Arthur Vining Davis Foundations Give $100,000 for STEM Innovation
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The grant will support the creation of a technology-rich space in the Nicole Goodner MacFarlane Science, Technology & Innovation Center. The space will be equipped with virtual reality and neuroscientific tools available to students who learn differently, educators, and researchers at the College.
“When bright students do not finish college because of a learning challenge, society is deprived of innovative thinkers capable of making important contributions,” said Dr. Peter Eden, president of Landmark College. “The generous support of the Foundations enables us to develop technology-based approaches that do change the lives of many young people.”
“This grant will enable Landmark College students to develop new skills,” said Dr. Cyrus Shaoul, senior academic researcher with the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training (LCIRT). Specifically, the grant will support activities including research into brainwave activity (EEG) in studies of learning in the natural sciences. Undergraduate research assistants will be trained in how to collect and analyze EEG data.
“This opportunity for students also dovetails with potential partnerships and collaborations with the Vermont Genetics Network (VGN),” Shaoul said. “The skills will enable our students to pursue valuable internships and career opportunities at STEM labs nationwide.”
The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations seek to “strengthen America through philanthropic support” for projects in areas including private higher education, public educational media, and religious literacy and interfaith understanding (AVDF website). Founding philanthropist Davis (1867-1962) was an 1888 graduate of Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. He served as the Chief Executive Officer and Board Chairperson of Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) and conducted business ventures in Florida and other U.S. locations. In 1952, Davis established a living trust to “strengthen America,” and to date, the Foundations have given over 2,600 grants totaling over $300 million.