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What science educators have learned in and out of the classroom to promote student learning and career development, as well as reflections on STEM disciplines, institutions, and professional conduct.

  • Expanding your math and science horizons
    April 30, 2012

    For the past few years, there has been a strong focus on encouraging women to pursue careers in science and mathematics. Indeed, a recent post highlights the challenges and rewards of being a woman scientist. There is unanimous agreement that should be a stronger push towards supporting women pursuing STEM careers. But how can this support be provided? In this post, I highlight a collaborative effort between the Expanding Your Horizons network and UC Berkeley to encourage middle school girls to explore scientific careers. »

  • Encouraging bilingualism in education
    April 25, 2012

    Like many of my peers, I was not particularly fond of studying foreign languages when I was growing up. My view has changed considerably over the years however, and I have become increasingly appreciative of the merits of being able to communicate in different languages, I speak German and Farsi in addition to English. I have always felt that being multilingual has helped me think differently -- I have never been able to adequately put into words how this worked however.  »

  • Blending math and biology: NIMBioS
    April 16, 2012

    Interfacing mathematics and biology education can be a daunting task. Even among established scientists, the mathematicians and the biologists speak different languages. Here is an example: to a mathematician, the word ‘model’ may conjure up the image of equations that are based on certain physics and assumptions therein. To a biologist, the word might be a strain of mice or other lab animals that exhibit a particular condition. However, over the years, with the advent of systems and computational biology, biologists and mathematicians have begun to converse with each other and work together.  »

  • 'Swirling' students need cooperation not competition
    April 2, 2012

    A new AAAS-EducationCounsel report advocates for faculty at disparate institutions, in physical proximity or not, to view their students as pool of talent that has, may, or could "swirl" en route to a baccalaureate or advanced degrees. »

  • Whose STEM 'completion agenda?'
    March 21, 2012

    Several recent studies and reports have converged on something called the “completion agenda” -- increasing efforts by colleges and universities to retain and graduate students who “complete” the baccalaureate.  Like so many issues in U.S. higher education, this one has facets that challenge some students, faculty, and administrators more than others. »

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