Christopher Newport University

Managed by the National Science Foundation's Division of Graduate Education, the GK-12 program provides funding to graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We are excited to have CNU participate in this program and are seeking graduate students and K-12 teachers to join us in CNU’s WISE project. Read More

The WISE GK-12 project is a partnership between Christopher Newport University, the five high schools of Newport News Public Schools, City of Newport News Departments of Engineering and Waterworks, and HR STORM, a committee of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.

Working with local high schools, our graduate fellows will broaden the contextual framework of their graduate research through a project benefiting society and the environment. They will guide ninth-grade teachers and students in developing field sampling and spatial analysis skills to address ecological issues impacting the local Chesapeake Bay. They will build a watershed database in the schools’ neighborhoods, which will help the City of Newport News monitor and manage pollution levels entering the James River and Chesapeake Bay.

Using their scientific results and assistance from HR STORM, the students will provide information to their communities with the goal of improving water quality in the surrounding the lakes and ponds. Project Information and recommendations will be shared with local businesses and residents over the course of this project.

CNU's President Paul Trible stated: "The University is excited to have this opportunity to address an important environmental concern of our region while educating students. more >>

Newport News Mayor Joe Frank said: "I am proud that the City's Engineering Department has joined with Christopher Newport University, the Newport News Public Schools, Hampton Roads STORM, and the National Science Foundation in this exciting initiative more >>

Ashby C. Kilgore, Superintendent of Newport News Public Schools, said "The partnership between Christopher Newport University and Newport News Public Schools will prepare our students to meet the challenges of the 21st century more >>

Dr. Gary Whiting, the project leader at CNU noted: "We hope that this project will be just the beginning of a future where the collaborative integration of science, education, government, private organizations and community will become the means of solving the complex problems we face as a society." more >>


National Science Foundation	Hampton Roads Storm


Newport News Engineering	Newport News Waterworks	Newport News Public Schools

WISE GK-12 Program