Getting students interested in microelectronics and chemical processing isn’t kid’s play. But Dr. Christine Grant knows a thing or two about it. Grant works with undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented groups to encourage them to pursue careers in engineering. Grant received the prestigious NSF Presidential award for mentoring in 2003.

Dr. Jason Haugh leads a diverse team of postdoctorate, graduate and undergraduate students working on research that shows your cells are talking to each other. The research has implications for regulation of the human immune system, and new therapies for cancer. The NSF presented Haugh with a Presidential Early Career Award, the highest award given to young scientists and engineers.

And Dr. David Ollis encourages his students to put together their education by taking things apart. Disassembling things like photocopiers, CD players, video cameras and bar code scanners gives students an appreciation for the engineering concepts behind their design. This problem-solving approach, borrowed from research, earned Ollis the respect and admiration of colleagues and students alike as well as the NSF’s highest award for teaching and research excellence.

New approaches to learning--it’s part of how NC State educates students for 21st century life and work. NC State: Achieve!