George Washington Carver Research Interns: Jermaine Dory and Mario McGregor

The following is a guest post by T. A. Walton, member of the Chancellor’s Council on Diversity with an update on his personal Diversity activities and contributions.

George Washington Carver Research Students:  T. A. Walton directly supervised two Carver Program Undergraduate Interns Students during the summer months.  Jermaine Dory (Norfolk State University) and Mario McGregor (Fort Valley State University) completed two tangible projects in eight weeks:  1) a solar panel/smart energy demonstration cart (called “S.P.U.D.”) and 2) a climbing arc generator (also known as a “Jacob’s Ladder”).  These units were designed to be carried to schools throughout the state to stimulate interest in Electrical Engineering and other STEM areas. Mario and Jermaine also participated in the Fayetteville Public Library solar panel project under the direction of Dr. Roy McCann, Electrical Engineering.

Terry Bradshaw’s “Today in America” filming:  At the request of the Mayor’s Office (Ms. Lindsley Smith, Communications Director), T. A. Walton was filmed while presenting to NCREPT Center visitors.  This “B-Roll” footage is to be used as non-audio clips in a feature presentation highlighting Fayetteville.  The University of Arkansas was one of the key locations filmed in Fayetteville.  According to the Mayor’s office, he wanted the energy he experienced on his own NCREPT tour  with T. A. captured on film. (NCREPT Executive Director:  Dr. H. Alan Mantooth, Electrical Engineering)

Delta Visit Follow Up:  T. A. Walton served as Commencement Speaker at Forrest City High School.  The school invited him back and cited the Delta Recruiting Effort among the reasons.  T. A. was also the 1977 FCHS Valedictorian and Class President.  Local television replayed the commencement speech daily for nearly a month at the request of the school and others. (FCHS Principal:  Mr. Charles Earl, Counselor:  Mrs. Estella Shackelford)

Delta Recruiting Efforts: Initial plans have been made with Mr. Bryan Hill, Assistant Dean for Recruitment, College of Engineering, to EXPAND the Delta Outreach effort in 2011.  In addition to Forrest City High and Marianna/Lee High, Mr. Hill has committed to assist in the additions of Brinkley/Wheatley High, Wynne High and West Memphis High. (College of Engineering Dean:  Dr. Ashok Saxena)

Arkansas EPSCoR Diversity and Outreach:  T. A. Walton has been named Diversity and Outreach Director for two of the three Arkansas EPSCoR Grants:  VICTER (Vertically Integrated Center for Transformative Energy Research – PI:  Dr. H. Alan Mantooth) and GREEN (Green Renewable Energy-Efficient Nanoplasmonic Solar Cell Center – PI:  Dr. Vasundara Varadan).  Both grants are focused on promoting renewable energy, utilizing solar power and vertically integrating electronic technologies within Arkansas, and both have ties to other educational institutions within the state (Philander Smith, UAPB, UALR and ASU). There are three projects funded in Arkansas (with two of them centered at UAF) having overall research budget scope for the three EPSCoR projects is $24 Million ($20 Million Federal, $4 Million State funding). The Diversity and Outreach budget will be provided by ASTA (Arkansas Science and Technology Authority) and is anticipated to be confirmed in January, 2011. Outreach includes K-12 and 2yr. colleges across the state.  (AR EPSCoR Director:  Dr. Gail McClure)

Local Promotion and Recruiting:

Mayor’s Visit:  During the summer, Mayor Jordan toured the UA NCREPT Center.  He was introduced to two Carver Program students (McGregor and Dory) and reviewed their project work at NCREPT.

Fayetteville Public Library:  At the request of the Library Director Shawna Thorup, NCREPT made the first presentation of the SPUD cart to the public as part of their After School Program.  Both children and adults attended the one-hour demonstration focused on demystifying the concept of smart energy consumption priority.

Springdale High School Pre-Engineering Campus Tour:  NCREPT served as the first stop for Springdale High students in early December as part of the College of Engineering’s campus tour.  Mr. Eric Specking led the overall effort for the UA College of Engineering.

Asbell Elementary Outreach:  T. A. Walton visited the 5th grade pod at Asbell to discuss going into fields in math and science.  (Asbell Principal:  Mrs. La Tayna Greene, 5th Grade Teachers:  Mrs. Lorie Huff and Mrs. Patricia Shepard)

Outstanding Mentor Award:  The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards presented a 2010 Outstanding Mentor Award to T. A. Walton for his work with George Washington Carver Interns.