Delaware State University’s expansion into science and tech fields got a boost Tuesday with a $300,000 grant from a local company.
The money from the Wilmington-based, wireless technology company InterDigital will fund three learning laboratories at the Dover campus, teaching undergrads about basic and advanced electronics.
William Merritt, CEO of InterDigital, cited the US’s lagging status among industrialized countries in terms of proficiency in math and science, saying universities drive understanding and prepare the future workforce.
“It’s not something we like to have. It is something we must have if our company is going to prosper long term. And there are many other companies like ours in Delaware and across the nation," said Merritt.
"We are all counting on you to produce the next generation of researchers, engineers and leaders of America’s innovation economy.”
Those taking applicable classes will learn how data like a text message or a video is digitized and sent using radio waves.
Dr. Noureddine Melikechi, dean of the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, says the grant is critical to keeping students updated on the latest industry trends.
“You can teach them theoretically on the board all the stuff that you want, but this will allow us to see it hands on, build it, see it, see how it works and that has a profound effect on the students’ learning outcomes,” Melikechi said.
"This is how you build an economy," said Gov. Jack Markell (D). Markell, a former Nextel executive, said it was "gratifying" to see a company "put its money where its mouth is" and not just say they're committed to furthering higher education.
The new labs will take over space in the Mishoe Science Center as existing programs move to the new Optical Science Center for Applied Research building set to open in June.
