Dr. Pam Rowland, associate dean in the College of Engineering and Technology, and Dr. Rob Loy, CET assistant dean, recently presented at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference at the Nashville Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Loy helmed a poster session, “From High School to Researcher: Building College-Ready Innovators.” He shared how the university is creating a sustainable model to engage high school juniors and seniors in research experiences.
“More K-12 schools are adding research requirements to their gradation, especially in honor programs. Our school allows students to fulfill academic requirements and set the stage for success in college. Through the Fellowship for Innovation and Research in STEM, high school students are matched with college mentors and faculty to conduct real research in fields like AI, cybersecurity and development,” he said.
“By engaging the K-12 audience, the hope is to create a multiyear innovation pipeline. The program also fosters a culture of peer mentoring, as college students gain leadership skills while guiding their younger counterparts.”
Loy also partnered with Rowland to present “Living the Mission: Immersive Cyber Communities That Empower Student Success.” They spoke about The Overclock, a cybersecurity residence hall and cyber-ecosphere that blends living, learning and leadership. Attendees were invited to discover how immersive cyber communities are transforming engagement, retention and workforce readiness one student at a time.
The EDUCAUSE Annual Conference connects the best thinkers in higher education technology. Professionals and technology providers from around the world gather to network, share ideas, grow professionally and discover solutions to today’s challenges.
