Category Archives: Leadership

NSF IUSE project funded

Leave a reply

I am very excited to lead a newly-funded, 3-year NSF IUSE Engaged Student Learning: Exploration project (DUE-1609598) focused on the iterative design,  nsf_logoimplementation, and study of a new, interdisciplinary course for non-majors – SCIL/AECN/NRES 109: Water in Society – at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The Fostering Undergraduate Students’ Disciplinary Learning and Water Literacy (WELL) project presents an outstanding opportunity to iteratively develop and study an innovative undergraduate STEM learning experience through design- and discipline-based education research.  We are lucky to have an amazing, interdisciplinary team on board for this project, including faculty associated with UNL’s Water for Food Global Institute and two graduate students.  The new course will be an integral part of a newly-established undergraduate minor – Food, Energy, & Water in Society – in CASNR, as well as a key component of a growing suite of undergraduate experiences associated with the IANR Science Literacy Initiative.

Presentation at the 2016 Global Food Security Consortium symposium

Leave a reply

Forbes2I was honored to be invited to speak at this year’s symposium of the Global Food Security Consortium at Iowa State University. The annual event brings together innovators in agricultural education, research, and outreach, all engaged in the grand challenge of feeding 9.6 billion by 2050.  In my talk, entitled Cultivating science literacy in the nexus: Multidisciplinary STEM education across food, energy, water, I shared an overarching framework and sampling of current activities associated with the IANR Science Literacy Initiative at UNL.  This was an amazing opportunity not only to share exciting work that’s happening at UNL, but to learn about scientific research and community development work being conducted around the globe to address food security issues and contribute to cultivation of sustainable food systems.

 

Dr. Troy Sadler visits UNL

Leave a reply

Cory Troy March 2016On Thursday, March 17th, we had the pleasure to host Dr. Troy Sadler from the University of Missouri at UNL to engage our community in discussions around science literacy and STEM education as part of our ongoing Science Literacy Initiative Seminar Series.  Dr. Sadler is Professor of Science Education in the College of Education’s Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum and Director of the ReSTEM (Reimagining & Researching STEM Education) Institute.  His invited presentation, entitled, Socio-scientific Issues as a Central Element of Scientific Literacy: Toward a Framework for K-16 Teaching and Learning, was held in Henzlik Hall on UNL’s City Campus.  We are deeply appreciative of Dr. Sadler’s time, his willingness to learn about STEM education and discipline-based education research being conducted at UNL, and his incredibly helpful insights and feedback to help advance these efforts.

Farm Credit Services of America gives $100,000 to UNL Science Literacy Initiative

Leave a reply

We are enormously grateful for the generous support recently provided to the Science Literacy Initiative by Farm Credit Services of America.  This $100,000 gift will have a significant impact on IANR’s ability to advance the initiative’s goals and objectives with a particular emphasis on K-12 STEM programming.   It is wonderful to continue working to build capacity for this initiative with the strong backing of our partners and stakeholders.

Science Literacy ‘Big Ideas’ Seminar at UNL

Leave a reply

UNL’s 2014 ‘Big Ideas’ Seminar series kicks off on February 19 with a 1-day event showcasing science literacy.  Breakout sessions beginning at 1:00 will highlight systems thinking around food, energy, and water systems, informal science education, early childhood education, the role of rural family-school partnerships. Dr. Rodger Bybee will give a presentation at 3:00 entitled “Building Science Literacy through Engagement in Community and Environmental Stewardship”. Seminar co-sponsors include IANR; UNL Extension; Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies; College of Education and Human Sciences; and Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools. It will be a fantastic opportunity to engage with state partners and learn more about science literacy.

UNL IANR science literacy press

Leave a reply

ianr_nHere is a sampling of media coverage of the large cluster hire undertaken by UNL’s Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources, including the personnel associated with the Science Literacy Initiative.

From NebraskaSCIENCE – New science education hires at UNL

From IANR News – New Science Literacy Initiative Faculty On Board at UNL

From the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute – UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources announces new positions

From the Omaha World Herald – UNL to add 36 ag-related professors by 2014

From IANR (video via YouTube) – IANR New Faculty Positions

Moving to UNL!

Leave a reply

ianr_nIt’s official, this fall I’ll be transitioning to a new position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) as Associate Professor of Science Education in the School of Natural Resources (SNR) and Science Literacy Coordinator for the Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). I’m super excited to join an amazing group of STEM scholars and begin the next stage of my professional career. Thanks to family, friends, and colleagues who have been so supportive in this process. We’re moving to Lincoln!