Nsec 2017 National Conference

NSEC 2017 National Conference 

 

Rapid Talk Abstracts 

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Academic Investment in Mathematics & Science (AIMS)

 

First Round: Friday, June 23, 2017 at 3:25 PM  

Speakers: W. Robert Midden, Bowling Green State University 

Additional Authors:  

Abstract: The Academic Investment in Mathematics & Science (AIMS) is a comprehensive scholarship 

and support program designed to enhance the success of under-represented minority students and 

women in earning undergraduate degrees in STEM fields. To learn more visit: 

https://serc.carleton.edu/StemEdCenters/prog_descriptions/173909.html

  

 

Pre-Calculus and Calculus 1 Readiness Workshops 

First Round: Friday, June 23, 2017 at 3:25 PM  

Speakers: Tom Cheatham, Middle Tennessee State University 

Additional Authors:  

Abstract: Students with gaps in their mathematics background are at risk of not succeeding in their 

upcoming math class. We have begun to do 3-day intensive math workshops the week before the 

students starts the class to help students fill some of the gaps that may prevent them from succeeding 

in the course. These workshops have proven to be an inexpensive way to help at-risk students succeed. 

Students who have previously taken the course, those with poor math ACT scores, students who have 

not taken math in several years, and others are invited to participate for free. They get to know other 

students who are in the same boat as they are in and a professor (6 hours per day for 3 days). They fill 

some gaps and learn that you can study math for a long period of time without dying. Data from the first 

few semesters is promising. To learn more visit: 

https://serc.carleton.edu/StemEdCenters/prog_descriptions/173206.html

  

 

 

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NSEC 2017 National Conference 

  Proposed Research Action Cluster (RAC) Abstracts 

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RAC pre-proposals are here: 

http://www.aplu.org/projects-and-initiatives/stem-education/stem-

education-centers-network/Research Action Clusters/2017-Pre-RAC.pdf

  

 

GaSTEMC 

Times: Friday, June 23, 2017 at 5:30 pm and Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 7:00 am 

Speakers: Zipangani Vokhiwa, Co-PI, Mercer University 

RAC Members: Kania Greer, PI, Georgia Southern University; Timothy Burg, Co-PI, University of Georgia; 

and Zipangani Vokhiwa, Mercer University 

Abstract: Improving undergraduate education and STEM education have been buzzwords for the past 

several years in higher education.  However, most institutions cannot agree on what improving 

undergraduate education looks like or what STEM education looks like and what elements should be 

included.  This proposal seeks to answer these questions from key stakeholders at Universities.  The 

Research Action Cluster, composed of three STEM Centers at the Georgia Southern University, 

University of Georgia, and Mercer University seeks to survey faculty and administrators to develop a 

common understanding of what improvement in Undergraduate STEM Education consists of based on 

the capacity of each University.  These centers are representative of many STEM centers in and around 

the country who seek to provide resources to students and faculty development but who struggle to fit 

into the University structure.  By sharing what is learned in Georgia, it is the goal of this proposal to 

encourage administrators, and other specialists and stakeholders, to find out what the pulse of 

undergraduate STEM education at their institutions and to facilitate discussions within Institutions of 

Higher Education around the nation to develop purposeful and strategic plans to improve 

undergraduate STEM education that benefits both students and faculty fellows. 

 

The Nebraska Collaborative for Food, Energy, & Water Education: Opportunities and Strategic 

Visioning 

Times: Friday, June 23, 2017 at 5:30 pm and Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 7:00 am 

Speakers: Cory Forbes, University of Nebraska-Lincoln 

RAC Members: Cory Forbes, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Leilani Arthurs, University of Nebraska-

Lincoln; Hui-Hui Wang, Purdue University; Lynn Bryan, Purdue University; Christine Li, University of 

Missouri; Troy Sadler, University of Missouri; Hannah Scherer, Virginia Tech; Liesl Baum, Virginia Tech; 

Nicola Barber, University of Oregon; Eleanor Vandegrift, University of Oregon; Kelly Millenbah, Michigan 

State University; Joe Krajcik, Michigan State University; Brad Greiman, University of Minnesota; Gillian 

Roehrig, University of Minnesota 

Abstract: This proposal builds upon recent and ongoing efforts to cultivate a national DBER network 

focused on education grounded in the Food-Energy-Water-Nexus (FEW-Nexus). Through the present 

proposal, we seek to advance a National Collaborative for Research on Food, Energy, and Water 

Education (NC-FEW) of transdisciplinary collaborators who span traditional STEM departments, 

education, and agricultural and natural resource sciences.  Building upon early investments in a national 

NC-FEW planning committee in 2016-2017, we propose to convene an 2-day invited workshop in spring, 

2018 that draws upon expertise from an expanded group of faculty representing 7 NSEC-associated 

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