2024 Forum Agenda

Gain insights from industry leaders and explore what's next in STEM Education and the STEM Workforce. 

Wed, Oct. 9, 2024

Day 1

8 AM - 9 AM

Breakfast & Registration

Start off the day with a full breakfast, coffee and tea while networking with fellow Forum attendees.

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM

Welcome

Ted Wells, President, STEMconnector and Heather Sherman, Director, STEMx, will welcome Forum attendees and introduce the Forum’s goals and key themes.

9:10 AM - 9:35 AM

Keynote

9:35 AM - 10:15 AM

Panel: Understanding the Expanding Role of AI in Education and Work (brought to you by NC State University)

Artificial Intelligence has been trending across many industries, with AI adoption gaining momentum for decades. This panel will discuss how AI will impact the educational landscape and potentially enhance learning outcomes, the implications on the future of work, and the workforce required to adopt it.

10:20 AM - 10:45 AM

Coffee & Networking Break

10:45 AM - 11:10 AM

Presentation

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM

Panel: Federal Investments in STEM Education and Workforce

The Federal government has recently passed three new laws that provide funding and resources for infrastructure, transportation, and microprocessor manufacturing, among others. These laws have significant implications for STEM Education and Workforce Development and significant policy shifts around education and workforce are impacting resource allocations. This panel will discuss the impact of these dynamics on stakeholders nationwide, highlighting potential engagement opportunities and potential challenges.

11:50 AM - 12:45 PM

Networking Lunch

12:45 PM - 1:00 PM

Presentation

1:00 PM - 1:40 PM

Panel: Collaborative Approaches to Support Women in STEM

Over the last decade the percentage of women in the STEM workforce has improved but there is still work to be done. This panel will discuss how working together with community stakeholders such as employers, policymakers, and educational institutions can attract and retain women in STEM. Panelists will review and discuss innovative programs, policies, and institutions that have been developed through collaborations aimed at incorporating women in STEM environments.

1:50 PM - 3:10 PM

Facilitated Discussions

Topics include: 

  • STEM Network Influence on State Policy
  • Engaging Girls & Women in STEM
  • Innovations in Mathematics Education
  • Pathways/Work-Based Learning
  • Moving the Needle: How UNLV Faculty Leverage Federal, State and Private Funding for Greater Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice in STEM Education

3:20 PM - 3:30 PM

Closing/Day 2 Overview

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

UNLV Tour: STEM facilities and labs

Stick around following the closing (before the Networking Reception) for a tour of the Advanced Engineering Building!

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Networking Reception, Hosted by UNLV

5:30 PM - Remarks by UNLV President, Keith Whitfield

Thu, Oct. 10, 2024

Day 2

8 AM - 9 AM

Breakfast & Registration

Start off the day with a full breakfast, coffee and tea while networking with fellow Forum attendees.

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM

Welcome

Ted Wells, President, STEMconnector and Heather Sherman, Director, STEMx, will welcome Forum attendees to the second and final day of the Forum and recap day 1.

9:10 AM - 9:35 AM

Keynote

9:35 AM - 10:15 AM

Panel: Evolving Attitudes Towards Inclusive Work and Learning Spaces

Leaders across industry, education, and government have long pursued broadening participation among historically underrepresented groups as a shared challenge. Recently, the dynamics of this system have shifted in certain regions and industries. This panel will explore how attitudes around inclusive workspaces, learning, and belonging dynamics within STEM education and workplaces are changing and continue to evolve.

10:20 AM - 10:45 AM

Coffee & Networking Break

10:55 AM - 11:35 AM

Breakout Sessions

11:45 AM - 12:10 PM

Poster Session

12:15 PM - 1:10 PM

Networking Lunch

1:10 PM - 1:50 PM

Panel: Integrating Validated Research into Practice to Improve Learning Outcomes

Numerous studies exist on improving learning outcomes and persistence in STEM fields. However, the challenge lies in integrating this research into practical learning and workforce settings. Experienced researchers on this panel will discuss these integration challenges.

2:00 PM - 2:40 PM

Breakout Sessions

2:50 PM - 3:00 PM

Closing & Forum Conclusion

"I really enjoyed the learning sessions and the keynote speakers at last years Forum. I made valuable connections that we are already putting in place at our organization. I got a lot of out this forum!"

- Anonymous