STEM Research Center

Upcoming STEM For All Webinar: It Takes a Village

Using the concept of "learning ecosyosystems" to improve STEM Engagement

Scientist ambassador gives lecture at a prison

Meeting Them Where They Are: Scientist Ambassadors Reach the Public in Unlikely Places

Dr. Nalini Nadkarni presents at the Utah State Prison. Photo Credit: INSPIRE/Univ of Utah Office for Media and Communication.

New framework for classifying participant engagement in citizen science

Click to read the full open access article!

Situational Awareness for Employment Resilience

Check out the video below for some exciting updates on the Center-partnered SAFER project! SAFER seeks to help US workers find and pursue future-proof employment pathways.

Valuing free-choice learning in national parks

Self-directed learning in parks deserves to be recognized for its effectiveness

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About The STEM Research Center

Want to know more? Download our brochure.

Vision

We envision a world in which evidence from research and wisdom from practice guide all learning experiences.

Mission

The STEM Research Center conducts applied research with a broad range of partners and nurtures community engagement toward improved systems of STEM Learning for all.

Values

We do this work because we believe:

Learning is a fundamental and lifelong human right
The world thrives when structures are just and inclusive
Science (STEM) best serves when it is part of and responsive to society

We strive for excellence in all we do and aim for:

Critical self-reflection
Justice and empathy
Intellectual and cultural humility
Continuous learning

Research

The research of the Center is focused on how people from different backgrounds and circumstances build knowledge and understanding about STEM, develop identities as STEM learners, engage with STEM-related issues, and ultimately apply that knowledge and understanding to their daily and professional lives. We also engage in research and evaluation of STEM education and science communication through the study of methods, institutions, media, and people who play a role in mediating learning (e.g. schools, museums, magazines, teachers, etc). Learn more about our research.