By Sidney Davis – Communications Manager, MS-CC
Editor’s Note: This Q&A continues our series of short interviews spotlighting members of the MS-CC community. Be on the lookout for additional interviews each month, and email Sidney Davis if there’s an MS-CC community member you would like us to spotlight in the future or if you would like to be in the spotlight yourself. We appreciate community members and all they do to move our mission forward.
Dr. Ramadan El Sharif is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Wilberforce University. He joined the university’s staff two years ago.
More About Dr. Ramadan El Sharif
Personal Mantra: “Mathematics is not just about solving problems; it is about empowering minds to think critically and creatively.”
Best Advice Ever Received (& from whom): “Meet students where they are and guide them to where they can be,” from one of my PhD mentors.
How does participation in the MS-CC help you in your current role?
Participation in the MS-CC connects me with a strong professional network that provides access to resources, collaborations, and best practices in advancing STEM education. It allows me to bring innovative strategies and cyberinfrastructure solutions back to Wilberforce University to support student success.
Is there a particular resource that you find especially useful?
The shared knowledge base and collaborative workshops offered by MS-CC have been especially valuable. They give practical strategies for integrating technology, building research capacity, and expanding student opportunities in mathematics and related fields.
How did you/your institution first become involved with MS-CC?
Wilberforce University became engaged with MS-CC through initiatives to strengthen our STEM programs and expand access to research and cyberinfrastructure resources. Our goal has always been to provide our students with the same opportunities as those at larger institutions, and MS-CC has been a natural partner in that effort.
What would you say to encourage other institutions to participate in the MS-CC?
I would encourage institutions to join MS-CC because it fosters collaboration, providesaccess to cutting-edge resources, and builds a supportive community dedicated to advancing education and research at minority-serving institutions. I actively invite colleagues, students, and faculty to MS-CC conferences and workshops, and I will continue encouraging participation to expand the network of institutions benefiting from these opportunities.
Why does participation in the MS-CC continue to be important for you/your institution?
Participation remains vital because it allows Wilberforce University to grow its capacity for research, enhance teaching resources, and connect students with national opportunities. It ensures that we remain part of a larger conversation about equity, innovation, and preparing students for the future of STEM.