All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Fairmont State University awarded $749,693 NSF Grant to support low-income STEM Majors

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University has received a six-year grant totaling $749,693 through the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program (S-STEM).

Fairmont State’s project, Bridging the STEM Gap in Appalachia: Engaging with students to iteratively improve faculty practices in support of student success, aims to increase enrollment, retention and graduation of low-income, academically talented students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

Degree programs impacted by this grant include B.S. degrees in Computer Science (also a cybersecurity concentration), Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology, Occupational Safety and Surveying and Geomatics Engineering Technology.

Over the course of six years, Fairmont State’s S-STEM program will recruit and directly support 18 low-income undergraduates from their first to fourth years of university education, as well as facilitate opportunities for securing gainful employment upon graduation.

In addition to receiving scholarship support, these students will also participate in special programming both in and out of the classroom to help ensure their success. S-STEM students will be invited to become a part of a STEM Living and Learning Community, and they will interact with their faculty and peer mentors on a regular basis, especially during their freshman year. Partnerships with local and regional industries will provide unique opportunities for the students as well.

“There is a vast STEM gap in Appalachia, and nowhere is that chasm more keenly experienced than in West Virginia,” Mirta M. Martin, president of Fairmont State University, said. “While our state is filled with academic talent, many of those young students simply don’t have access to the kinds of opportunities that will allow them to develop as STEM scholars and pursue STEM careers. The S-STEM program – a program that goes beyond scholarships and includes mentorship, student success initiatives, unique learning experiences and career guidance – will go a long way toward filling the opportunity gap for West Virginia students interested in STEM fields. I, along with our expert teacher-mentors who teach in STEM fields here at Fairmont State, are thrilled to be a part of this vital and game-changing project.”

As a part of this program, faculty and peer mentors will receive active and ongoing professional development on topics related to mentoring, advising and student engagement techniques. S-STEM students will be involved in providing feedback to help keep the program student-focused.

The six-year project will be led by Dr. Robert Niichel, Associate Professor of Mathematics, who will be assisted by Dr. Jojo Joseph, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Ms. Abby Chapman, Assistant Professor of Occupational Safety. The project will also be supported by a team of faculty in the College of Science and Technology and staff from across campus.

“We hope our program will change the course of our students’ lives and help us improve our STEM teaching and advising,” Niichel said. “And, I think we have developed a program that can do that.”

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

LUCAS Truck

LUCAS to offer lung cancer screening in Rock Cave, Weston, and Buckhannon

LUCAS, WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, will offer low-dose CT scans in Rock Cave, Weston, and Buckhannon in July for insured and eligible uninsured patients by appointment.

Man arrested for allegedly attempting to cash unauthorized check at BC Bank in Buckhannon

Christian Lyons, 47, of Ashford, was arrested on a felony charge after allegedly attempting to cash a check without authorization at a Buckhannon bank, with surveillance and account details helping police identify him.
Summer basketball

Summer Basketball League continues to grow under UCRC director Mitchell Shaw

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League, overseen by UCRC director Mitchell Shaw, is thriving and expanding with 18 teams and 183 players, offering organized, community-focused competition and new sponsorship-driven prizes in Buckhannon.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 11, 2025

Local highlights include a June 28 Glow Stick Party at James Curry Library, Upshur Schools’ virtual learning signups, BUHS rescheduled Alumni Soccer Game and a debut novel by Chantelle Kerr.

Upshur Update: Catch up on the latest local news in our June 11, 2025 podcast

The Upshur Update highlights the return of the Almost Heaven BBQ Bash, pool openings with new inclusive programs, community achievements in literacy and sports, student honors, local recognitions, and upcoming summer events in Buckhannon and Upshur County.

‘It’s the Small Things that Count’ – Lively pens book about daughter Megan

Alisa Mauk Lively has written “It’s the Small Things that Count,” a book celebrating the life and impact of her late daughter Megan, with proceeds benefiting Upshur County Special Olympics.

Buckhannon woman arrested for allegedly selling meth within 1,000 feet of local youth center

Tiffany Sparks, 43, was arrested after allegedly selling methamphetamine to a confidential informant within 1,000 feet of the Stockert Youth and Community Center in Buckhannon, according to police.

Read all about it: Rachel Strawder named new director of Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County

Rachel Strawder, a longtime member and former AmeriCorps VISTA, has been named the new director of Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County, succeeding Jennifer Higham and aiming to expand literacy outreach in the community.
asphalt pavement road paving work

City of Buckhannon to pave Randolph Street and other roads this week

The City of Buckhannon will begin paving southern Randolph Street on June 10, followed by Railroad Avenue, East Lincoln Street, and Maple Street, and asks residents to remove vehicles during the process.