Episode 39: STEM STARS & Classroom Connections with Guests Dr. Drew Gossen and Dr. Katie McCorrison

Dr. Drew Gossen joins the podcast as a first-time guest, and Dr. Katie McCorrison returns as a regular guest to the show. In this lively episode, Dr. Joe Gaston and Dr. Susan Ferguson discuss research initiatives surrounding motivators for K-12 students to become STEM professionals. NSF S-STEM grant, STEM STARS (Strive, Thrive, Achieve, and Realize goals of STEM careers), building a bridge for low-income students to pursue a math-intensive degree while focusing on school, without having to simultaneously work full-time. This partnership with USA faculty from the College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Engineering, and the College of Mathematics and Statistics, along with Bishop State and Coastal Community Colleges, reaches out to high-potential secondary students and tracks their progress through the program. Dr. McCorrison provides an update on NSF Noyce programs at the University. Dr. Gaston, Dr. Gossen, and Dr. McCorrison also discuss classroom initiatives in which they have been engaging for several years through grant-funded support in building relationships among STEM professionals and local classrooms.