Historically Black Texas Southern University and the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston signed an agreement that will expand opportunities for education, workforce development, and research for students at the university.
Under the agreement, the university and NASA will work collaboratively to facilitate joint research, technology transfer, technology development, and educational and outreach initiatives. The goal is to create a sustained pipeline of diverse talent for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers at the Johnson Space Center and the surrounding companies that provide support for its operations.
As part of the agreement, the universty will host the NASA Technology Infusion Road Tour in September 2022. During this event, faculty and students will have the opportunity to showcase their research capabilities and speak directly with federal agency representatives from around the country. Faculty will also have the opportunity to engage with NASA’s Small Business Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Program directors and participate in prime contractor briefings. Also, the Space Center will host a one-day Minority University Research and Education Project Innovation and Tech Transfer Idea Competition for university students.
“This agreement is an embodiment of Texas Southern University’s commitment to its guiding principles of innovation, transformation, and disruption,” said Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, president of Texas Southern University. “This partnership will make a difference in the lives of our students and faculty. As the university continues to work tirelessly to provide opportunities for students and achieve unprecedented success at an accelerated pace, it is our belief that this partnership can be a model for other HBCUs throughout the country in changing the landscape of engineering and other STEM disciplines. “
It’s about time NASA Johnson Space Center. TSU has been around since 1927 and NASA Johnson Space Center has been around since 1958. You mean to tell me that it took 64 long years for the White led administrators at NASA Johnson Space Center to finally recognize the amazing intellectual talents at TSU? Realistically speaking, the NASA Johnson Space Center have missed out a multitude of scientific problems that could have been solved years ago if they would have VALUED and included the brilliant minds at TSU.
That said, I certainly hope Lesia L. Crumpton-Young is not bloviating and pontificating about this new partnership in any capacity. Only time will tell if the faculty and students from TSU are treated equitably and professionally in all aspects from decision making, access to NASA Johnson Space Center, and professionally.
TSU and NASA have had many successful research, professional development and grant-making partnerships for decades (some older examples are CBER, SHARP PLUS, NAFP). This is the latest and newest venture.