Tri-State STEM+ Conference 2024: empowering educators to shape the future
The 2024 Tri-State STEM+ Conference, held at the University of Cincinnati on Oct. 10, marked its 12th year with new and exciting developments, offering professional development for educators from the tri-state and beyond.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The event is an annual conference presented in partnership between the University of Cincinnati’s Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative and Northern Kentucky University's Center for Integrative Natural Science and Mathematics (CINSAM).
This year’s event emphasized the critical role of P-12 educators in fostering the next generation of STEM talent, with an expanded focus on workforce needs in industries such as advanced manufacturing, environmental science, health care and information technology (IT).
“We added several new features,” said Debbie Liberi, UC Director of the Tri-State STEM+ Conference. “This year, with STEM workforce needs at the forefront, we invited a staff of panelists representing STEM partnerships from advanced manufacturing, environmental science, health care and IT to discuss workforce needs and opportunities for students and teachers. We look forward to revisiting the critical topic of STEM workforce needs in years to come.”
With over 200 attendees, the conference provided an immersive experience for teachers, administrators and instructional coaches to explore innovative approaches in STEM, STEAM and STREAM education. Hosted by UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and Information Technology (CECH), this year's event stood out as a platform for collaboration and exploration.
In addition to the panel discussions, the conference featured 19 presentations focused on instructional practices, with interactive workshops designed to give attendees practical tools and strategies they could implement in their classrooms immediately.
New features and teacher recognition
Brenda McGee receives the Outstanding STEM Educator Career Achievement Award at the STEM+ Conference 2024. Photo/provided.
This year also saw the expansion of the popular “Sharathon,” where 18 presenters had a limited time to showcase cutting-edge educational tools and strategies. The fast-paced format allowed educators to engage directly with experts, collecting resources and ideas to take back to their schools. Teachers also had the chance to win valuable materials through a raffle featuring 30 educational resources, all aimed at enhancing STEM teaching.
The conference celebrated excellence in STEM education by honoring four educators with the prestigious STEM Teaching Awards. Among the recipients was Brenda McGee from Kilgour School, recognized with the Outstanding STEM Educator Career Achievement Award for her 30-plus years of dedication to education. Jamie Back from Cincinnati Country Day School, Carissa Domrase from Franklin Central High School and Madison Staton from Butler County High School also received accolades for their contributions to STEM education at various stages in their careers.
As the 2024 Tri-State STEM Conference came to a close, organizers and attendees reflected on the success and impact of this year’s event. With new ideas and inspiration drawn from the various workshops, panel discussions and collaborative exchanges, educators left feeling energized and equipped to make a difference in their schools and classrooms.
The Tri-State STEM+ Conference continues to be a catalyst for change in the world of STEM education, equipping educators with the knowledge and resources they need to inspire the next generation of innovators. Through events like these, the University of Cincinnati reaffirms its commitment to advancing education and preparing students for the future.
In fall of 2025, the 13th annual STEM+ Conference will be held at the campus of Northern Kentucky University.
Featured image at top: Attendees watch a presentation at the STEM+ Conference at University of Cincinnati
Photos by Rosemary Roberts, CECH Marketing
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