New STEM+ Education Research Institute to promote collaboration

A new research institute at NMSU is uniting experts in science, technology, engineering and math education to develop and evaluate innovative approaches for STEM education from kindergarten through graduate levels.

The STEM+ Education Research Institute is currently led by Patricia Sullivan ’83 ’00 ’14, associate dean for outreach and recruitment in the College of Engineering with a joint appointment in the Office of Research, Creativity and Economic Development as director for workforce and strategic engagement; Wanda Bulger-Tamez ’88 ’97 ’17, director of the STEM Outreach Center; and Michèle Shuster, biology professor and associate dean for research in the College of Arts and Sciences. Ultimately, the institute will be led by a permanent director.

The plus in the institute’s name indicates the integration of the humanities, arts, community needs, and global challenges in translating STEM research to practice within and outside of the classroom environment. The institute is housed in the Office of Research, Creativity and Economic Development, and launched in August 2023 with STEM education researchers from across campus, including a cohort made up of five faculty members who were hired as a cluster.

The institute also will delve into how to help NMSU students improve their learning in the STEM fields, as well as how to enhance student learning with microcredentials, which are offered by NMSU Global Campus.