Mayor A.J. Holloway, joined Cities United for Science Progress (CUSP), a partnership between The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and DuPont, at Nativity Elementary School on May 4^th for a Science in the School Day.

Mayor Holloway emphasized the importance of science education in the lives of Biloxi’s schoolchildren. The Mayor joined Pat Nichols, plant manager -- DuPont DeLisle Operations and Be Fischer, a DuPont engineer, to work side-by-side with third and fourth graders at Nativity Elementary School throughout the morning on the “puff-mobile” experiment.

With more than 100 third and fourth grade students participating across the city, DuPont engineers joined three additional schools in the Science in the School Day. These included: Jeff Davis, Gorenflow and Nichols Elementary Schools.  At Nativity, Diamondhead resident and civil engineering graduate of Georgia Tech, DuPont Area Manager for Quality Systems, Be Fischer jumpstarted the program with a fun hands-on project exploring basic engineering principles. During the experiment, students applied the techniques learned from Fisher to conduct a science experiment called the “puff mobile.”  Mayor Holloway led the students as they built “puff mobiles” using everyday materials including drinking straws, lifesavers, paper, scotch-tape and paperclips. The program concluded with the Mayor and invited guests challenging the students to a race with the student-made “puff-mobiles.”

Diamondhead resident and bachelors and masters graduate in mining engineering from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, DuPont’s Area Manager for Reaction, Peter Dunn led the activities at Gorenflow. Over 25 school children were excited to have participated with Dunn in creating “puff mobiles” which they raced to determine the best design in their school.

The students at Jeff Davis and Nichols were together as they learned basic engineering principals from Biloxi resident and masters graduate in civil and environmental engineering from Mississippi State University, DuPont’s Area Manager for large projects, Matt Renick.

“The City of Biloxi would like to thank DuPont and the U.S. Conference of Mayors for bringing the Science in the School Day to the children here in our city. This was an excellent opportunity for our students to experience science in a fun and challenging atmosphere,” said Mayor Holloway. “Biloxi has endured tremendous obstacles over the past months and these children learned that by working together and that by problem solving there is always a solution to difficult situations. We hope these children will consider a career in math and science because of this program,” he concluded.

“DuPont DeLisle is excited to be a part of such a worthwhile program,” said Pat Nichols, plant manager of DuPont DeLisle Operations.  “Anything we can do to help get kids excited about math and science benefits everyone.  This program introduces area children to math and science, exposing them to excellent career opportunities while at the same time ensuring that we have future engineers and scientists to keep our country viable in the ever-competitive global market.”

“We are excited to have a partnership that benefits children who are the future of our cities,” said Tom Cochran, executive director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “CUSP serves as a useful tool for teachers, students and children across the country and helps revive a much-needed interest in science.”

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.  Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

CUSP is a partnership between The U.S. Conference of Mayors and DuPont.  Through the $3 million Lead-Safe…for Kids’ Sake grant program and the acclaimed Science in the School Day initiative, over 30 cities have received grants, more than 54 cities have been visited and close to 14,000 elementary school children have participated in the USCM-DuPont partnership. CUSP provides assistance to mayors in promoting and inspiring student’s interest in science and engineering.