Elizabeth Baird, director of Education with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, spoke with students in the School of Science, Mathematics and Engineering about the services the museum offers as well as internships opportunities.

According to Dr. Mark Melton, professor of biology and dean of the School of Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering, the visit from Ms. Baird stemmed from a collaboration that allowed six SAU students enrolled in the University’s environmental science course to complete their laboratory assignments at the museum.

This collaboration is part of the National Science Foundation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities – Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP). The program provides awards to develop, implement and study innovative models and approaches for making dramatic improvements in the preparation and success of underrepresented minority students so that they may participate in STEM graduate programs and the workforce. The University is part of the program under the leadership of Professor Melton and Dr. Doreen Cunningham, associate professor of biology and chair of the Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences.

Students were able to take photos with and pet a special guest from the museum, a corn snake.