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Supporting education and innovation

Mercer’s SEI Lab supports research related to innovations in the delivery of STEM content and integration of STEM-based practices and content in both traditional and non-traditional settings.

School districts across the world are rapidly adopting innovative learning technologies to enhance the quality of STEM instruction by augmenting the ability of teachers to engage students in immersive learning experiences that anchor content knowledge and develop skills such as STEM literacy, critical thinking, team building, innovation, digital competency, cultural awareness, and entrepreneurship.

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This project incorporates an innovative model of teacher induction that harnesses the expertise of graduates of Mercer’s K-5 Mathematics and STEM endorsement programs to mentor and support pre-service elementary math and science teachers in their field placements. Mathematics and Science are both key areas for improvement in teacher education. This research study led by Dr. Susan Cannon, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education, seeks to enhance pre-service teachers’ achievement in their field placement courses. This study will also utilize data-based assessment tools and anti-racist pedagogies in the endorsement program and with pre-service teachers to highlight existing biases so that teachers can build more equitable science and mathematics communities.

SEI Lab is engaged in a research project that is focused on examining on-ramps and impediments to accessing STEM careers for underserved populations.

This research will analyze:

The quality and availability of STEM education/career resources in various communities in the United States and abroad
Factors that influence interest in STEM careers among populations that are historically under-represented in STEM fields

SEI Lab engages in research related to teaching and learning in STEM education along with supporting the STEM career pipeline. To further this work, SEI Lab has developed a strategic partnership with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support Mercer students with an interest in participating in STEM-related internships and/or obtaining positions with the FDA or other federal agencies.

The goals of this partnership are threefold:

Proactive recruitment of STEM talent, particularly among systemically marginalized groups (e.g. women, ethnic minorities, low-income students, etc.)
Develop a pipeline of STEM professionals from Mercer to the FDA and other federal agencies
Develop and implement other mutually beneficial actions

FDA Recruitment Newsletters

Project STEM for ALL is focused on examining best practices for STEM inclusion for historically marginalized populations, including students with special needs and English language learners (ELLs). Additionally, this research will examine strategies for increasing access to high-quality STEM enrichment for low-income communities. The overarching goal of this project is to identify asset-based models for STEM inclusion among historically marginalized student populations.

SEL Lab, in collaboration with the Atlanta Citizen Review Board (ACRB), is leading a series of Citizen STEM projects that will engage community partners in utilizing STEM as a tool for addressing complex societal issues. This project will support community engagement and awareness related to community policing practices; police accountability; and fostering cooperation among law enforcement, government agencies, community organizations, and residents within the city of Atlanta.

An overarching goal of the Citizen STEM projects will be showcasing the direct connection between STEM disciplines and addressing complex real-world issues. Thereby creating opportunities for community stakeholders, K-12 students, and college students guided by an interdisciplinary team of experts to apply their learning to act as community change agents.

SEI Lab is partnering with the Real IMPACT Center, Inc., a non-profit organization that supports STEM/STEAM for girls in Central Georgia. The SEI Lab team will develop STEM curricula to support out-of-school enrichment for girls from Central Georgia and beyond. This experience is designed to expose students to STEM/STEAM and support their interest in pursuing STEM careers. Real IMPACT will administer STEM/STEAM curricula developed by SEI Lab during the academic year and summer 2021.