STEM-Views: Brian Kritzstein

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!

STEM-Views: Jeanne Contardo

Name: Jeanne Contardo              

Title: Director of Programs         

Organization: Business-Higher Education Forum

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

I believe the misalignment of student career interests, their academic proficiency, and future job openings will be the big issue to address in the 21^st century around STEM education.  The data don’t lie, and when we look across the board at what students say they’re interested in and where our workforce will be over the next couple of decades, the numbers don’t match up.  This is particularly true in STEM fields.  If we don’t change the perception of STEM education among students and their parents, and if we fail to better link education and the workforce, we will never meet this country’s economic goals.

2) How does your work impact STEM education?

One of BHEF’s key initiatives focuses on STEM, and has the specific goal of doubling the number of STEM college graduates by 2015 through strengthening the mathematics and science teaching workforce and pursuing promising strategies to strengthen the education pipeline that leads to STEM careers.  The other key initiative focuses on improving college readiness, access, and success, and works with business and higher education leaders to address regional education challenges—many of which are STEM-centered.  Through these initiatives, I work to equip BHEF’s members—Fortune 500 CEO's, college and university presidents, and select foundation leaders—with the tools, strategies, and information they need to lead systemic and sustained education improvement efforts.

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

We know that students who succeed in math are also more likely to succeed in post-secondary education.  We also know that the majority of students who take the ACT in 12^th grade don’t meet the college readiness benchmark in math.  While I believe the best STEM curriculum will be real-world, problem-based, and interdisciplinary to help improve interest, we also have to help students achieve basic skills if they’re going to be successful in STEM fields, including math, science, English, and reading.

4) What STEM profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?

When I was in high school, I worked in a pharmacy and often thought about becoming a pharmacy tech to work my way through college.  I loved the chemistry behind all of the prescriptions and thinking about how seemingly simple combinations could produce dramatic effects—sometimes I use the same philosophy in trying to bring about education improvement!

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!