January 28, 2025
Last week, I had the privilege of joining fellow provosts and senior academic leaders from across the country in a panel discussion on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. The conversation – attended by over 150 individuals representing 78 organizations including 55 research universities – was energizing, centered on a recent report from a National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) committee on effective teaching in undergraduate STEM education, and how we can better prepare and support students in the rapidly evolving fields of STEM. Amongst others, the discussion included leadership from the American Association of Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and foundations that support STEM education and research.
The report highlights the significant contribution of the STEM workforce to scientific progress and technological innovation. While colleges and universities like IU are key to advancing research and educating future generations, the report reveals that traditional teaching methods in STEM fields can often benefit some students more than others. This reality can discourage many from pursuing STEM courses or careers, limiting participation in fields essential for future economic growth, innovation, and human well-being.
To improve undergraduate STEM education, the report introduces a set of key principles, which emphasize active engagement, student-centered learning, social dimensions of education, belonging and identity, data-driven improvement, flexibility, and transparency.
One of my core messages to the group was that we are already doing this at Indiana University. Our commitment to advancing STEM education, fostering innovation, and supporting both our students and faculty is strong. Here’s a closer look at some of the initiatives and programs that are making an impact.
Engaging in hands-on learning
We understand the transformative power of STEM and have made it a priority to equip our students with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. IU offers a broad range of STEM majors, degrees, and initiatives designed to support and engage undergraduate students. We provide access to state-of-the-art labs and research facilities across our campuses, ensuring that students can apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
In addition to the technical knowledge, we emphasize the importance of developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and our students have opportunities to engage in hands-on research through programs like the Undergraduate Research (IUUR) initiative and the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.
We also offer some of the most advanced facilities for STEM research, including the Advanced Research and Technology Institute (ARTI), where students collaborate on cutting-edge projects in materials science, robotics, and more. Our Luddy Artificial Intelligence Center and most recently, IU LAB, a new bioscience accelerator now in planning, ensure that students have access to the latest technologies and real-world applications in rapidly growing fields.
Connecting students with career development
Another key part of our mission is to ensure that our students graduate not only with a strong academic foundation but also with the experience and skills needed to thrive in the workforce. That’s why we offer a variety of career development programs and centers on campus devoted to specific school, academic level, or career interest.
With President Whitten’s leadership, we have partnered with leaders in higher education in launching the EDGE Consortium, a national effort dedicated to making semiconductor-related education more accessible and increasing the number of industry-ready women and people of color entering semiconductor-related careers.
Fostering STEM communities
We have a variety of initiatives at IUB dedicated to supporting groups underrepresented in STEM, such as the Women in STEM Living-Learning Center, the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, and IU-Minority Serving Institutions STEM Initiative. These programs create supportive, collaborative communities for students to thrive both academically and personally.
Supporting faculty growth and innovation
The commitment to excellence in STEM education doesn’t stop with students. We actively recruit innovative faculty and support their development through programs like the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL), which provides comprehensive services supporting excellent teaching and learning. Faculty can also tap into IU’s numerous professional development opportunities, including research and grant support and faculty mentorship and leadership initiatives, which aim to support faculty across their journey at IU.
We also recognize that STEM is a fast-moving field, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. That’s why we continuously innovate our curriculum to align with student interests and market needs. Recent additions, such as new degree programs in microelectronics, semiconductors, and nanofabrication, ensure that IU students are prepared for the next wave of technological advancement and the high-demand careers these sectors generate.
Looking toward the future
Our efforts to support STEM education at IU don’t end here. With the IU 2030 strategic plan, we are actively advancing how we deliver education, particularly in the first year, and enhancing experiential learning opportunities across all disciplines. As we move forward, we’ll continue to innovate, making data-driven adjustments to ensure that our students and faculty have everything they need to succeed in a dynamic, ever-changing world.
As I reflected on my time at the event, I was inspired by the collective commitment of everyone involved. The recommendations of this report closely reflect the work we’re doing at IU – and it gives us an opportunity to take a leadership role on the national level.
I’m proud to say that we’re making real, tangible progress toward more effective STEM education for students. But there’s always more to be done. I look forward to continuing this important work, collaborating with my colleagues across the campus and nation, and, most importantly, supporting our students and faculty as they shape the future of STEM.
