We are excited to announce that MNA was recently contracted to complete the external evaluation of the Phase II NASA-funded MIRO grant awarded to the University of Arizona. As part of an array of space-based research, researchers at the UA are contributing to a $3 million project that uses mini-laboratories in space to study surface conditions of asteroids. Dr. Jekan Thanga, the PI and Assistant Professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering and head of the SpaceTREx Laboratory(link is …
Reports, Reports, Reports
Our team has been very busy completing various evaluation reports for our clients nationwide. With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded grants for the S-STEM, Noyce Program, and the CAREER grants, we have completed these seven reports to date that showcase our ongoing work in STEM education and a strong commitment to doing quality work for all our clients. Although my name literally means a poem, I can't write a poem even if my life depended on it. So, thanks, …
On Finding a Creative Outlet
Between the zoom meetings and writing evaluation reports, I try to find the time to crochet as a way to find a creative and productive outlet, a channel for expressive love and healing in the face of stress, prejudice, sickness, bias, and violence. Something as simple and homey as yarn can be a catalyst for so much more. As some of you know, I mostly crochet shawls, blankets, and smaller items like hats and scarves. This past week, I ventured into making a full wearable: a retro-style, that …
The Oscars, Jenny On the Stage, and Those Lengthy Contracts
Got to talk about the Oscars. What a night yesterday. Lively (no incident - thankfully). EEAAO all the way. Diverse. Inclusive. Seeing Jenny on the stage was a real treat. Emotional acceptance speeches. Loved it when Daniel Scheinert, who was born and raised in Alabama, celebrated his teachers who made a difference in his life. And when Michelle Yeoh said, “Thank you all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight. This is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof …
The Cost of Textbooks and Open Educational Resources: Spotlighting WCUPA
I have been meaning to spotlight our current evaluation work with West Chester University (PA) which is critical to highlight and potentially mitigate the high cost of college textbooks which remains one of the major student problems and a significant expense alongside tuition and accommodation. With prices of some new textbook copies reaching several hundred dollars, not every student is capable of affording them. A recent study showed that between the years 2020-2022, 90% of students were …
Celebrating Holi and International Women’s Day
Today is holi, a Hindu festival of color, the triumph of good over evil, and a celebration of the beginning of spring. It is celebrated in the month of March after the full moon with love, laughter, and lots of delicious food too. Today is the International Women's Day. We are celebrating some of the extraordinary women who have made MNA what it is today. We appreciate the women who are social science and STEM professionals, researchers, and educators (and moms!) who have richly …
An Infographic Or An Infoposter?
Glad you asked! Last week, a long-time client working on another large grant emailed me requesting if I could send them a list of names of all the clients MNA has worked with in the K-16 teacher preparation programs areas: Evaluation, Technical assistance, Policy work, Workshops/Training, and others. Gave the request some thought. Debated if I should send them a quickly done table/matrix or maybe a few pages with a list of all clients (both past, current, and some overlapping across the …
Happy Valentine’s Day!
On this Valentine's Day, we at MNA would like to show our deep appreciation to all those clients who: 1. Understand and appreciate our profession 2. Collect, organize, and share data appropriately 3. Communicate with us regularly 4. Are honest with the program information and data they collect and share 5. Read our report(s) and ask questions 6. Accept (with minor revisions) our evaluation reports 7. Pay attention to the lessons learned and recommendations made and take necessary …
MNA to Evaluate Central State University’s Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program
Last week, the Central State University (OH), a Historically Black College and University and Ohio's only 1890 Land-Grant institution was awarded a $3 million grant from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to help with the university’s technology infrastructure. The award is a part of the Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program which is a part of the President Biden Administration’s Internet for All initiative to help connect …
Paid Summer Internship Now Open at MNA. Apply By March 15th!
Over the years, we have had the great fortune to not only hire, engage, and learn from a few exceptionally bright and talented interns at MNA who are now doing bigger and better things in their professional lives but are also doing greater good for the communities they live. We are proud to have known them. This year too, we are looking to fully engage one summer intern at MNA. Here are the details: 1. Fully remote work. 2. 10-15 hours/week. 3. Stipend/salary. Must have: 1. 1-2 years …