On September 28, 2023, New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced the launch of its new STEM+ Research Education Institute, aimed at advancing STEM education at all levels. The institute, located within the Office of Research, Creativity, and Economic Development and overseen by Vice President Luis Cifuentes, will promote collaboration between the campus and the community.
According to a press release from NMSU, the institute's name emphasizes the inclusion of humanities, arts, and community engagement, as well as addressing global challenges in applying STEM research in educational settings and the broader community. The institute will also explore strategies to enhance STEM learning for NMSU students and offer microcredentials through NMSU Global Campus.
The STEM+ Research Education Institute builds on NMSU's longstanding commitment to research expertise in the science of teaching and learning. Patricia Sullivan, associate dean for outreach and recruitment in the NMSU College of Engineering, highlighted the institute's partnership with the Gadsden Independent School District and a National Science Foundation grant, which paved the way for collaborative STEM education research. The goal is to identify evidence-based innovative teaching and learning strategies that can be scaled and replicated statewide.
Currently, the institute is under the interim leadership of Patricia Sullivan, Wanda Bulger-Tamez (the director of the NMSU STEM Outreach Center), and Michèle Shuster (a professor in the NMSU Department of Biology). However, there are plans for the institute to transition to being overseen by a permanent director in the future.
Michèle Shuster emphasized the importance of collaboration among the institute's leaders, stating, "There wasn't a lot of talking and synergy among us." The establishment of the STEM+ Research Education Institute aims to bridge these gaps and foster innovation and collaboration in STEM education.
Overall, NMSU's STEM+ Research Education Institute is poised to make significant contributions to STEM education, leveraging partnerships, interdisciplinary approaches, and evidence-based strategies to enhance learning experiences for students and promote collaboration within the campus and the wider community.