Montgomery College Math Professor Wins Pioneering National Science Foundation Grant

Dr. David S. Torain, professor of mathematics, statistics, and data science (Germantown Campus) is a recipient of the first US National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC) program, effective September 1, 2025.

Dr. Torain’s project, Montgomery College Student Hybrid Academic and Research Experience (SHARE) (NSF #2350354) is a two-year planning project that will provide up to 35 MC students with the opportunity to engage with scientific discovery first-hand by participating in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) conferences as participants and presenters.

Attendance at scientific conferences is an important part of professional identity formation for undergraduate students. Although four-year institutions provide these opportunities consistently, SHARE will be one of the first projects to follow and measure student participation among a cohort of two-year college students, many of whom are first-generation college students and/or from non-majority backgrounds. Both Dr. Torain and the SHARE co-principal investigator, Dr. Milton Nash, dean of mathematics, statistics, and data science, benefited from attending such meetings as young undergraduates majoring in mathematics.

“This NSF award will provide Montgomery College students with opportunities to develop as scholars and professionals,” said Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, president of Montgomery College. “I am so proud of Dr. Torain’s efforts to advance opportunity and equity for our students, particularly those traditionally underrepresented in STEM.”

MC students will be identified by faculty and administrators. Five faculty from across STEM disciplines will mentor the SHARE students and follow up with them after conference attendance. Participation is open to regular MC students and dual enrollment students in STEM programs.

Dr. Lisa Wills Keister, head of the Pear Group, is serving as independent program evaluator.

According to Dr. Deidre Price, senior vice president for academic affairs/College provost, “This innovative project serves several purposes: First, it will offer new opportunities to our own talented MC students. Second, it can provide a model that can be adapted at community colleges around the country. SHARE represents MC’s mission beautifully.”

The award amount for SHARE is $200,000.

Visit the NSF awardsnew window page for additional.