an. 15–FOR INFORMATION about the America COMPETES Act, click on the link at dominionpost.com.
U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller had a simple question for local business leaders, higher education officials and WVU students Friday: “How do you turn the light bulb on?”
He asked how to get young people interested in the science, technology, engineering and math — or STEM — fields during a roundtable discussion at the Erickson Alumni Center. The two-hour talk highlighted the importance of the America COMPETES Act recently approved by Congress.
The legislation provides support for STEM education and research programs at WVU and other schools, including the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.
WVU Board of Governors chairwoman Carolyn Long said it’s important for educators to begin teaching students math and science at a young age and build on that foundation through college.
“We have to make sure everybody is working toward the same goal,” said Long, who added that communication is essential.
Steve Turner, founder and CEO of Protea Biosciences, suggested exposing kids to scientific equipment and facilities at a younger age.
“Those can be game-changers,” Turner said, noting how a visit to Protea’s offices affected high school students in WVU’s Health Sciences Technology Academy program. “You could tell. For some of them, it changed the way they thought about themselves.”
WVU officials noted that state laws, school policies and parents reluctant to see their kids leave home can sometimes prevent students from developing their math and science skills. But WVU is working to find creative ways — online and through outreach programs — to conquer those barriers.
This article was originally published on the Charleston Daily Mail website.
Michelle Richards-Babb, an assistant professor at WVU, said she has conducted scientific demonstrations for county 4-H clubs to reach out to K-12 students. Meanwhile, the chemistry department at WVU has successfully encouraged students to pursue careers in science by pointing out their strengths and providing additional information.
“Those are life-changing comments if they’re reinforced,” Rockefeller said.
He also noted the important role mentors play in attracting students to West Virginia and keeping them in the state. David Dittenber, a graduate research fellow from Ohio, said he came to WVU to study civil engineering because he wanted to work with Hota GangaRao, a professor in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.
Paul Hill, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission vice chancellor for science and research, noted that EPSCoR has helped bring top-quality educators to West Virginia, and WVU has worked to add STEM faculty. However, Earl Scime, chairman of WVU’s physics department, said “It’s all for naught if there’s not jobs.”
Rockefeller said it’s important to bring businesses to West Virginia that will provide jobs for STEM graduates who aren’t interested in teaching. Otherwise, college students won’t want to go into those fields.
But he said the state’s education system plays a role, as well.
“We have to do our part, educating people for the types of skills you require,” Rockefeller said, addressing Turner and Azimuth Inc. President and CEO Craig Hartzell. “That’s our obligation.”
Posted by Matt Livengood on January 15, 2011 at 3:40 pm in the following categories: Protea Biosciences
