To advance the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers are stepping forward with a retreat.
Taking place Oct. 19 at Avery Hall, the STEM Education Research Retreat will assemble more than 50 faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students and undergraduates. Participants will represent more than 20 departments that cover disciplines ranging from the agricultural, biological and physical sciences to biomedical, computer and mechanical engineering.
In addition to learning about UNL’s research infrastructure, participants will share information about their latest projects through roundtable discussions and a gallery walk featuring 25 research posters.
Marilyne Stains, assistant professor of chemistry, said the event should cultivate greater collaboration among UNL researchers working to improve STEM education.
“(They) do not often have opportunities to confer with each other about mutual interests,” Stains said. “This is especially needed at UNL, where there has been a growth in the number of faculty conducting STEM education research.”
Organizers also see the event as a precursor to grant-earning success focused on STEM education, said Yvonne Lai, assistant professor of mathematics.
“By dedicating time for substantive conversation and (fostering) the setting for focused discussion, this retreat will make it more likely that Nebraska faculty generate cross-disciplinary, effective research programs that are funded to investigate big ideas,” Lai said.
Organizers have invited centers and offices from across the university, including the Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education; the Center for Instructional Innovation; the Nebraska Bureau for Education Research, Evaluation and Policy; the Bureau of Sociological Research; the Public Policy Center; and the Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Consortium.
Registration for the retreat has closed. For more information, visit http://scimath.unl.edu/stem-ed-retreat/2015.
