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 - 9:15 AM
Welcome
Ted Wells, President, STEMconnector and Heather Sherman, Director, STEMx, will welcome Forum attendees and introduce the Forum’s goals and key themes.
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Panel: Understanding the Expanding Role of AI in Education and Work
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: The STEMM Opportunity Alliance – Using a Collective Impact Approach to Implement a Shared Vision for STEMM Equity and Excellence
To create real opportunities in the STEMM workforce and ensure our nation is a leader in research and innovation, a coordinated and comprehensive systems level approach – bridging education and workforce – is required. The STEMM Opportunity Alliance is a national network of cross-sector partners working to implement a common action plan rooted in equity to ensure all people can contribute to progress and excellence in the STEMM enterprise. Learn about the coalition’s shared vision for action, and how it will use a collective impact approach to align and integrate actions across education and workforce to drive progress across the STEMM ecosystem.
11:10 AM - 11:50 AM
Panel: Federal Investments in STEM Education and Workforce
Funding and policy decisions from the Federal Government have significant implications for STEM Education and Workforce Development across the country. This panel will explore how new legislation and policy shifts around education and workforce are impacting resource allocations. Discussion will explore the impacts of these dynamics on stakeholders nationwide, highlighting potential engagement opportunities and potential challenges.
- Stephanie Donofe Meeks, Director, Office of Workforce Development, Ashland University
- Francella Ochillo, Director, Office of Public Engagement, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
- James Brown, Executive Director, STEM Education Coalition
- Thomas D. Phillips IV, Sr. Congressional Affairs Specialist, Government Relations, Battelle
11:50 AM - 12:45 PM
Lunch
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM
Presentation: The Girls' Index™ Girls & STEM Report Unveiled: National Insights on the Future of Girls & STEM
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.
- Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, Founder and CEO, Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX)
- Teresa Drew, Deputy Director, STEM Next Opportunity Fund
- Colleen Bielitz, PhD, Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Outreach, Southern Connecticut State University
- Dr. Jillian Cadwell, Research Associate Faculty, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Washington State University Tri-Cities
- Ashley Huderson, Senior Director of Programs, ASME
1:50 PM - 3:10 PM
Facilitated Discussions
Sessions:
- Ballroom - Engaging Girls & Women in STEM
- Room 207 - STEM Network Influence on State Policy
- Room 209 - Building Future Problem-Solvers: Innovations in Mathematics Education
- Room 211 - The Impact of Pathways and Work-Based Learning on STEM Outcomes
- Room 213 - Moving the Needle: How UNLV Faculty Leverage Grant Funding to Advance Equity and Inclusion in STEM
3:20 PM - 3:30 PM
Closing/Day 2 Overview
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
UNLV STEM Facilities Tour - Advanced Engineering Building
Join Dean Rama Venkat for a 20-30 minute tour of UNLV’s latest addition to the university’s innovation corridor- the Advanced Engineering Building. The Advanced Engineering Building (AEB) is a three-story, 52,000 square-foot idea incubator and innovation generator. From top to bottom, and in every space in between, the AEB facilitates the interdisciplinary collisions and research collaborations that will solve national and regional problems.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Networking Reception, Hosted by UNLV
5:30 PM - Remarks by UNLV President, Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D
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
Heather Sherman, Director, STEMx, will welcome Forum attendees to the second and final day of the Forum and recap day 1.
Attendees will also hear from Tracey Howard, STEM Program Director, Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology.
9:10 AM - 10:00 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.
10:00 AM - 10:25 AM
Coffee & Networking Break
10:40 AM - 11:20 AM
Breakout Sessions
- Room 205 - Using AI Tools Responsibly to Improve Teaching and Learning
- Room 207 - The STEM Workforce Starts with STEM Educators
- Room 209 - IP is EiPIC: Engaging Our Youngest Innovators in the IP System
- Room 211 - STEM Career Profiles and Skills
- Room 213 - STEMming Success: Building a STEM Workforce and Mentorship Program for Underrepresented Students Through Corporate Partnerships
- Ballroom - STEM Evaluation Workshop: Building an Initial Plan to Determine the Impact of STEM Investments
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Poster Session
During the poster session, attendees will have the chance to gain insights from their peers about their organization, unique project, or initiative.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:15 PM - 1:55 PM
Breakout Sessions
- Room 207 - The MESA Model - Building STEM Professionals
- Room 209 - Transforming Healthtech: Fostering Diversity in Silicon Valley
- Room 211 - Build Resources. Build Access. Build the Field. An Approach to Safety Science Research Experiences & Education
- Room 213 - An Evidence-Based Approach to Broadening Access to STEM Careers for Underrepresented Groups
- Ballroom - Building a Kinder to Career Pipeline
2:10 PM - 2:50 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.
- Dr. Keisha Chandler, Managing Director, ASCD
- Dr. Leigh Ann DeLyser, Ph.D., Director, Center for Education Research & Innovation, SRI International
- Martha McCabe, Senior Vice President of Community Partnerships, Project Lead The Way
- Scott Sedberry, Director of Business Development, Texas Instruments
- Dr. Jeff Weld, Ph.D., STEM Executive Consultant, jeffweldLLC
2:50 PM - 3:00 PM
Closing / 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