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National Science Foundation awards $2 million to Worcester Polytechnic Institute for student scholarships and STEM programs

The National Science Foundation has awarded $2 million to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to support scholarships and mentoring for low-income undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields. The funding will contribute to increasing the size of the U.S. workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Study: Sibling interactions are an untapped resource for early engineering education

Researchers at Binghamton University identified clear roles among siblings on STEM tasks, including colleague, lead engineer, and provocateur roles. Sibling relationships offer a safe space for children to develop engineering skills, and programs should tap into this relationship for effective education.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Engineering Education·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2026

UVA materials science engineer Jerry Floro recognized by Materials Research Society for impact in his field

Jerry Floro, a UVA materials science engineer, has been recognized by the Materials Research Society (MRS) for his significant contributions to public outreach and inclusive materials education. He received the MRS Impact Award in 2026, citing his efforts to educate students and laypeople about nanotechnology.

UVA Engineering receives $900,000 grant to create character-building initiative

The University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science will create a character-building initiative with the new grant. The ECSI aims to develop future leaders who are prepared and motivated to apply values in professional contexts. UVA Engineering is committed to integrating character education into its undergraduate curr...

Leading the way in nursing home care

Marilyn Rantz's Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) improves care quality in nursing homes, reducing avoidable hospitalizations. The program is now being emulated nationwide for its proven track record of success.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

Cybersecurity education varies widely in US

A study reviewed 100 US institutions with National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designations, finding significant variation in program types, credits, and learning outcomes. The research aims to improve industry-readiness and graduate employability by highlighting areas for improvement in cybersecurity education.

POSTECH’s Perspective on History and Science: A compass for teaching the Korean history of science

A study by Professor Jongsik Christian Yi introduces a history of science curriculum at POSTECH, exploring its importance in teaching the Korean history of science. The author argues for a self-reflective approach to education, encouraging students to critically think about their roles and futures in Korean science and technology.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalHistorical Studies in the Natural Sciences·DateApr 7, 2024

STEM Career Days boost high school students’ career aspirations in STEM fields, MU study finds

A new MU study shows that high school students who attended college-run STEM Career Days were far more likely to have STEM-related career aspirations than those who did not attend. The study highlights the benefits of introducing high school students to STEM opportunities and can help increase diversity in the STEM workforce.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·TypeSurvey·DateNov 6, 2023

UTSA researchers receive $3.6 million National Science Foundation grant to break down language barriers in engineering education

Researchers Joel Mejia and M. Sidury Christiansen are developing a handbook of recommended pedagogical approaches to address exclusionary language in engineering classes. They aim to improve the sense of belonging among multilingual students pursuing STEM careers by guiding faculty on strategies for changing biased language practices.

Rice U.’s Kaiyu Hang wins NSF CAREER Award

Hang aims to develop general-purpose robots that can handle complex physical interactions without requiring perfect input from sensors or extensive instructions. His project seeks to improve robotic manipulation tasks by reducing assumptions about how the robot acts in real-world conditions.

Perfection: The Enemy of Evolution

Researchers discover allowing imperfection in design can create wider range of 'good enough' solutions, enabling more innovative designs. The study uses simple examples, such as walkways and bird flapping motion, to show that even small tolerances for imperfection open up significant design space.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiosystems·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2023

The early pandemic’s effect on engineering students’ learning

The study found that while some students felt a sense of loss due to limited access, others saw the challenge as an opportunity to problem-solve and build flexibility. The researchers emphasize the importance of interpersonal relationships and instructors' resources in enhancing educational experiences.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Engineering Education·DateMar 16, 2022

Stereotypes in STEM fields start by age six

A new study by the University of Houston researcher found that gender stereotypes in computer science and engineering begin at age six, leading to a lack of representation of girls and women in these fields. The study suggests that introducing high-quality STEM activities in elementary school can help close the gender gap.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

UC Davis C-STEM Center receives $2.4M grant to introduce African American girls to engineering and robotics

The UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education has received a $2.4 million grant to establish an initiative introducing Black/African American girls to engineering and robotics. The Ujima Girls in Robotics Leadership Project offers a free, hands-on program teaching girls middle and high school engineering and leadership.