May 2, 2025
NSU’s Sponsored Programs Office offers congratulations to faculty on successful grant initiatives and announces current activities
Congratulations
Dr. Dominique Taylor, Department of New Media, Journalism, Communication Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, received notification of a $10,761 award from the Louisiana State University through the Henry Luce Foundation for “Louisiana Community Journalism Initiative.”
Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Department of Engineering Technology, College of Arts and Sciences, received notification of a $12,500 award from The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation for “STEM Robotics and Engineering Camp.”
Dr. Shane Rasmussen, The Folklife Center, College of Arts and Sciences, received notification of a $1,500 award from the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau for “2025 Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival.”
Dr. Greg Handel, Executive Vice President and Provost of Academic Affairs, received notification of a $10,000 award from the Louisiana Board of Regents for “Meauxmentum Scholars Project.” Mr. Zeb Marcotte, Dr. Alicia Book, Dr. Sarah Wright, and Dr. Shannon Wall-Hale are collaborators.
Dr. Thomas Reynolds, Department of English, Language, and Cultural Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, received notification of a $4,231 award from the Louisiana Board of Regents for “NSU Mindset Meauxtivators.”
Dr. Jerry Brunson, Department of Biology and Microbiology, College of Arts and Sciences, received notification of a $12,000 award from the Louisiana Board of Regents for “Enrichment of Student Education through Development of a Work-Based Learning Plus Program.” Mr. JD Cox is a collaborator.
Dr. Leslie Gruesbeck, Department of Fine and Graphic Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, received notification of a $12,000 award from the Louisiana Board of Regents Support Fund program for “Work-Based Learning Plus Program.” Dr. Mirla E. Gonzalez is a collaborator.
Dr. Daniel Rivera-Vazquez, Department of Physical Science, College of Arts and Sciences, received notification of a $55,148 award from the Louisiana Board of Regents for “Acquisition of Ductless Chemical Fume Hoods for Chemistry Undergraduate Laboratories and Outreach Activities at NSU.” Dr. Yohaselly Santiago-Rodrguez is a collaborator.
Dr. Valerie Salter, Department of Hospitality Management and Tourism, College of Business and Technology, received notification of a $135,107.21 award from the Louisiana Board of Regents for “Enhancement of the Undergraduate Hospitality Management and Tourism (HMT) and Culinary Arts Program.” The collaborators include Dr. Timothy Bratt, Mrs. Rachel McKenna Marsh, and Ms. Ashley Haire.
Current Activities
Ms. Gwen Fontenot, Corporate and Community Engagement, Office of Economic Development and University Advancement, submitted a proposal to the United States Department of Agriculture entitled, “Northwestern State University: Building and Supporting Entrepreneurship (BASE) program.”
Dr. Daniel Rivera, Department of Physical Science, College of Arts and Sciences, submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation entitled, “Northwestern State University STEM Training Opportunities to Students Enrolled in STEM Disciplines.” Dr. Yohaselly Santiago, Dr. Chris Lyles, and Dr. Francene Lemoine are collaborators.
Mr. Travis Mitchell, School of Social Sciences and Applied Programs, Advanced Remote and Geospatial Operations, College of Arts and Sciences, submitted a proposal to the National Park Service entitled, “Application of Drone Technologies to Interior Mapping of Historic Structures.” Mr. JD Cox and Ms. Adelaide Soileau are collaborators.
Ms. Krislyn Chenevert, Shreveport Nursing Education Center, College of Nursing and Allied Health, submitted a proposal to the Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center entitled, “2025 Camp Fast Forward.” Dr. Aimee Badeaux, Dr. Anna Morris, and Ms. Tiffany Chasteen are collaborators.
Dr. Melissa Rennie, College of Nursing and Allied Health, submitted a proposal to the Human Resource Services Administration entitled, “Lifting and Empowering Aspiring Disadvantaged Students in Nursing (LEADS in Nursing). Dr. Aimee Badeaux and Ms. Tiffany Chasteen are collaborators.
Dr. Curtis Penrod, School of Business, College of Business and Technology, submitted a proposal to the Cybersecurity Education Management Council entitled, “Central Louisiana Cybersecurity Talent Enhancement Program.” Dr. Begona Perez-Miraand Dr. Carmella Parker are collaborators.
Mr. Steven Gruesbeck, Department of Healthcare ACE, Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, submitted a proposal to The Rapides Foundation entitled, “Mental Healthcare Workforce Development in CENLA.” Dr. Neeru Deepis a collaborator.
Dr. Michelle Brunson, Early Childhood Education, Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, submitted a proposal to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation entitled, “Supporting Young Readers.”
Ms. Vashaun South, Student Support Services/TRIO, submitted an application to the Walmart Spark Good Local Foundation entitled, “Walmart Facility #170 Community Grant.”
For assistance in seeking information about funding opportunities, preparing proposals, or administering projects, contact the Sponsored Programs Office (SPO) by phone at 357-5222, email at spo@nsula.edu, or visit the SPO website.
SPO Staff are Alysia L. Jones, director, and Amber Campa, coordinator.
