Name: Brian Kritzstein
Title: Principal Research Scientist
Organization: Battelle
1) What do you believe is the most pressing issue in STEM education today?
Conveying the importance of STEM as an overall concept and not simply as students focusing only on science, technology, engineering and math as individual disciplines. In addition, an increased emphasis needs to be placed on establishing meaningful connections between students and professionals currently employed within STEM fields.
2) How does your work impact STEM education?
Battelle's close partnership with the Battelle Center at OSU has provided our team with a platform to position advanced analytics and visualization tools within the educational community. Whether it's helping administrators better understand testing/performance data, working with students through internship opportunities or integrating technologies into the classroom, we continue to build on our concept of STEManalytics as a way to better comprehend large volumes of information.
3) What do you think is the most important part of a successful STEM curriculum?
Collaboration. With fellow students, local businesses and other stakeholders inthe success of our kids. From my exposure to Metro High School, it's apparent that the kids are benefiting from a curriculum experience which goes beyond the traditional text book. Presenting to a local business leader on the results of a collaborative student project provides real world feedback for our next generation workforce.
4) What STEM profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
I've always been fascinated by programs like extreme Machines and Build It Bigger. Watching the skill and dedication involved on projects of that scale is truly amazing and to be a lead engineer would most certainly be a rewarding experience. Imagine leading the project to construct the Chunnel!