ATOM is a Collaborative Project submitted by: Raj Chaudhury, Project Director (NSU-Lead Institution), Sultana Khan (ECSU), Daniel Shin (FSU), Jose D'Arruda (UNCP), George Wimbush (VSU).

The long-term goal is to increase the number and enhance the preparation of minorities pursing degrees in physical sciences defined here as physics, mathematics and chemistry (non-medical). Project activities are designed to: Increase the number of physical science majors from underrepresented groups who go to graduate school or technical employment; Implement specific enhancements to the curriculum that successfully incorporate science content into a inquiry-based learning approach; Enhance the institution's program offerings through the creation of a degree emphasis in scientific visualization research; Create a learning environment that supports active learning using modeling and visualization tools.