Header Two
Delgado Community College Awarded $500K NSF Grant to Launch Environmental Research Program for STEM Students
July 31, 2025
Delgado Community College has been awarded a $504,598 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch a project that will engage students in environmental research along the Lafitte Greenway in New Orleans. The project, titled Developing Environmental Leadership Through Accessible Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (DELTA CUREs), will embed real-world scientific fieldwork and research into introductory STEM courses to increase student retention, engagement, and success.
Led by Delgado faculty members Diondra Henderson, Karen Menge, and Jordan Adams, DELTA CUREs will integrate hands-on research assignments into biology, chemistry, and geosciences classes, offering students the opportunity to study local issues such as stormwater management, soil compaction, and water quality. The program is part of NSF’s Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education initiative and is set to run from August 2025 through July 2029.
Through a partnership with the City of New Orleans, students will participate in the city's existing stormwater monitoring efforts along the Greenway. Students will conduct core sampling, measure infiltration rates, analyze water quality, and assess the effectiveness of restoration and sustainability practices such as grass planting.
DELTA CUREs will boost student confidence in STEM by strengthening both academic foundations and career readiness. Interdisciplinary faculty collaboration will enrich STEM learning experiences, while partnerships with local nonprofits, industry leaders, and government agencies will expand students’ professional networks. Through hands-on research that addresses real-world challenges, students will contribute to improving quality of life in New Orleans and help meet the region’s growing demand for skilled STEM professionals.