Scientists approved for $2.9 million grant to train STEM graduate students

The fourth time was the charm for Brian Burrell and Ranjit Koodali, two USD scientists who have been approved for a grant to train science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduate students, and will be receiving $2.9 million from the National Science Foundation over the next five years.

Brian Burrell, an associate professor in the division of basic biomedical sciences and associate director of the Center for Brain & Behavior Research at the USD Sanford School of Medicine, and Ranjit Koodali, a professor in the department of chemistry and dean of graduate education, applied for this grant three times since 2014 until they were finally approved.

The program Burrell and Koodali are planning aims to prepare their students for business by pairing up with the Beacom School of Business.

“We want to help the professional development of students,” Koodali said.

Burrell and Koodali plan to help their students achieve interdisciplinary STEM degrees and said they’re excited to see what kinds of routes that students will take.

“I’m interested to see what students are going to come up with and how they will customize the curriculum,” Burrell said.

Koodali said he believes going through this STEM program will prepare students for life after school.

“This opportunity will help students individualize their career options,” he said. “Students will be well-prepared for their careers after graduation.” Just like the Google’s Director of STEM Education Strategy, Kamau Bobb, he is concerned about the students’ abilities to get jobs.

Burrell and Koodali hope to start the program in fall 2017, and are currently developing some projects and working on a website and marketing.

Planning on teaching about 20 students over the course of four years, Burrell and Koodali said each student accepted into their program will receive $34,000 each year for two years while working on their degree.

Koodali said they’re proud to have been approved for this grant, and said it says good things about USD.

“Getting this grant is a representation of the high-quality research at USD,” Koodali said.

Burrell said he is looking forward to working with future students.

“I am excited to train the next generation of neuro and behavioral scientists in such a unique way,” Burrell said.