WEDNESDAY: UC Community Invited to STEP Open House

The University of Cincinati’s

Science and Technology Enhancement Program (STEP)

helps science, engineering and technology university students bring their experiences and knowledge into the classroom to become educators through a grant provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Project STEP is a joint effort between UC’s College of Engineering and the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) to enhance educational opportunities for scientists who might want to become science teachers.

College of Engineering Associate Dean Anant Kukreti beams when asked about STEP.

“STEP has made a significant difference in the professional growth of more than 30 graduate fellows who have brought their technical background and expertise into the classroom, guided by experienced teachers so that the secondary school students can be effectively engaged and can relate the science and mathematics knowledge they learn to the world in which they live.”

Pictured to the right (from left to right) are Carol Dunn (Newport High STEP science teacher), Dr. Sonia Ortega (NSF GK-12 Director), Michael Starr (STEP Fellow from UC), Prof. Anant Kukreti (Lead PI Project STEP from UC), Andrea Burrows (STEP Grant Coordinator) and Colleen McGannon (STEP Fellow from UC).

STEP Fellow and materials science engineering graduate student Michael Starr was one of the STEP Fellows who spent his 2007 winter holidays in Tanzania.

"The new year happens every year and everybody gets the chance to experience it," Starr said when asked why he "gave up" his winter break. "Not everybody has the opportunity to visit East Africa in their lifetime to reach out and help those who are trying to improve their country.  For me the decision was already made as soon as the opportunity presented itself."

Come see what Project STEP is all about!

What: NSF GK-12 Project STEP Open House

When: Wednesday, April 30, from 4–7 p.m.

Where: 850 Richard E. Lindner Center (Varsity Village)

Why: To learn about STEP

Who: Open to all UC faculty and community members

See how our Project STEP was recognized in Washington, D.C .