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!
