DURHAM, NC (August 30, 2023) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) welcomed National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy to North Carolina to visit critical research and life sciences programs that are working to advance groundbreaking technologies and educate the next generation of STEM leaders to meet our nation’s changing workforce needs.

Additional photos can be found here. 

“As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, it’s a pleasure to have NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy in the Fourth District to witness firsthand the groundbreaking research and life science programs that our region has to offer,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “As one of the nation’s leading hubs for scientific research and development, it’s critical to continue investing in equitable educational programs that will in turn develop a strong and diverse STEM workforce. I cannot thank NASA and Deputy Administrator Melroy enough for their continued support in ensuring diversity and equal opportunities within our nation’s scientific enterprise.” 

“NASA’s engagement with Vance-Granville Community College Mechanics Lab exemplifies the fusion of knowledge and practical application, laying the foundation for a future where North Carolina stands at the forefront of innovation,” said Congressman Don Davis (NC-01). “As we continue to invest in these partnerships, we shape the next generation of thinkers and leaders and propel our economy toward new heights. It is essential for NASA to continue recognizing our state’s potential and working hand in hand with institutions like Vance-Granville Community College to create opportunities that benefit the American people.” 

“NASA currently supports over a thousand jobs and generates more than $175 million in economic output in North Carolina. Using NASA funding, institutions like NC Central and the Museum of Life and Science are building diverse STEM pipelines through innovative studies and engagement programs that teach Spanish-speaking communities about Earth and space sciences, respectively. Vance Granville Community College is fostering the exploration of cutting-edge agri-tech and biotech right here in North Carolina. We’re excited about the talent the state brings to the aerospace industry, allowing us to evolve the technology that will help us better understand our changing planet and explore the depths of our universe,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy.

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy visited North Carolina Central University’s Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE) and the Julius L. Chabers Biomedical and Biotechnology Research Institute (JLC-BBRI), and the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science. Additionally, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04) and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy visited Vance-Granville Community College’s Mechanics Lab and the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Small Business Center with Congressman Don Davis (NC-01). 

Background: 

Earlier this year, North Carolina Central University was awarded a $1.4 million grant through the Data Science Equity, Access, and Priority in Research and Education (DEAP) opportunity under NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). NASA awarded $11.7 million to eight HBCUs and targets increasing the universities’ capacity to support research in machine learning-based detection of floods and other natural hazard impacts in the environmental, earth, and geospatial sciences department. 

The North Carolina Museum of Life and Science is currently partnering with NASA on a project that will promote STEM education to Hispanic and Spanish-speaking communities. The North Carolina Museum of Life and Science is one of three informal education organizations selected by NASA’s Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) to be a part of this initiative focused on accessibility of NASA missions and resources. 

 
Vance-Granville Community College is home to the Vance-Granville Community College Mechanics Lab, and the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Small Business Center. The community college also offers science-based summer camps and programs for women in STEM, as well as non-credit and high school opportunities surrounding agribusiness, space, and AgriTech.