STEM Center - Worcester State University

STEM Center

Enhancing student learning and success in science, technology, and math

Imoigele P. Aisiku, M.D., ’92 STEM Center

The Imoigele P. Aisiku, M.D., ’92 STEM Center at Worcester State University supports student learning and success in STEM fields by facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and initiatives.

Representatives from STEM-related departments (biology; chemistry; computer science; earth, environment, and physics; and mathematics) work diligently on initiatives aimed at increasing student retention and providing pathways for academic excellence in these programs.

STEM Week 2025 - STEM Starts Now

The Central MA STEM Network Ecosystem, in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is proud to be a part of the state’s 6th annual STEM WEEK, introducing our future leaders to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This year's STEM week focuses on “STEM starts now” – at any age you can learn about STEM, from our youngest learners to adult learners, and STEM jobs and opportunities are here at this very moment in Massachusetts. #massSTEMweek Visit our website for a complete listing of activities and join us!

Mass STEM Week

Central MA STEM Network (CMSN) Ecosystem

STEM Starts Now

Monday - STEM Lunch

Come enjoy a hearty lunch hosted by the STEM Center and learn about our programs.

When: Monday, October 20 11:30pm – 1:30pm

Location: S&T Third Floor

Tuesday - T-Shirt Dying and Cyanotyping

Let’s get creative! Join us outside for bleach dying t-shirts and cyanotyping.

When: Tuesday, October 21 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Location: Outside of Ghosh Building

Tuesday - Solar Observation

Observe the sun with proper filters and solar telescopes. Come observe the sunspots and learn about our star!

When: Tuesday, October 20 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Location: Outside of Ghosh Building

Wednesday - What's Your Exit Plan? What Comes Next for Your Career?

Graduate school, industry, academia – learn about opportunities following your Bachelor’s degree.

When: Wednesday, October 22 12pm – 1:30pm

Location: ST-311

Wednesday - The Hidden Life of Spices

Join the WSU Chemistry Department and the American Chemical Society to learn about the chemistry of spices – free food and exciting activities.

When: Wednesday, October 22 6pm – 8:30pm

Location: Eager Auditorium, Sullivan 146

Tuesday/Thursday - Student Research Presentations

Dive into student research projects here at WSU.

Two days only!

When: Tuesday, October 21 2pm – 4pm AND Thursday, October 23 1pm – 3pm

Location: ST-100 (STEM Center)

Friday - Get Involved with Research

Have you ever wondered how to get involved with research on campus? Come visit us to learn how and why to get involved. Undergraduates welcome!

When: Friday, October 24 12pm – 1:30pm

Location: ST-311

STEM Center Programs and Opportunities

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Program

The Peer-Assisted Learning program is a student-led, instructor-supported group study and review session program that is run by trained student facilitators who were highly successful in the course. Sessions are held twice weekly for each class that participates. The PAL mentors are paid positions that attend the course class meetings, meet with PAL supervisors, and plan the PAL sessions to facilitate student learning within a group setting. The sessions are open and encouraged to all students who are enrolled in the courses supported within various STEM disciplines.

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Summer Research Fellowships 2025

The summer research fellowships support STEM Faculty and undergraduate student research teams from the Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science or Earth Environment, and Physics Departments to participate in research for 10 weeks during the summer. The faculty receives a $3000 award stipend, and the student fellowship recipients receive a $3000 award stipend. In addition, there may be funds available to support the proposed research (supplies, equipment or other activities). This program provides a unique opportunity for students to prepare for the workforce or graduate school and help gain valuable critical thinking and leadership skills

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Aisiku Interdisciplinary STEM Research Team Initiative

The purpose of the Aisiku Interdisciplinary STEM Research Team Initiative is to enhance undergraduate research in STEM through the development of interdisciplinary research teams to address novel problems. The funding for this initiative provides research supplies, travel costs, and a stipend for students and faculty who then have an opportunity to present the results at a regional or national conference.

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Summer Bridge Program

The STEM Center offers Summer Bridge programs for new students entering WSU in STEM fields. The programs provide a free, three credit, STEM based course as well as an introduction to Worcester State University, with information about resources on campus and how to navigate academics at WSU. Students who complete the course will receive 3 credits towards graduation and a $2500 stipend!

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Advancing Early Career AGEP Population Faculty

Worcester State University is a partner in the MUS alliance with Framingham State University and Bridgewater State University in an NSF funded project to develop, implement, and institutionalize an equity-minded model for advancing early career STEM faculty who are members of AGEP populations: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native Pacific Islanders. **This announcement and all materials produced as part of this project are supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grants: 2149849, 2149858, 2149883. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF.

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STEM Center Faculty Representatives

Daron Barnard

Professor

I study the molecular mechanisms that control early development, using the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) as a model organism. I am particularly interested in understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms used to silence mRNAs before they [...]

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Aleel Grennan

Assistant Professor

I am a plant physiologist. My research interests is on the role of the chloroplast in plant growth and development, focusing on plant responses to changing light environments. My work encompasses plant responses to light at multiple levels – from [...]

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Jeremy R. Andreatta

Professor

The central theme of research in my group is the design and development of organometallic complexes for use in catalysis with a focus on green chemistry. The development of atom economical reactions, minimization of extraneous solvent use, and use of [...]

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Ali Al-Faris

Assistant Professor

Ali Al-Faris is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Worcester State University. Received a Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering in 2005 at College of Electronics Engineering Bani-Walid and a Master of Science in Computer Science and [...]

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Mary Fowler

Professor

I joined Worcester State University Mathematics Department in 2004. I earned my Ph.D. in Statistics from Carnegie Mellon University in 1989. While I have enjoyed working as an applied statistician in many fields nothing brings me more joy than [...]

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Nabin Malakar

Associate Professor

Dr. Malakar is an assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Environment and Physics. He has a wide-ranging research interest including societal applications of remote sensing data, land surface temperature, air pollution, application of machine [...]

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STEM Center News

Computer Science Faculty encourage students to develop real-world skills through app development

Students in Worcester State University’s Computer Science Department are gaining valuable real-world experience and skills through collaborative research projects with their faculty mentors….

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Worcester State introduces five new minors to meet student interests

Worcester State undergraduates can now minor in five fast-growing fields: gerontology, homeland security, mental health services, pharmaceutical science, and STEM…

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Worcester State University offers free immersive lab course in environmental science to diverse incoming STEM students

A new program funded by a $500,000 grant from the NOAA Office of Education will allow Worcester State University to offer a free, immersive lab course in environmental science to diverse incoming STEM students…

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Summer Program Prepares First-Year Students for STEM Success

For the past four years, the STEM First Year Summer Bridge program has helped give incoming first-year students the math skills they need to succeed in science majors from biology and chemistry to computer science…

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Karl Wurst, Ph.D.: NSF Grant Aims to Make Computer Science More Appealing to Women

Computer geeks are usually guys, at least in the minds of most people. Karl R. Wurst, Ph.D., chair of the Computer Science Department, is principal investigator for a National Science Foundation grant that aims to change that perception and increase the number of women and other underrepresented people in the computing field…

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Summer Undergraduate Research Grants Pay Students to Advance Science

In a normal summer, psychology major Anna Grady ’21 would have worked at a retail job to earn money for living and educational expenses for the fall semester. Instead, this summer she was paid to conduct hands-on research investigating memory in children…

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Using Physics to Analyze Art

A unique experiment used in a course called Physics in Art teaches students how the intensity of a beam of light changes as it passes through different types and colors of liquid…

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Using Physics to Measure a Warming Earth

Data from thermal cameras in space can effectively measure the warming of the Earth, according to Assistant Professor of Earth, Environment, and Physics Nabin Malakar, Ph.D. Studying the underlying patterns and trends on these datasets can help raise awareness related to the health risks posed by the environmental factors…

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Students Create Videos to Explain Chemistry Experiments for Remote Learners

As the fall semester began, Weichu Xu, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, realized the pandemic meant visits to the lab would be restricted for many students and impossible for those in isolation, so they…

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WSU Announces $1M Gift at Unveiling of the Aisiku STEM Center

Worcester State University has named its Center for STEM Research and Education in honor of alumnus Dr. Imoigele Aisiku, M.D., ’92, an intensivist (critical care) and emergency medicine physician who attended public schools from K-12 through medical school…

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Student, faculty lab innovation published in prestigious chemistry journal

Students and faculty have developed a new discovery-style learning approach to college organic chemistry labs that improves student enthusiasm and research skills…

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University labs outfitted with industry-level equipment through new grant

To be competitive in the life sciences workforce, college students need to be trained on the latest scientific equipment and processes. Worcester State University received a $658,000 grant…

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