Anca and Zimmerman.
Faculty at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) will be able to broaden opportunities for science students and offer state-of-the-art equipment, after two National Science Foundation (NSF) grants totaling more than $500,000.
- An interdisciplinary team of chemistry, biology and physics faculty,led by Dr. Kathryn Zimmermann, associate professor of chemistry, received a $203,047 NSF Major Research Instrumentation (NSF MRI) grant for the purchase of an inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).
- The second grant will help expand and broaden the impact of GGC’s Technology Ambassador Program (TAP), which was established in 2012 to increase the number of students in information technology (IT) majors, particularly those underrepresented in computing like women, African Americans, Hispanics and people with disabilities. Led by Dr. Anca Doloc-Mihu, associate professor of IT, the faculty team was awarded $300,000 for two years of support.
The cutting-edge piece of equipment, capable of measuring very small concentrations of metals, is not typically found at primarily undergraduate institutions, said Zimmermann, and will raise GGC’s appeal to prospective science students in the county, state and beyond.
Dr. Charles Pibel, associate dean of the School of Science and Technology, said the ICP-MS will allow researchers to investigate samples for their elemental composition and any harmful, heavy metals or other elements of interest.
The second grant will help expand and broaden the impact of GGC’s Technology Ambassador Program (TAP), which was established in 2012 to increase the number of students in information technology (IT) majors, particularly those underrepresented in computing like women, African Americans, Hispanics and people with disabilities. Led by Dr. Anca Doloc-Mihu, associate professor of IT, the faculty team was awarded $300,000 for two years of support.
Pibel said the IT grant will go a long way in leveling the playing field in one of the most vital job markets in the modern world.
“The TAP program’s goal has been to recruit and train young people in computer technology for the last 10 years,” said Pibel. “They have done this through the development of engaging, hands-on activities for K-12 and college-age audiences. Sharing a repository of this work will allow other groups to adopt and disseminate these activities in communities across the country and beyond.
Fourth of July photos of Norcross now on display
Amazing photographs taken throughout Norcross on the weekend of July the Fourth will be displayed at Norcross Gallery and Studios, Café 45 South and The Rectory September 14 through October 31. The photographs depicting the city life of Norcross were all taken and submitted by professional and amateur photographers.
There will be a reception in the Norcross Gallery on Sunday, September 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded at the reception, so come and see the winners!
The event is an effort of the city of Norcross, Norcross Public Arts Commission, Georgia Council for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts and April McManus, Realtor of Keller Williams.
County opens application for Small Business Grants
Gwinnett County is now accepting applications for the Gwinnett Small Business Grant, a program that provides financial assistance to small businesses that were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gwinnett received $181 million in federal funding as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Board of Commissioners allocated $6 million to help small business owners who experienced income loss or increased costs while continuing business during the pandemic.
Estimated funds ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 will be awarded based on factors such as the number of employees, gross revenue, total COVID-19 impact on the applicant, available funds and the number of applications received.
Applicants must present verification of their business license and payroll records, as well as documentation of COVID-19’s impact on their business. Assistance for the application process is available through phone and email and offered in multiple languages.
For those interested, eligibility pre-screening is available to verify qualification before applying. To apply, visit GwinnettCounty.com/SmallBusinessGrant.
Gwinnett’s 116th Police Academy graduates 31 officers
The 116th Gwinnett Police Academy graduated August 24 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. During the ceremony, Gwinnett Police welcomed 31 new officers to its ranks. The 116th academy class exemplifies diversity that embodies Gwinnett’s mission of delivering superior services to its vibrantly connected community. Graduates of the 116th academy speak more than a dozen different languages ranging from Creole, Swahili, Arabic, Russian French, Korean, Spanish, German, and Ukrainian.
As part of the academy, graduates completed a 408-hour training course required by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. Gwinnett Police also administers an additional 400 hours of training in pursuit of the highest caliber officers.
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