On September 28, 2023, New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced the launch of its STEM+ Research Education Institute, a new initiative aimed at advancing STEM education from kindergarten through postgraduate levels. The institute, located within the Office of Research, Creativity, and Economic Development and overseen by Vice President Luis Cifuentes, seeks to foster innovation and collaboration in STEM education.
According to a press release, NMSU President Luis Cifuentes stated, "NMSU STEM+ Research Education Institute to promote campus, community collaboration." The institute's mission is to promote collaboration not only within the university but also with the broader community.
The "+ " in the institute's name signifies its commitment to integrating humanities, arts, and community engagement into STEM education, as well as addressing global challenges through the application of STEM research. The institute will also explore strategies to enhance STEM learning for NMSU students and offer microcredentials through NMSU Global Campus.
The establishment of the STEM+ Research Education Institute builds upon NMSU's longstanding 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 roots in a partnership with the Gadsden Independent School District and a National Science Foundation grant. This collaboration has paved the way for statewide STEM education research aimed at identifying evidence-based teaching and learning strategies.
The institute is currently 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, a permanent director will be appointed in the future.
Michèle Shuster emphasized the importance of synergy and communication among STEM education researchers, stating, "There are always conversations around elevating STEM education research, but in order to do that, we have to determine what are the best strategies to use with our student populations."
The establishment of the STEM+ Research Education Institute at NMSU reflects the university's commitment to advancing STEM education and fostering collaboration within the campus and community. With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches and addressing global challenges, the institute is poised to make a significant impact in the field of STEM education.