The Office of Research and Graduate Studies is pleased to announce two seminars on Oct. 20 in Prescott Hall Room 225, one focusing on STEM initiatives at the National Science Foundation, and the second updating activities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

10 a.m. - STEM Education Initiatives at the National Science Foundation: Dr. Sharon Locke with the National Science Foundation will discuss proposed organizational changes within the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), highlight new STEM education initiatives within EHR and across other NSF Directorates, and provide an overview of NSF merit review processes and a discussion of the characteristics common to successful proposals. Coffee and other light refreshments will be served.

1:30 p.m. - Oak Ridge National Laboratory Update 2006:
Dr. Terry Payne, Economic Development Manager at ORNL will address recent facility and economic development activities and opportunities for TTU faculty and students at ORNL. The discussion will include an update on the status of new research facilities that have been constructed at ORNL (including the Spallation Neutron Source and the Center for Computational Sciences) as well as the status of additional planned research facilities - any of which TTU faculty can utilize. Dr. Payne will also provide an update on regional economic development activities, including the Cumberland County Business Incubator, the Tennessee SBIR Proposal Assistance Center, and the new ORNL Science and Technology Park. A summary of opportunities for faculty sabbaticals and student internships will also be presented. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about these seminars, please contact Dr. Robby Sanders at 372-3374.