TU Professor Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)

Dr. Mohammed Qazi was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). The award is the highest honor in the nation honoring the dedication, hard work, and important role that America’s mentors play in supporting learners from underrepresented communities who will be future STEM professionals.

“This award is testimony to the commitment of many stakeholders to work together and use the powerful tool of mentoring to address the most complex problems in broadening STEM participation,” said Dr. Qazi.

Dr. Qazi joined Tuskegee in 2000 as a mathematics professor and currently serves as the associate dean for Research and Outreach in the College of Arts and Sciences. As associate dean, Dr. Qazi mentors faculty members to advance their research portfolios. His proudest accomplishments are the alliances that he has facilitated between school districts, postsecondary institutions, and other stakeholders that address persistent challenges in broadening STEM participation.

His mentoring programs are supported by National Science Foundation grants and offer underrepresented individuals from the K-12, undergraduate, graduate and the professoriate to gain STEM experience; provide ongoing support; and help cultivate their success in STEM fields.

PAESMEM recognizes mentors for their efforts to inspire and encourage individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities to be involved in STEM and their efforts to ensure that all Americans can fully participate in STEM regardless of gender, race, resources, or geography. In a statement from The White House, President Joe Biden said, “the dedication these individuals and organizations have demonstrated to prepare students for careers in STEM fields, during what has been a difficult time for teachers, students, and families and plays a huge role in American innovation and competitiveness. The work that teachers and mentors do ensures that our nation’s children are able to unlock — for themselves and all of us – a world of possibilities.”

“We are thrilled that Dr. Qazi is being recognized by President Biden for his lifelong efforts to mentor underrepresented minority students at Tuskegee University but also high school students and teachers across the country through his STEM outreach efforts,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean, Dr. Channa Prakash.

Dr. Qazi’s recognition is demonstrative of his efforts to continue the University’s mission of service to people, not education for its own sake, and is an exemplar of faculty members’ commitment to students, the university and society.

NAHB Student Chapter Makes History

Tuskegee University’s Department of Construction Science National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Chapter made history as the first HBCU to win the Four-Year College–Production Home Builder Category at the 2022 NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS).

Forty-five teams from across the U.S. developed proposals to tackle real-world construction challenges. Four-Year College teams were tasked with developing a plan for 120 acres in North Texas. The team spent a semester identifying property development opportunities for large homebuilders to build homes and produce a return on investment and participated in simulations of real-world scenarios that builders might face when developing properties.

The competition culminated with presentations to residential construction expert judges at the 2022 NAHB IBS in Orlando, Florida. Tuskegee University’s NAHB chapter also received first place in the Outstanding Student Chapter competition from a field of 150 student chapters for the second year in a row. Fifthyear architecture senior, Alex Jones, also is a two-time recipient of the Student of the Year Award.

The Tuskegee NAHB chapter first entered the competition in 2020 and has been blazing trails ever since. The 2020 team made history as the first all-female African American team to participate in the competition; was the Rookie of the Year award winner; and former student, Alyssa Walker, won 2020 Student of the Year.