Happy Holidays

Happy holidays from us here at the Battelle Center. We will resume our STEM-views posting on Friday, January 7th.

STEM-Views: Diana Wolterman

Name: Diana Wolterman

Title: Education Project Manager in Residence at Metro High School

Organization: Battelle

1) What do you believe is the most pressing issue in STEM education today?

Getting people to understand that STEM education is not just a longer list of math & science courses. Even students interested in subjects like art and history and want careers in other fields need to learn how to synthesize information and think critically about issues and solving problems. The ability to succeed in college and ultimately in a career that requires independent thought is reliant on the types of skills that a STEM education can convey.

2) How does your work impact STEM education?

One of the things I do is bring business strategies and project management principles into the school system and help foster partnerships that benefit both parties, just like business relationships. It’s important that today’s schools don’t rely on old habits but are instead always seeking fresh ideas and adopting practices that are innovative and push the status quo. Helping our school stay connected to other innovative STEM schools in the state is a great way to build capacity.

3) What do you think is the most important part of a successful STEM curriculum?

Problem based learning. Students need to learn by doing things that are relevant and real. Working to solve a real issue or problem that doesn’t have an answer waiting in the back of the text book is a very valuable learning experience. Hands-on projects are also critically important.

4) What STEM profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
When I was young I wanted to become a teacher, but somehow I never followed up on that in school. I think that’s why I jumped at the chance to come to Metro as Battelle’s STEM liaison!

STEM-Views: Tony Girifalco

Name: Tony Girifalco

Title: Executive Vice President

Organization: DVIRC

1) What do you believe is the most pressing issue in STEM education today?

There are really two in my view.  The first is the somewhat naïve belief that we can change the fundamentals of our education system simply by throwing money at it and without addressing larger cultural and societal issues at the same time.  The second issue is that too many of those involved in STEM education don’t see business demand as a fundamental starting point for a STEM strategy.  This simply mystifies me!

2) How does your work impact STEM education?
As an economic development company that works with and in businesses every day, we bring the voice of business and a business perspective to the table.    Only by developing trust among partners are we able to make longer term changes in the way people work and in the systems within which they work, whether it’s within a single company, “business-to-business” or “school-to-school” or any other.  Social capital is king.

3) What do you think is the most important part of a successful STEM curriculum?

Aside from the teacher?  Learning how to understand and solve problems through the rigorous application of the scientific method.

4) What STEM profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
Either architecture or piano making—both professions involve making something and both combine the fundamental beauties inherent in the arts and sciences.  Ahh, to be 40 again!

Coming Soon!

Each Friday starting 12/10 we will post an interview with a professional from either a STEM field, education or someone associated with the Battelle Center. On the short list we have our director Kathy Sullivan, former astronaut and Senator John Glenn, Battelle executive Rich Rosen and many more! Stay tuned for these interviews as well as updates on the Battelle Center’s current endeavors.

Obama Nominates Kathy

We are proud to announce that President Barack Obama has nominated Battelle Center Director Kathy Sullivan for the Assistant Secretary of Commerce (Observation and Prediction), Department of Commerce. It is bittersweet for us here at BC as Kathy has been a wonderful Director and she will be missed. We are happy that Kathy will be moving on to such a prestigious role and will be able to continue making a difference on a national level. Congratulations Kathy!

Click here to read the White House Press Release.