NSF-ExLENT-ASSETS Scholars Showcase their Research

Students across the University of Louisiana System showcase their summer research projects at event in July. The students were the latest cohort of NSF ASSETS scholars. The program, funded by the National Science Foundation is more than just a scholarship initiative. It is a comprehensive support system designed to empower students, in their chosen fields of study. By offering financial assistance, mentorship, and research opportunities, the ASSETS program helps bridge the gap between potential and achievement, ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed.

In 2023, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, in collaboration with the University of Louisiana System’s Reginald F. Lewis Scholars, received  $1 million in grant funding from the National Science Foundation to launch the groundbreaking AddreSSing the TalEnt and DiversiTy Gap in Biotechnology Workforce (ASSET) program. The grant funded this high-impact summer cohort program for Black male students across Louisiana led by UL Lafayette’s undergraduate research program and CGI’s U.S. Onshore Delivery Center in Lafayette.

The program is led by Dr. Kumer P. Das, Assistant Vice President of Research and Innovation at UL Lafayette, who serves as the program’s principal investigator. The co-principal investigators are Dr. Claire Norris, UL System Vice President for Advancement, Dr. Sherry Krayesky-Self, Director of the Student Center for Research, Creativity, and Scholarship at UL Lafayette, and Ms. Jacquelyn Schultz Craddock of CGI.

The students were from a multitude of disciplines and focused their research on the bio-tech field. Members of the cohort include:

• Jalen Jackson, an electrical engineering major from UL Lafayette
• Johnnie Hardy, a nursing major from UL Lafayette
• Terrence Robinson, an elementary education major from Grambling
• Trevor Ng'oma, a marketing major from Grambling
• Antoino Taylor, a political science/English major from Lousiana Tech
• Jayden Johnson, a graphic design major from Louisiana Tech
• Myles Goldman, a history major from UL Monroe
• Edward Williams, an accounting/computer information systems major from UL Monroe
• Frederick Nichols, a buiness administration major from Northwestern
• Christopher Soileu, a health and exercise major from Northwestern
• Omari Francis, a finance major from McNeese
• Christian Malbreaux, a criminal justice major from McNeese
• Caleb Lewis, a safety management major from Nicholls
• Eurico Da Silva Neto, a music performance major from Nicolls
• Eian Bailey, a urban studies major from UNO
• Joshua Joubert, a film major from UNO
• Jarius Smith, an accounting major from Southeastern
• Kennith Woods, a communications major from Southeastern