With the funding of Minority Research and Education Project (MUREP) Intuitional Research Opportunity (MIRO), the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) St. Thomas has enhanced STEM education through increased research opportunities. This Historically Black College and University (HBCU) established the Physics and Astronomy with Authentic Research Experience (PAARE) Center which include key project elements such as the development of the Undergraduate Physics Degree, employment of new Physics faculty, update of research equipment and resources, and expansion of partnership for student research experience.
UVI celebrates its first set of students graduating with a Physics Degree in Spring 2019. Enrollment in Physics had increased 143 percent within the past ten years. Enrollment in Applied Math increased by 190 percent during the same period. The graduation rate of students with Physics degrees is at it's highest. However, the rate of underrepresented students with physics degrees is decreasing.
The College of Science and Mathematics and the Physics Department wish to instill three learning outcomes through this program:
- Increase knowledge in the field of Physics and fluency in Astronomy
- Increased skills in scientific research
- Increased communication skills for both technical and lay audiences
The Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy uses UVI's Virgin Islands Robotic Telescope (VIRT) and X-Ray detector research from NASA-GSFC to provide students with authentic research experience.
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