Associated Universities Inc.
To create a graduate education pathway for URM students from 14 minority-serving institution undergraduate astronomy, computer science, and data science programs to a relevant STEM graduate degree program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Radio Astronomy Data Imaging and Analysis Lab (RADIAL) is a project of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) that aims to use radio astronomy as a means to develop a diverse STEM workforce. Representing a partnership between 14 separate Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), NRAO, and the University of Wisconsin and led by Anja Fourie, RADIAL is launching a major effort to facilitate successful enrollment of undergraduate students at its MSI partners into graduate programs at the University of Wisconsin. Funds from this grant will support numerous aspects of RADIAL’s efforts, including the creation of undergraduate certificate programs in Data Intensive Research in Radio Astronomy at its partner institutions; the creation of mentoring and training experiences for MSI students, including stipend support; guaranteed admission and funding to attend graduate programs at the University of Wisconsin for up to four students from participating MSIs; assignment of student liaison officers to represent students withing the alliance; the convening of annual science colloquium; and the creation of a task force to research, report, and ultimately train graduate programs on holistic graduate admissions processes. Grant funds will be administered by Associated Universities Inc, acting as a fiscal agent for the project.