leading Voices brings together thought leaders from government, industry, and academia to talk about current topics in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)—whether it’s the latest research, policies that people need to be aware of, or new agency initiatives.

The panelists included Stefanie Tompkins, Ph.D., a former military intelligence officer who is currently director of DARPA; Alexander (Sandy) Landsberg, director for the mathematics, computer, and information sciences division at the Office of Naval Research; Karen Marrongelle, Ph.D., chief operating officer of the U.S. National Science Foundation; and Philip June, vice president of safety and quality at Boeing Global Services. In June, BEYA Leading Voices returns with the first mid-year summit. During the one-day event, innovators will highlight their achievements in the thriving, collaborative research environment managed by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tech companies. The event will also showcase partnerships between vice presidents of research and development at HBCUs, celebrate significant milestones in research and development by ABETaccredited HBCU engineering schools, and create an environment where technology companies connect with BEYA’sHBCUs.Leading

Fourprograms.special sessions will feature expositions from exceptional bioengineering and medical research

Theinnovators.summit will also host three seminar sessions conducted by leaders from ABET- accredited HBCU schools on how supporters are partnering to help advance young people in STEM fields.

IN February 2022, Victor McCrary, Ph.D., served as the moderator at the Leading Voices event held during the 36th annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Conference. McCrary is vice president for research at the University of the District of Columbia and vice chair of the United States National Science Board. On the panel were executives from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Office of Naval Research, the U.S. National Science Foundation, and The Boeing Company’s Global Services.

Voices on the BEYA STEM DTX platform provides a place to highlight innovation and the importance to communities traditionally underrepresented in STEM. The summit will expand on the themes of Career Communications Group’s Minorities in Research Science events, which debuted in the early aughts, to include inventions from employers who are top supporters of HBCUs and STEM

The summit will include the unveiling of the Top Supporters of HBCUs list, which features the employers considered most supportive of HBCU engineering programs and that contribute to the institutional missions of these schools.

Participants will also learn about the rapidly growing area of artificial intelligence (AI), including the increasing opportunities for research in the field and the most pressing challenges of AI. Find out how to get involved in the latest emerging programs to support AI research at universities and in publicprivate partnerships. You will also be able to explore strategies for 5G testbeds at HBCUs and develop a plan for HBCUs to be key players in local, state, and regional broadband/5G planning ecosystems. S

The one-day event will conclude with a call to action on interacting with HBCUs in the new decade and the changing roles in today’s world.

During the one-day event, innovators will highlight their achievements in the thriving, collaborative research environment managed by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tech companies

Learn more about the role of technology commercialization and its importance for HBCUs and minority-serving instituions, success stories in technology commercialization, and federal and state opportunities for commercialization.

The BEYA STEM DTX platform will host the mid-year Leading Voices Summit in June

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According to the White House, “This Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will rebuild America’s roads, bridges, and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. The legislation will help ease inflationary pressures and strengthen supply chains by making longoverdue improvements to our nation’s ports, airports, rail, and roads. It will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably so that everyone gets ahead for decades to come.”

What’s in

The White House estimates that the president’s Build Back Framework, the Infrastructure Investment, and Jobs Act will add 5 million jobs per year for the next 10 years. As a future or recent college graduate, you may be wondering how this historic legislation might affect you and how you can benefit from these new jobs.

Act? Adding

What are the components of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act? The act aims to deliver clean water to all American families and eliminate all lead service lines. You may have heard news stories or reports that describe water tainted with lead from older pipes. As these older pipes break down, lead enters the water supply and causes a slew of adverse effects on a person’s health. Ten million American households and 400,000 schools or childcare facilities lack clean, safe drinking water. Through a $55 billion investment, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will expand access to clean drinking water for these places by replacing lead pipes with modern, safe plumbing and other water-related infrastructure Theupgrades.Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will also expand broadband internet access to more Americans. More than 30 million Americans live in rural areas that lack broadband internet infrastructure. the JOBS 5 million jobs per year the next 10 years

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In 2021, Congress passed the

INVESTMENTINFRASTRUCTURE and

for

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water.clean,childcare400,000householdsAmericanandschoolsorfacilitieslacksafedrinking

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The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act earmarks $65 billion to build more broadband internet infrastructure and help lower prices for internet service to increase internet access and close the digital divide. Over $100 billion of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is set aside to repair and rebuild roads, bridges, highways, and transportation safety projects. The White House notes that one in five miles of roads and 45,000 bridges are poor. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represents the single most significant investment in repairing the nation’s bridges and construction of the interstate highway system. Additionally, funds will go toward innovative programs designed to reduce traffic fatalities. Aside from investing in private transportation through public avenues such as roads, highways, and bridges, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also supports public transit. With an aging public transit infrastructure and a backlog of countless repairs, our nation’s public transit system needs upkeep and replacement. Everything from buses, rail cars, stations or depots, and related components—tracks, signals, power systems, etc.—needs attention. The White House notes, “Communities of color are twice as likely to take public transportation and many lack adequate public transit options.” Over the next five years, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $89.9 billion to expand public transit options, replace thousands of transit vehicles, and improve accessibility for those who need it, such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Ground transportation is not the only sector that will experience job growth from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Another goal of the legislation is to upgrade airports and seaports to improve supply chains and prevent the current national news disruptions. Creating more robust hubs will allow goods to flow quicker and more efficiently, reducing emissions. According to the White House, “The legislation invests $17 billion in port infrastructure and waterways and $25 billion in airports to address repair and maintenance backlogs, reduce congestion and emissions near ports and airports, and drive electrification and other lowcarbon technologies.”

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The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act invests heavily in passenger rail to improve reliability, speed, and geographical coverage. With an investment of $66 billion, the legislation seeks to eliminate a maintenance backlog, modernize the railways covering the Northeast Corridor, and expand service to areas outside the Northeast and FromMid-Atlantic.publictoprivate transit, the legislation invests billions in helping build a national network of electric vehicle chargers. These chargers represent core infrastructure that would allow electric vehicles to access fuel more easily, similar to the abundance of gasoline stations found across the country. Increasing the prevalence of electric vehicles and reducing the number of gasoline-powered cars will contribute to one of the legislation’s overall goals of reducing emissions. Our nation’s energy infrastructure, such as resilient transmission lines, also will receive investment from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The legislation will fund new programs to support the development of clean energy technologies that contribute to a zero-emission economy. Likewise, pollution caused by Superfund sites, former industrial and energy sites, will be cleaned up to remove pollution and make the areas safer for future generations.

INFRASTRUCTUREJOBS

According to graduates.students,currentcollege-boundorcareersAct,InvestmentInfrastructuretheandJobsseveralSTEMwillbecreatedinhigherdemandforstudents,collegeandrecent

Lastly, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will fund programs and technologies to make our infrastructure safer from cyberattacks, climate change, and extreme weather. Ensuring that our infrastructure is resilient against tornadoes, hurricanes, drought, cyberattacks, and floods will require innovations and professionals to implement the measures.

Understanding each significant component of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allows students and professionals an organized schema to seek out new jobs. One way to think of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is to consider a down payment on a project to support lasting economic and employment growth. While the legislation invests money into programs and technologies, funding alone will not be enough—our nation needs qualified, trained professionals to develop, implement, and maintain these new technologies. Our workforce must meet the need for future years of job growth and economic investment. What types of new jobs might be created due to these investments across the nation’s energy and industry sectors? According to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, several STEM careers will be created or in higher demand for college-bound students, current college students, and recent graduates. Upgrading nationwide infrastructure will require more engineers of all concentrations, such as civil, electrical, mechanical, nuclear, and chemical. These engineers will be vital to the success of our nation’s response to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Chemical engineers apply their knowledge of the sciences to solve many problems, such as the production of chemicals, medicines, materials, and more. Chemical engineers work in laboratories, offices, and out in the field. A chemical engineer may design a chemical or process within a lab setting and then bring it into the area to test and refine it. Companies like Honeywell, DuPont, BASF, and Intel employ chemical engineers. The annual average salary for a chemical engineer is $110,000. Civil engineers will be most vital to implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s investment into infrastructure, as a civil engineer’s core function is to solve infrastructure problems. As infrastructure specialists, these professionals design, construct, maintain, and replace a wide range of infrastructure components such as bridges, roads, highways, tunnels, dams, certain aspects of water and sewer systems, and more. Like chemical engineers, these professionals design projects in an office setting and then test and refine them in the field at project sites. With an average salary of $90,000 to $100,000, this is a career worth looking into. Companies that hire civil engineers include AECOM, Jacobs, Kimley-Horn, Stantec, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Electrical engineers will be an in-demand profession with much of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act focused on energy projects, such as alternative energy, electric vehicles, and green energy. Electrical engineers design, test, and create electrical systems and components. Does the prospect of creating motors, navigation systems, communication systems, power generation components and systems, or electric vehicles interest you? If so, consider a career as an electrical engineer. Electrical engineers also staff our nation’s power plants, such as nuclear reactor sites. Electrical engineers work in various fields, with circuitry across many disciplines and businesses— everything from computers to fiber optic systems to sensors for robots and cars. Electrical engineers have an average salary of $105,000. Top companies for electrical engineers include Lockheed Martin, Apple, IBM, The Boeing Company, Raytheon Company, and automakers such as Tesla. Mechanical engineers design, construct, and develop mechanical components of varying systems: Thermal sensors, engines, machines, and other details are integral to standard methods. Likewise, mechanical engineers build the tools to maintain and replace systems and components. As innovative technologies and component features are created through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act investments, mechanical engineers will be needed throughout the design and build process. Later, they’ll be required to maintain and replace components of these new technologies. Like their counterparts, the average salary for mechanical engineers is around $100,000, and many companies employ mechanical engineers, such as Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company, Tesla, Microsoft, Ford Motor Company, and more. As futuristic programs take hold, such as asteroid mining ventures, private space travel, and the proliferation of satellites to serve those still on Earth, aerospace engineers are becoming more in demand. Aerospace engineers design and build aircraft of all types, satellites, and airborne weaponry such as missiles. Their projects include designing, building, testing, and refining prototype aircraft to ensure safety and efficiency and meet quality standards. The average salary for an aerospace engineer is $120,000. Companies to look for include Airbus, Lockheed Martin, General Electric, and Northrop Grumman. Computer hardware engineers design, build, and test integral computer components and systems such as motherboards, processors, graphics cards, and network components to ensure software works seamlessly across devices. Their annual salary is around $120,000. Some large companies that employ computer hardware engineers

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www.blackengineer.com include Google, IBM, Apple, and WithMicrosoft.theexpansion of smart devices, artificial intelligence, and big data across futuristic projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, computer professionals of all types will be in high demand. Computer programmers write computer software using coding languages such as JavaScript and Python to operate devices, troubleshoot software issues, and improve user experiences. These positions require a bachelor’s degree and additional certifications. They command an average salary of $60,000 per year. Information technology (IT) specialists and technicians collaborate between developers and support specialists to analyze and diagnose varying computer issues and then help to select and install solutions. Between tasks, they monitor processing functions, install and repair client and internal software, and use different tests to ensure hardware and software are functioning appropriately. With an average salary of $80,000 and companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft hiring many IT specialists, this may be an excellent career for you. Likewise, new technologies are increasingly connected to the Internet of Things, a web of devices that are connected through the cloud. Everyday objects like refrigerators, toasters, and laundry machines are connected to provide functionality statuses, maintenance reminders, and personal preferences. Larger objects, manufacturing components, and medical equipment utilize network connections to provide vital functions, information, and maintenance reminders. As yet-tobe-invented technologies are developed, they will connect to the cloud. Smart roads, automated travel, high-efficiency manufacturing, and artificial intelligenceenabled devices will need network functionality designed, implemented, and maintained. Network engineers will be required to accomplish these tasks, working for companies across many industries for companies such as IBM, Microsoft, and Lockheed Martin; institutions such as universities and hospitals; and emerging sectors like automated travel and advanced robotics manufacturing. Network engineers command an average salary of $90,000, making this a lucrative field for interested college graduates. Are you seeking a career like those described above? Future and current college students will want to enroll in a four-year degree program or a program that lets them simultaneously earn a bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree, such as a Master of Business Administration. This will help set you apart from other applicants. During your college career, seek out connections and internships that will familiarize you with the work and develop deep networking connections when you’re ready to start your job search after graduation. Add to your resume by listing what technical skills you’ve acquired from your studies, internships, and apprenticing—while also listing soft skills you’ve learned along the way, such as communication, collaboration, and professionalism. For those seeking trade schools or bluecollar STEM employment, each of the companies mentioned earlier and many more local companies employ trade specialists within each field. Qualified installers, maintenance technicians, and user-facing support specialists will ensure

JOBS

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vital services and tasks are functioning as designed; users can enjoy the full benefit of these new projects. Blue-collar STEM careers require technical knowledge, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Obtaining more than a high school diploma, undergoing specialized training, but not necessarily earning a four-year degree are required. Participating in apprenticeships to learn the everyday tasks and understandings needed for the position will be paramount for your success. Who are the faces of these professions in the Black community? While historically underrepresented across STEM fields, there are several Black STEM professionals, from CEOs to frontline workers. The Michigan Chronicle interviewed several Black men making an impact in their STEM careers. One such individual is Demetrious Parker, a medical technologist and microbiologist at ENDO Pharmaceuticals and Clarity Labs. Medical technologists are professionals who work in a hospital laboratory and perform testing for a wide range of purposes. These test results help doctors decide on a patient’s health and treatment plan. These tests include pregnancy tests, AIDs screening, cancer scans, and more, which are accomplished using complex electronic equipment. Building his successful career came from his commitment to education, despite sometimes being the only Black student in his Anotherclasses.leader in the STEM field is Ron Busby, president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. According to their website, “Ron Busby, Sr. brings business management skills and a lifetime of community development experience to the organization. Mr. Busby is a former successful business owner himself, and he has been recognized as one of the nation’s best CEOs. Ron grew his first company, USA Superclean, from $150,000 annualized revenue to over $15 million in only ten years.” By leading several large companies to increase revenue, Busby’s insight and leadership speak for themselves. College students looking to enter banking and finance, both math-heavy programs, could follow Busby’s example for business savvy. Currently, Busby serves on the Pfizer Small Business Council, National Newspapers Publishers Association Foundation Board of Directors, and White House African American Leadership Council. He previously served on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Council on Underserved Communities. There have been few Black CEOs, especially of STEM-centered companies. One famous face in the field is Kenneth C. Frazier, executive chairman of Merck’s board of directors and former AccordingCEO. to Merck, “Under Ken’s leadership, Merck delivered innovative life-saving medicines and vaccines and sustainable value to multiple stakeholders. Ken increased Merck’s investment in research, including early research, while refocusing the organization on launching and growing key products that provide far-reaching benefits to society. He also led the formation of philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives that build on Merck’s 130-year legacy.”

It funds STEM industries and emerging sectors. It represents a significant opportunity for Black college students and toforprofessionalscollege-boundtoprepareaSTEMcareerduesustainedjobgrowth.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act invests heavily in the future of America. It funds STEM industries and emerging sectors. It represents a significant opportunity for Black college students and college-bound professionals to prepare for a STEM career due to sustained job growth. Infrastructure careers will be in higher demand, may demand higher salaries, and have plenty of work to use billions of dollars in funding for businesses and startups. Whether you are seeking an apprenticeship over college, or you’re planning to earn a four-year degree or more, there are a plethora of STEM careers available to you. Are you interested in designing, building, and maintaining critical infrastructure components such as roads, trains, and airports? Consider one of many engineering pathways, such as civil or mechanical engineering; are you interested in installing, repairing, and troubleshooting infrastructure components? Consider an apprenticeship, associate degree, or professional certification in the industry of your choice. Whatever you choose, plan, make connections, and seize the moment—now is the time to enter the STEM field. S

The

theActInvestmentInfrastructureandJobsinvestsheavilyinfutureofAmerica.

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CAREER OUTLOOK 59USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022www.blackengineer.com CAREERS IN THE METAVERSE Building and managing the metaverse will take the work of tens of thousands—or hundreds of thousands—of new tech workers in the next five to 10 years. Find out what industry experts say some of the most in-demand skills will be. META INSIDEVERSE > Industry Overview What is the metaverse, exactly? > Job CareersHorizoninthe metaverse > People to Know Leaders of the metaverse

The metaverse is having a moment. It may be because people are sick of reality and are more interested in a virtual one. Or because tech giants are hungering for the next big thing. Whatever the reason, company after company is pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into building this brave new virtual world. And that means the creation of countless new tech jobs in the coming years.

The metaverse refers to virtual, 3D environments where people can meet and interact using digital personas called “avatars.” Unlike virtual reality-based games, there’s no storyline or quest or goal in the metaverse. “You can think about the metaverse as an embodied internet, where instead of just viewing content, you are in it,” says Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. If it sounds a little vague, that’s because it is. As Eric Ravenscroft of Wired argues, the word metaverse doesn’t refer to any one thing or specific kind of technology, “but rather how we interact with technology.” For example, just as email has been replaced in many cases by video technologies like Zoom, Zoom might one day give way to virtual meeting spaces accessed through virtual reality (VR) goggles or augmented reality (AR) Online,glasses.

WHAT IS THE METAVERSE, EXACTLY?

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immersive virtual worlds are not new. The grandaddy is Second Life, which launched in 2003 and still has a million or more active users. Roblox, established in 2008, has almost 50 million users. But to go big, the metaverse needs to overcome some natural barriers, not the least of which is sheer power. “Truly persistent and immersive computing, at scale and accessible by billions of humans in real time, will require…1,000 times increase in computational efficiency from today’s state of the art,”

METAVERSE UNDERSTANDING THE CAREER OUTLOOK

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW by Christopher editors@ccgmag.comZacherwrote Intel’s Raja Koduri in 2021.

These, of course, are just a tiny sample of the types of jobs that will become available in the metaverse: game designers, storytellers, digital marketing specialists, cybersecurity specialists, moderators, and even fashion designers will all have a role to play.

CAREERS IN THE METAVERSE Building and managing the metaverse will take the work of tens of thousands—or hundreds of thousands—of new tech workers in the next five to 10 years. Industry experts say some of the most in-demand skills will be:

DIGITAL GOLD RUSH

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Several companies are willing to take on the challenge—because those who succeed will reap the financial rewards. Estimates vary wildly, but some analysts say the market value of the metaverse sector will reach $800 billion by 2024 and could eventually climb into the Thetrillions.possibilities for selling virtual items, advertising, real estate, and other realworld analogs are limitless. Your digital persona is going to need clothing and accessories. You’ll want tickets to all the right in-world concerts and events. You might want to hang out in your virtual apartment in a digital city or a mansion in a digital paradise. And you want the right neighbors. Just ask the NFT collector who spent $450,000 on the virtual property next door to Snoop Dogg in Sandbox last fall—a sentence that might make a lot more sense in a few years than it does today. While entertainment will play a significant role in the metaverse, social entrepreneur David Seigel argues that it will eventually become a space where people can share experiences online, be it a digital picnic with far-flung relatives or a global team collaborating on designs for a new airplane. If it reaches its full potential, the metaverse could make the concept of distance functionally irrelevant: Simply put on your VR headset and find yourself in a new environment Thereentirely.are at least 150 companies currently working on building and expanding the hardware and software architecture to allow the metaverse to reach the following stages of development. Still, a few big names now dominate the field: Meta/Facebook. In 2021, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company was re-branding as Meta. He told the website The Verge that he believed over the next five years, “we will effectively transition from people seeing us as primarily being a social media company into being a metaverse company.” Epic Games. Epic Games runs the popular online game Fortnite and plans to expand into the metaverse. CEO Tim Sweeney told Bloomberg last fall that it’s “kind of a race to get to a billion users. Whoever brings on a billion users first would be the presumed leader in setting the standards.” The company recently announced a $1 billion funding round to accelerate its efforts.

• AR/VR Software Engineers –While the metaverse, like legacy virtual worlds and gaming, will be available via computer, companies like Facebook and Microsoft are focusing more on developing the extended reality (XR) of virtual experiences: AR, VR, and mixed reality (MR). Programmers with experience in C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Unity, Unreal Engine, and other tools might find a home here, particularly if they also have a firm grasp of user experience (UX) concepts.

Experts say that those who decide to work within the metaverse will not only need top-notch technical skills but “soft” skills like the ability to collaborate, communicate, and adapt to ever-changing conditions. Emotional intelligence is going to count as much as tech savvy. You are going to be building a whole new world. S

• Blockchain Engineers – The digital economy within the metaverse is likely to run on cryptocurrencies and NFTs, so those with skills in the design, implementation, and deployment of blockchain platforms will be much in demand.

• 3D Game Designers – While the metaverse isn’t meant to be a game, it will require many immersive design skills. Along with creative vision, animation skills, and basic programming skills, ITCareerFinder. com says designers will need programming experience with “popular gaming software programs such as Unity, Blender, Maya, and Unreal Engine.”

Nvidia. The computer chip giant has launched Omniverse, a tool that will allow developers to bring their virtual creations to life. The company recently announced that it was making access to the Omniverse platform free for individual users to push innovation in 3D simulations and designs. Unity. Many believe that software developer Unity will come on top of the heap in developing the metaverse. It has become an industry leader in real-time 3D content and is expanding its footprint in the development space. “We’re very much in the awkward, ‘everything is expensive, heavy, and doesn’t work that well’ [stage],” Unity’s AR chief Timoni West tells Fast Company. “But give it another good 20 years and a reasonable amount of investment, and I think we’ll bridge that gap and be in the next era of computing.”

• Hardware Engineers – The metaverse will be created in code, but it’s meant to be experienced. Along with next-generation VR goggles and other visual aids, the technology is likely to spread out into a wide range of wearables that allow users to “feel” their environments. “And that’s not even getting into the boring stuff, such as inertial measurement units, visual light cameras, depth cameras to help with tracking, localization…” writes Adrian Book at .cult. This will take engineers with skills in everything from programming languages to haptics, robotics, and even AI.

The metaverse is a new buzzword, with many conversations on a virtual universe or network of virtual worlds. People connect socially, purchase or sell various goods and services, accomplish tasks, or do nothing at all—just escape the physical world. You may have heard of virtual worlds such as Decentraland, The Sandbox, and Somnium Space.

Themillion!metaverse is accessed using a variety of hardware, such as personal computers, cell phones, augmented reality and virtual reality devices, and other virtual world technologies. As varied as the hardware to access it, software to access the metaverse MeTaVeRSe Growing Space for Enthusiasts

Thedevelopment.metaverse is in some ways a hypothetical singular digital universe, as the current metaverse, as it is referenced today, consists of many virtual worlds that are separate from each other. There are many ways to earn and spend money, especially digital currency, on the metaverse. Unique pieces of artwork called nonfungible tokens (NFTs) are found, traded, and sold on

Jobseekers and

Recently, Facebook announced that it would be diving into the metaverse and even changed its company name to Meta as a sign of its commitment to metaverse

THe

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the metaverse. Did you know that virtual real estate is sold and bought on the metaverse? Recently, property in The Sandbox, a virtual world, sold for over $4

JOB HORIZON is countless. The ability to link and interweave virtual worlds is a highpriority topic among developers. While Facebook changing its name to Meta and committing to developing the metaverse is a sign of how the hype has reached a fever pitch, big tech companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, Niantic, and Apple have all begun contributing to the metaverse development. For example, famous for its app Pokémon Go, Niantic has invested $300 million into developing a proprietary dystopian metaverse. Nvidia is indirectly furthering the development of the metaverse through its Omniverse Enterprise, a hub where digital content creators can collaborate on 3D modeling, design, and simulation.

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The metaverse is opening a slew of job opportunities for those willing to bet on an emerging entity. Working behind the scenes, infrastructural developers build the blockchain, write code, maintain servers, and do other technical tasks. Suppose you’re planning to start a degree in computer science, information technology, or other related technical majors. In that case, this is a career path that could be open to you while also maintaining broad employability in many areas. AR and VR hardware and software engineers will be critical to metaverse development and innovation. Applying creative skills within the metaverse itself, content and asset creators such as artists, modelers, dialogue writers, character customizers, and other art-centered positions help bring color, design, and aesthetics to the virtual world. Are you a skilled artist or designer interested in computers and technology? Creating assets in the metaverse may represent a significant Otheropportunity.non-technical career paths include influencers, marketers, customer support agents, moderators, mappers, performers, and even monetized participants. If you are a gamer or esports enthusiast interested in a play-to-earn style gaming experience, consider exploring the metaverse. Focusing on the appropriate majors, skills, and understandings is crucial to future success and employment. Majors in computer science or information technology benefit from learning skills specific to the development and maintenance of the metaverse. Still, these same skills are vital to all computer science and information technology career paths. In preparing for employment within the metaverse industry, college students and other job seekers should gain expertise and experience with popular programming languages, such as C, C#, C++, JavaScript, Python, etc. Likewise, gain expertise with popular tools like Unreal Engine, Unity, Amazon Sumerian, Autodesk Maya, and the open-source Blender. Having an eye on user experience design is also valuable because the result of metaverse development should be a user-friendly Anotherexperience.significant role in metaverse development is designing and creating 3D assets, typically a task for 3D game designers. Job applicants and students should seek expertise in designing, prototyping, and constructing immersive 3D experiences that engage players and immerse them in a virtual world like never before. Gaining a working knowledge of computer animation, 3D modeling, computer illustration, lighting, game interfaces, and creative competency for art and design are crucial to success as a 3D game designer. Basic programming skills and proficiency in gaming software such as Unity, Blender, Maya, and Unreal Engine are core parts of 3D game design.

Are you looking to focus on the hardware side of the metaverse? A hardware systems engineer designs, prototypes, builds, and maintains the hardware interfaces with the metaverse. They design AR/VR wearables and vital computer systems, such as servers, networks, and more. Gaining experience in product development, systems design, physics, and exposure to electrical, computer, mechanical, or optical engineering will all help set you apart from other candidates. Knowing virtual reality concepts and tools such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) will also give you a solid foundational skill set. Mastering the hardware and engineering side of the metaverse requires a lot of skill acquisition, so start with programming languages, data collection, analysis, and robotics—explicitly focusing on sensors, cameras, and user inputs. The metaverse, an emerging and growing virtual network of worlds, changes how people interact and socialize. Digital real estate and NFTs are bringing in a revenue stream, and monetizing pay-to-earn users adds to this financial landscape. As the metaverse’s popularity and size grow, so will employment opportunities across all industries. Choosing a general career path depending on your skills and interests, then preparing through college programs, internships, and networking with experts is a tried-and-true method for improving employment options and will help job seekers find employment in building the metaverse. S The metaverse is opening a slew of emergingtoforopportunitiesjobthosewillingbetonanentity.

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RYAN DENNIS Senior MetaJuiceManager From an early age, technology piqued Ryan Dennis’ curiosity. As a teenager, he studied engineering technology at Columbia University to learn how technology could be used to foster inclusivity and community across the globe. Dennis received an honors Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Hampton University and was bestowed the Outstanding Leadership Award. He went on to manage marketing teams across nine cities in the U.S. for companies like BitTorrent, TRON DAO, Exodus, Abra, and ICO Alert.

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leaders in the metaverse are launching businesses, leveraging technology, and creating art that offers free worldthethroughcreatehaveatwhileseizedU.S.,prestigiousreceivedWhileunderrepresentedtoadmission—andopportunities—allpeople,especiallyvoices.somethoughtleaderstheireducationfromuniversitiesintheothersareself-taughtorthechancetolearntechholdinganotherpositionacompany.Whattheyallincommonisthedesiretoamoreinclusiveworldthemetaverseandformetaversetoinfluencethewelivein.

RAULVIN COKE CEO & Co-founder Future Wise Group Raulvin Coke is a globally recognized futurist, business transformation executive, and in-demand consultant, speaker, and media personality with deep experience working in tech-related fields with companies such as NBC Universal, MediaBrix, and Oracle. He is co-CEO and co-founder of Future Wise Group, a Web 3.0 brand strategy and metaverse marketing agency working with startups, businesses, influencers, and celebrities to strategically expand their footprint to monetize within the metaverse economy. Recently, the company executive produced two podcasts: Esports, Metaverse & Beyond—a kids-focused podcast— and Metaverse-ology, which features entrepreneurs and thought leaders in the Web 3.0 space to help demystify the metaverse ecosystem and economy. Both shows were listed in FeedSpot’s Top 25 Metaverse Podcasts.

BLACK MetaversePoweringLEADERS the

JACQUELINE SHAULIS (JK SHAULIS) AwesomeFounder Enterprises LLC Jacqueline Shaulis is an international motivational speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author supporting BIPOC women and advocating for inclusion and diversity. She’s partnered with the National Center for Intersectional Studies and is using the metaverse as a tool for connection for intersectional introverts and amplification of the lived

From higher education to child fashion, Black thought

Dennis is senior manager for MetaJuice, the blockchain subsidiary of the IMVU metaverse with over 1 million daily active users. He led the launch of a blockchain-enabled metaverse at the GamesBeat conference hosted by Meta and VentureBeat. He is also the founder of two messaging and communications startups, NFTs Life and CryptoLately, which aim to help metaverse and cryptocurrency companies reach target audiences. He currently resides in Silicon Valley.

experiences of introverted women of color. Projects include conceiving and developing an interactive classroom in the metaverse to experience and learn her coursework and an AWEditorium for introverts to find community and support each other. Shaulis has spoken in over 20 countries, and her work has been featured in Forbes, TODAY Show, The Washington Post, The Dr. Oz Show, The Independent, TEDx, Yahoo Finance, and Bronze magazine.

BIANCA JACKSON Founder and CEO BrickRose Exchange Bianca J. Jackson, M.B.A., PMP® is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 13 years of experience managing IT infrastructure, web, mobile, video, and metaverse projects for Fortune 500 companies such as UnitedHealth Group, Marriott, and USA Today. She was the project manager for USA Today’s Visual Storytelling Program Suite: Emerging Tech and Video teams, which utilized platforms like VIVE, Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream, Cardboard, and video players such as Brightcove, Littlstar, and custom-built players. While there, she managed the Pulitzer Prize-winning metaverse product, The WallVR, that won a Journalism 360 grant. “The Wall” enables VR users to see the implications of what it would mean to construct a fence between Texas and Mexico and explores eminent domain, endangered species, and food supply.

SHEA RICHBURG FutureCEO Wise Group

BIANCARAULVINDENNISCOKEJKSHAULISJACKSON

Shea Richburg is a globally recognized metaverse visionary, futurist, and XR child safety thought leader. As co-CEO of Future Wise Group, she works with celebrities and crypto, NFT, and Web 3.0 startups to provide training, marketing, and strategy to help extend their brands into the metaverse. She is executive producer of two podcasts that feature entrepreneurs and thought leaders in the Web 3.0 space to help demystify the metaverse ecosystem and economy. In the past, she has worked and partnered with corporations including Warner Bros, Roku, Babies ‘R Us, Boxed Water, T-Mobile, Microsoft, Home Depot, and Liberty Science Center. Richburg is also the co-creator of the Metaverse-IQ, a behavioral intelligence framework that establishes universal safety guidelines and provides an overall better experience for human connection while in virtual environments.

PEOPLE TO KNOW

TINA

Press and awards include the 2021 Women’s Empowerment Award, a guest appearance on the Dr. Oz Show, and interviews with numerous news media outlets, including CBS News. Richburg is a member of the Blockchain Council and a certified metaverse expert who serves as a member of the Maternal Justice Subcommittee of New Jersey.

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BONNER BlackFounderinMeta Tina Bonner is an award-winning entrepreneur, notable motivational speaker, and dynamic podcast host who is passionate about making tools and strategies available to all people to unlock their full potential. She is founder/CEO of the viral and rapidly expanding Black In Meta, an organization committed to helping Black and Brown communities become competent in learning how to leverage the metaverse via content, events, and “pop-up” VR activations. Utilizing social media as a tool, it has built a fan-based and enthusiastic community that spans multiple platforms and has generated 2 million-plus views, 20,000-plus reshares, a 500 percent engagement rate, 10,000-

Jackson is the chief innovation officer of BrickRose Exchange, a collaborative meeting space that engages audiences through in-person and metaverse events. American Express, Comcast, and Meta have funded and supported the company’s innovation and commitment to the Jacksoncommunity.speaksabout marketing and emerging tech with repeat appearances at SXSW i.e. Demystifying the Metaverse (SXSW 2022), How Diversity is Pushing Augmented Reality Innovation (SXSW 2018), and Women of Color in VR & AR Meet Up (SXSW 2018). She is dedicated to developing projects and working with organizations focused on women in tech, Black art, and emerging tech.

RYAN

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TELISA DAUGHTRY Founder and CTO FlyTechnista TeLisa Daughtry is an award-winning STEM and DEI&B advocate, technologist, and serial/social entrepreneur. She is founder and CTO of FlyTechnista and CTO at FLYX Enterprises, a metaverse consultancy that provides technical solutions for government agencies, Fortune 500 enterprises, and Asnonprofits.anentrepreneur, conscious technologist, educator, and advocate, Daughtry is dedicated to creating solutions through the United Nations (Sustainable Development Goals) and UN Women (Women Empowerment Principles) to empower women, youth, and underrepresented groups to participate in emerging technologies such as Web3, NFTs, artificial intelligence, and building an inclusive metaverse. Daughtry is a self-taught coder and educated engineer who transitioned into the blockchain space while working at PwC. She has supported hundreds of women and underrepresented groups to mint their first NFTs, create and set up digital wallets, and build communities and project roadmaps for collections.

SydTekCo-FounderDAO Dr. Justin Goldston is co-founder of SydTek DAO, a project aimed at reimagining education the Web3 way within the metaverse. He is also a professor at Penn State University and focuses his research in sustainability and systems thinking and ways to leverage blockchain, the metaverse, and other emerging technologies to make positive global Goldstonchange.isafive-time TEDx speaker on blockchain and artificial intelligence with over 20 years of experience consulting with organizations globally on enterprisewide digital transformation initiatives. As an educator, he leads and assists in the development of blockchain, supply chain management, sustainability, and business analytics programs and courses at Georgetown University, Texas A&M University, Davenport University, and Heothers.has authored several peerreviewed journal articles on supply chain management, sustainability, and innovative technologies, and recently published the first academic peerreviewed case study on the metaverse with “The Metaverse as a Digital Leviathan: A Case Study of Bit.Country.”

DAVID C. HUGHES

MARCUS SAWYERR Founder & CEO EQ Community Marcus Sawyerr is the founder of EQ Community, a community of top leaders that connects executives seeking meaningful work with inclusive techenabled firms ready to cultivate a diverse Previously,workforce. Sawyerr was a recruiting

SHEA TELISADAVIDTINARICHBURGBONNERC.HUGHESDAUGHTRY

GiveFounderBlack David C. Hughes is a co-creator of the world’s first global Black philanthropicbased app, Give Black, that educates and economically empowers Black organizations. Previously, he worked in the sports industry for the Houston Texans and the University of Texas, and interned at ESPN, the University of Miami, 790 the Zone, and Georgia State AsUniversity.aneducator, he is a clinical assistant professor at Georgia State University and an esports adjunct professor at Morehouse College teaching students about the metaverse, diversity, excellence, ethics, constructive communication, esports, and technology. In 2019, he secured a technology grant to create the first esports initiative at an HBCU. Hughes has been a Graduate School of Education pre-doctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and has taught at Shenandoah University, Georgetown University, and others.

CAREER OUTLOOK plus followers, 182,749 accounts reached, and 264,001 impressions within its first 30 days of launch. The organization has been lauded by AfroTech, The Washingtonian, the African-American Marketing Association, and more.

JUSTIN GOLDSTON, PH.D.

66 USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022 www.blackengineer.com

KRYSTAL COOPER XR, Emerging Products Unity With a passion for emerging media and spatial computing, Krystal Cooper’s work lives at the intersection of creative technologies. She began her career in animation and expanded into visual effects, interactive media, artificial intelligence, gaming, and augmented and virtual Cooperreality.isonthe Emerging Products team at Unity where she creates tools for professional artists and studios allowing content creators to build worlds for virtual production and the metaverse. Previously, she brought her love for cutting-edge technology and technical leadership to companies such as Rhythm and Hues, Apple, Industrial Light and Magic, and Disney. She is a proud advocate for STEM education and producer and founder of Reality Unbound, an XR immersive creative studio dedicated to spatial equity. S IN

67USBE & Information Technology | DEANS ISSUE 2022www.blackengineer.com PEOPLE TO KNOW

NFT Art House, Lorraine founded Raine magazine and has interviewed Mark Cuban, Kendall Jenner, Daymond John, Nicky Hilton, and others. Lorraine is an advisor and creator with a passion to inspire underrepresented communities to enter the crypto economy. She also launched a fashion collection and has brought her creative and fashion pursuits into the metaverse to include NFTs, DAOs, and digital experiences. Lorraine continues to provide platforms for fashion and creative entrepreneurs through the Pink Kangaru Podcast Network and the Raine School of Fashion Innovation and ASustainability.multi-disciplinary being, Lorraine published a book and podcast both titled Unleash Your Supernova. Her fashion designs have been featured on The View and in Vogue Italia magazine.

REALTHEARETHESEVIRTUALINCLUSIONDIVERSITYADVOCATINGBUILDING,DEVELOPING,ANDFORANDINSPACES,VISIONARIESCHANGINGWORLDINTIME

JUSTIN GOLDSTON PH.D. MARCUS SAWYERR NOVA KRYSTALLORRAINECOOPER

expert at Careerbuilder and built his way to becoming a global Fortune 500 executive at The Adecco Group. Staffing industry analysts ranked him as one of the 100 most influential industry leaders. Sawyerr advocates for Web3 enablement in the corporate environment to expand employment opportunities and grow engagement. Sawyerr’s vision of the future of work incorporates the metaverse as well as diverse compensation models that incorporate NFTs and cryptocurrency. He regularly utilizes these tools to engage and expand his EQ community where members can participate in events and learning activities within the metaverse and earn NFTs in an ongoing loyalty program. Sawyerr advises private equity firms on DE&I strategies and has served as an executive board member to the Microsoft Services Board. Press includes The EQ Report, American Express, Recruiter.com, LinkedIn, and Inside Big Data.

NOVA LORRAINE Advisor and Branding Group Lead MetaGameHub DAO Nova Lorraine is an award-winning fashion designer, author, speaker, and branding advisor for fashion and lifestyle startups, NFTs, and the metaverse. Having recently launched Raine Drops

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COLLEGE MARKETPLACE SciencesandEngineeringAviation The Department of Engineering and Aviation Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is home to laboratories with state-of-the-art instrumentations, including simulators for flight instruction and wind tunnels for aerodynamics research. We offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering with specializations in aerospace, computer, electrical or mechanical. Our Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science offers concentrations in aeronautics, aviation management, and professional pilot. UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE EARN DEGREEYOURIN Department of Engineering and Aviation Sciences, EASC Building, Suite 2007 Phone 410-651-6365 umes.edu/engavi Partnerships with nearby businesses allow our students to participate in hands-on activities to reinforce the principles and concepts learned in the classroom. Our experienced faculty and small class sizes ensure you are prepared to soar into a successful career when you leave UMES.

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2022 US Black Engineer & Information Technology | DEANS - Vol. 46, No. 2

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