DSU Noyce Grant Team: (l-r) Dr. Tina Mitchell, Principal Investigator and Program Director of DSU's Graduate Education Programs; Dr. Kimberly Milligan, Chair of the Department of Chemistry; Dr. Erin Perchiniak, Associate Professor of Biology; Dr. Delayne Johnson, Associate Professor of Mathematics; and Dr. Robert Marsteller, Assistant Professor of Education. The grant will expand efforts to prepare the next generation of STEM educators. — *In this photo:* DSU Noyce Grant Team: (l-r) Dr. Tina Mitchell, Principal Investigator and Program Director of DSU’s Graduate Education Programs; Dr. Kimberly Milligan, Chair of the Department of Chemistry; Dr. Erin Perchiniak, Associate Professor of Biology; Dr. Delayne Johnson, Associate Professor of Mathematics; and Dr. Robert Marsteller, Assistant Professor of Education. The grant will expand efforts to prepare the next generation of STEM educators.

On Campus

DSU awarded $749,968 STEM teaching grant

Friday, August 29, 2025

Delaware State University (DSU) has been awarded a $749,968 National Science Foundation (NSF) Track 1 Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Grant to expand its efforts in preparing the next generation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) educators in opportunity-rich schools.

The Noyce Teacher Scholarship Grant supports DSU’s mission to build a community of highly qualified STEM educators equipped to inspire learners from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, while addressing critical teacher shortages in Delaware and beyond. The program will provide aspiring teachers the tools and support needed to thrive in the classroom and transform student outcomes through scholarships, mentoring, and hands-on learning opportunities.

The grant’s principal investigator is Dr. Tina Mitchell, Associate Professor and Program Director of DSU’s Graduate Education Programs.

Her team includes the following Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Robert Marsteller (Assistant Professor of Education), Dr. Delayne Johnson (Associate Professor of Mathematics Education), Dr. Erin Perchiniak (Associate Professor of Biology), and Dr. Kim Milligan (Professor of Chemistry).

“This award aligns with Delaware State University’s commitment to preparing STEM educators through experiential learning opportunities, a rich curriculum, and innovative teaching practices, as outlined in its strategic plan,” Dr. Mitchell said. “By providing scholarships to Noyce Scholars, we are not only investing in our future teachers, but we are also investing in the students and communities they will serve.”

The Noyce Scholarship Program, established by the NSF, is designed to encourage talented STEM majors and professionals to become K-12 mathematics and science teachers. “The program plays a pivotal role in addressing the nationwide shortage of STEM educators, particularly in opportunity-rich school districts, like our district partners for the grant, Early College School at DSU and Capital School District,” said Dr. Shelly Rouser, DSU Education Department Chair.

With this funding, DSU will create a robust pipeline of STEM educators, strengthen partnerships with local schools, and ensure that aspiring teachers are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of students from opportunity-rich schools.

For more information about the Track 1 Noyce Scholarship Grant at Delaware State University, please contact Dr. Mitchell at (302) 857-7170 or tmitchell [at] desu.edu.