Alabama A&M Physicist to Coordinate $15 million NSF Grant for EPSCOR

Physicist from Member University Alabama A&M to Coordinate $15 million NSF Grant for EPSCOR

An Alabama A&M University physicist who directs its Research Institute has announced a five-year $15 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help build the state’s ability to participate in, conduct and compete for nanotechnology research.

Dr. Daryush Ila, heads Alabama’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), a seven-school partnership that enables the state to become a more formidable force in conducting and promoting nanotech research. Ila, as executive director of EPSCoR, recently announced that the consortium has been awarded $3 million annually for five years in a cooperative agreement from NSF to boost the state’s research capacity.

“We are setting the pace and creating a road map that will help Alabama become a world class nano/bio-science and sensor presence in the country,” said Ila, adding that the award is among the largest ever awarded a university partnership.

More specifically, the agreement will help continue the work of four current Centers of Excellence: Alabama Center for Nanostructured Materials, (ACNM) headquartered at Tuskegee University; the Center for Environmental Cellular Signal Transduction (CECST), led by Auburn University; the Center for Optical Sensors and Spectroscopies (COSS) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; and the Center for Interdisciplinary Discovery via Engineered Nanofabrication (CIDEN) at Alabama A&M University.

Alabama’s EPSCoR project is comprised of Alabama A&M University, Auburn University, Tuskegee University, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the University of South Alabama. While there are some 27 EPSCoR states, along with programs operating in two U.S. territories, noted Ila, only the Alabama EPSCoR program can boast that two of its centers of excellence are located at historically black college campuses: Alabama A&M and Tuskegee.

Ila said the NSF grant also supports, the ALEPSCoR Education Outreach Initiative (AEOI), an innovative initiative at the University of Alabama, that will ultimately serve 900 students annually.

The major grant award would not have been possible, said Ila, had it not been for the expertise the Alabama EPSCoR program received from the Alabama A&M University Research Institute and SAIC. Their joint assistance enabled EPSCoR to compete as though it were vying for a major contract, he said.
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Source: Partnership for Innovation, Oak Ridge Associated Universities

2008: John Hall, 2005 Nobel Laureate in Physics featured speaker of The Eleventh Putcha Venkateswarlu memorial lecture

2008: John Hall, 2005 Nobel Laureate in Physics

The Eleventh Putcha Venkateswarlu memorial lecture was given by Dr. John L. Hall from University of Colorado, JILA: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO on October 17th 2008. The title of the talk was "The Optical Frequency Comb: A Versatile tool for Science, Metrology, and Medical Diagnostics". Dr Hall shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2005 with Theodor W. Hänsch "for their contributions to the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, including the optical frequency comb technique". The prize was also shared with Roy J. Glauber of Harvard University.

The "Father of Optics Research" at AAMU, Dr. Putcha Venkateswarlu

Dr. Putcha Venkateswarlu

Dr. Putcha Venkateswarlu was born in the small village of Dantaloor, India. He did his undergraduate and postgraduate work in physics in India, and his Ph.D. in physics at Banaras Hindu University under Prof. Asundi, a leading spectroscopist of his time. He went on to perform postdoctoral work at various reputable institutions around the world. He joined Alabama A & M Univeristy in 1982 as a professor of physics. During the last 15 years of his life he brought more than $4 million in research grants to AAMU. In his career he supervised over 50 Ph.D. and over 100 M.S. degree students in physics. At AAMU, 10 students obtained Ph.D. and 11 students M.S. degrees under his supervision. He supervised the very first Ph.D. sudent in physics at AAMU. Alabama A & M physics knew him as the "Father of Optics Research at AAMU." He published over 200 research papers. He worked with three Nobel Prize winners: Prof. Neils Bohr in Copenhagen, Prof. G. Herzberg at NRC in Canada, and Prof. R. S. Mulliken at the University of Chicago.

Dr. Putcha Venkateswarlu passed away on August 8, 1997 after a sudden illness. True to his constant dedication, he worked till the last breath of his life. As a result of Dr. Venkateswarlu's efforts Alabama A&M University is the leading research instituion of in Crystal research, and has produced the most African American Ph.D.s in physics. Therefore, the Putcha Venkateswarlu Memorial Lecture Series in Physics was created by Physics community in 1997. The Putcha Venkateswarlu Memorial Lecture
series continues to bring leading Nobel Laureate Researchers from around the world to lecture.

AAMU student, Brian Beecham WINS a $10,000 scholarship from Google

Brian Beecham has recieved a $10,000 scholarship from Google. Brian represent one of the the many AAMU students who reprent the future of informaion technology leaders. The Legacy continues........

Google Corporation wrote:

Let's hear it for Google scholarship winners

Across the world, the participation of women and minorities in computer science is at an all-time low. According to studies conducted by the National Science Foundation, the annual graduation rate for women in computer science is just 22%, just 6.5% for Hispanic students, 4.8% for African American students, and under 1% for American Indian students. As part of our global effort to increase diversity in our industry, we have created scholarship programs with the United Negro College Fund, the Hispanic College Fund and the American Indian Science & Engineering Society. Each of these programs is meant to encourage students to excel in their studies and become active role models and leaders. It's our hope that these programs also help dismantle barriers that keep women and minorities from entering computing and technology fields. (Read more about Google's scholarship programs.)

Now comes the really fun part: announcing the 2008 winners. Please join us in congratulating the 42 students who have been recognized for their outstanding academic and leadership accomplishments in the computer science field. Each of these students will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship from Google, as well as an invitation to attend the all-expenses-paid Annual Google Scholars' Retreat held each Spring at the Googleplex in Mountain View.

Earlier this year, we also had the great pleasure of announcing the winners of the 2008 Google Anita Borg Scholarship in the U.S. and Canada as well as in Europe. (This scholarship is also offered to women in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.)

Congrats to all!

2008 Google United Negro College Fund Scholars

Brian Beecham - Alabama A&M University
Clinton Buie - Stanford University
Dorian Perkins - University of California, Riverside
John Mosby - Clark Atlanta University
Katherine Trushkowsky - University of California, Berkeley
Lateef Yusuf - Georgia Institute of Technology
Mamadou Diallo - University of California, Irvine
Mcdavis Fasugba - University of Miami
Pascal Carole - University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Rashida Davis - University of Delaware
Remy Carole - University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Sheronda Nash - Georgia Institute of Technology
Souma Badombena-Wanta - George Mason University
Yolanda McMillian - Auburn University
2008 Google Hispanic College Fund Scholars

Miguel Rios - University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Milton Villeda - University of Texas, Austin
Ricardo Rodríguez - University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Marco Medina - Eastern Washington University
Abel Licon - University of Deleware
Maximiliano Ramirez Luna - University of California, Berkeley
Juan Herrera - University of Oklahoma
Kenneth Faller Ii - Florida International University
Heriberto Reynoso - University of Texas, Brownsville
Jose Martinez - California State Polytechnic University
Otoniel Ortega - University of Illinois, Chicago
Antonio Rodríguez-soto - Universidad Del Turabo
Tina Ziemek - University of Utah
Diana Flores - University of Florida
Matthew Martinez - University of New Mexico
Frank Blandon - University of Florida
Felipe Carmona - Roosevelt University
Pamela Gutierrez - Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Daniel Hernandez - Tennessee Technological University
2008 Google American Indian Science & Engineering Society Scholars

Erik Bennett - New Mexico Tech
Kaylei Burke - University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Cory Cornelius - Dartmouth College
Daniel Jachowski - Stanford University
Denise Martin - Capella University
Mitchell Martin - University of Texas, San Antonio
Melanie Prevett - Oklahoma State University
Thomas Reed - University of California, Santa Barbara
Delbert Willie - Colorado State University

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Source: By Meredith Carroll, Google Corporation

HUD's HBCU Program grants Alabama A&M University $700,000

Washington - Dr. Beverly Edmonds, interim president accepts the grant on behalf of Alabama A&M University (AAMU). The University intends to use its Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) grant to expand its role and effectiveness in addressing housing and community development needs in north Huntsville, Alabama. The University plans include: continuing a neighborhood housing program in Edmonton Heights (a CDBG target neighborhood adjacent to the campus); assisting the AAMU Community Development Corporation (CDC) in expanding homeownership and housing opportunities for low-wealth residents; and implementing a civic engagement/service learning program to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations to address issues in northwest Huntsville low-wealth neighborhood.

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Steve Preston today awarded nearly $9 million to 13 historically Black colleges and universities to help revitalize neighborhoods near their campuses. Preston made the announcement at the 2008 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week Conference in Washington.

"Historically black colleges and universities are anchors for economic development in their communities, and I'm pleased HUD can play a role in helping to support the neighborhoods that surround these important institutions of higher learning," said Preston. "HUD is proud of our partnership with these colleges and universities to help them improve neighborhoods, offer needed public services, and stimulate community development around their campuses."

HUD's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program is designed to help these institutions address pressing community development needs in their communities. These needs include neighborhood revitalization, housing, and economic development, and other programs that benefit low- and moderate-income families.

The HBCU grantees awarded funding today will carry out a broad range of community and economic development activities that will help to stabilize their communities and cultivate redevelopment of residential and commercial properties. In addition, HBCU grants can be used to acquire real estate; to demolish abandoned housing; to help provide homeownership assistance; to support job training and placement; and to rehabilitate residential, commercial or industrial buildings to correct code violations.

Since 1991, HUD has awarded approximately $147 million to stimulate economic and community development in the neighborhoods surrounding the HBCUs. The HBCU Program is one of several initiatives administered by HUD's Office of University Partnerships (OUP). Established in 1994, OUP is a catalyst for partnering colleges and universities with their communities in a shared search for answers to pressing urban problems. More information about OUP and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?http://www.oup.org/.

'American Airlines Living Your Dream' Profiles Miami Business Leader, A&M Alumnus James A. Champion

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- James A. Champion, the head of a high-powered Miami-based human resources consulting and management firm will share the secrets of his success on "American Airlines Living Your Dream," a radio series which airs each month on The Michael Baisden Show.

Champion, 62, is the President and CEO of The Champion Services Group, a multi-million dollar consulting firm that helps its clients achieve, maintain, and maximize workforce diversity. Headquartered in Miami, the company has 42 employees and has been profiled in such publications as the Miami Herald and Black Enterprise.

Over the course of his life, Champion has overcome amazing odds. His mother was diagnosed and institutionalized with schizophrenia when he was 11 years old. As a result, Champion and his younger siblings became permanent wards of the state in New York. After living in an orphanage for the remainder of his childhood, Champion won a partial scholarship to Alabama A&M University. In 1963, he left New York City for Alabama with only $27 in his pocket.

After graduating from college, Champion went on to hold managerial positions at some of the largest companies in the United States, including Ryder System, Merrill Lynch & Co., the U.S. Department of Labor, and Chase Manhattan Bank. While climbing the corporate ladder, Champion paid for his younger siblings' post-secondary education.

With Champion's love and financial support, one of his brothers went on to become the first African-American valedictorian of his class at Carnegie Mellon University.

Today, Champion is considered one of the leading human resources executives in the country. He is also a noted philanthropist, having most recently received the Jackson Memorial Foundation's Golden Angel Award for providing hospital services for the indigent.

"American Airlines Living Your Dream" is a collaboration with The Michael Baisden Show, which is broadcast weekdays, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. EDT, on ABC Radio Networks.

About The Michael Baisden Show

The Michael Baisden Show was launched in national syndication by ABC Radio Networks in January, 2005 and is hosted by author, TV talk show personality and emerging community leader Michael Baisden. The entertaining four-hour afternoon radio program airs Monday -- Friday and combines the best in music, comedy and social outreach to inspire real change in local communities across the country. Heard in 22 of the top 25 urban radio markets, The Michael Baisden Show reaches more than 4.6 million listeners each week.

About American Airlines

American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serves over 240 cities in 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, the AmericanConnection® airlines, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR - News)

A&M Alum Nichelle Gainey, president and CEO of SilverStone International, will be a featured speaker at the NBA's Basketball Without Borders' Africa

24-7PressRelease/ - BIRMINGHAM, AL, August 29, 2008 - Nichelle Gainey, president and CEO of SilverStone International, will be a featured speaker at the NBA's Basketball Without Borders' Africa Stopover in Senegal with legendary basketball player and HBCU coach Ben Jobe, a prominent figure in the ESPN documentary film, "Black Magic."

The Stopover, from August 30 to Sept. 2, benefits the SEEDS Foundation, an educational and athletic training program started by Amadou Gallo Fall, Senior Vice President of International Affairs for the Dallas Mavericks, whose basketball skills won him a U.S. scholarship to the University of the District of Columbia.

SEEDS (Sports for Education and Economic Development in Senegal) Academy furthers the foundation's goals by providing a boarding school for Senegalese boys ages 19 and below to live, study and train in basketball year round. Basketball Without Borders is an instructional basketball camp for young people that utilizes the sport as a vehicle to influence positive social change. The camp features dozens of current and former NBA players and team personnel as camp coaches for 100 young athletes.

"We are excited to have someone with Ms. Gainey's sports background working with us to take SEEDS' mission beyond Senegal's borders," Fall said. "SSI's strategic role in improving soccer programs in the U.S. and her relationships with national sports leaders throughout Africa makes her a key player in spreading SEEDS' educational and athletic opportunities to youths in other African countries, so they can develop to their fullest potential."

Ben Jobe - the legendary basketball player and renowned coach at Historically Black Colleges and Universities including AMU (Alabama A&M University), ASU (Alabama State University) and Tuskegee University - will host a basketball clinic at the camp for local Senegalese coaches.

Gainey reconnected with Jobe during SSI's marketing efforts for the ESPN documentary "Black Magic," in which Jobe was prominently featured. For Jobe, who retired and lives in Montgomery, AL, the trip marks his first return to western Africa since 1961, when he first exposed its youths to his unique style of basketball.

Both Jobe and Gainey will speak during events that include dedication of new basketball courts, and a tournament sponsored by SEEDS Foundation Board member and NBA star DeSagana Diop, a native of Senegal. The Stopover in Dakar, Senegal's capital city, will also benefit LeDantec Hospital, West Africa's pediatric cancer treatment facility.

"Mr. Jobe and I are honored to be part of such a historic event in the life of Senegal's evolving basketball program," Gainey said. "The hope is that, by developing life skills as well as athleticism in African youths, SEEDS can offer them yet another road for success, like soccer does for many youths throughout the world."

Ms. Gainey just returned from the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, where she was the guest of leaders of CAF (the Confederation of African Football) and FIFA (F d ration Internationale de Football Association), which organized Olympic soccer events in Beijing.

About SilverStone International

SilverStone International (SSI) is a results-oriented, full-service corporate consulting firm dedicated to enhancing the capacity of non-profit and for-profit organizations, with a special emphasis in the area of sports management and marketing. SSI's lead consultant is President/CEO Nichelle Gainey, who has a 15-year background in sports management, marketing and consulting. The company is based in Birmingham, Alabama with offices located currently in New York and South Africa.