Thirteen aspiring math and science educators are 2018 Noyce Scholars at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The undergraduates are participating in the Noyce Math and Science Scholarship Program’s enhanced curriculum and engaging in professional learning communities.
“Noyce scholars are empowered to be leaders in their field, influencing, facilitating and inspiring the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, educators and critical thinkers,” said Jessica Krim, EdD, associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, and Noyce Science Scholarship program director.
The teacher candidates include math scholars Tiffani Butler, of Pekin, Nathaniel DeRousse, of Red Bud, Danielle Fogle, of Aurora, Kenzie Jenkins, of Elizabethtown, and Emily Peters, of Mount Carmel.
The science scholars include Katie Ayres, of Edwardsville, Breanna Blackwell, of New Berlin, Marie Gipson, of Creal Springs, Hannah Jackson, of Ferguson, Mo., Amanda Parga, of Greenview, Jenna Sanders, of Peoria, Ben Scamihorn, of Marshall, and Rachel Towne, of Ottawa.
The SIUE Robert Noyce Scholarship Program was created with two grants totaling $2.2 million from the National Science Foundation. Scholars receive $11,500 for educational expenses annually for up to two years, along with additional support through mentoring by expert teachers, travel to professional conferences and other resources.
“Being a Noyce Scholar has connected me with teachers in the Edwardsville and Carbondale areas, as well as professors of math, science and education,” said Peters, a junior in the secondary teacher education program. “I’ve had the opportunity to be in the classroom early in my education, which has provided extra experiences compared to my peers. I have also been able to reinforce my mathematical background through tutoring and outreach activities.”
The program is a partnership of the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, and the SIUE STEM Center, along with master teachers, community-based organizations, and cooperating school districts. Its goals include:
- Recruiting highly qualified STEM students who demonstrate an aptitude for teaching mathematics and science
- Providing the students with an enhanced experience in STEM education and research
- Supplying high-needs middle and high schools with exemplary science educators
- Increasing outreach in southwestern Illinois communities
- Disseminating project findings for use in other STEM education settings
For more information on the SIUE Noyce Scholarship and Internship Program, visit SIUENoyce.org.
Photo: The 2018 Noyce Math and Science Scholars include (L-R) (front) Amanda Parga, Jenna Sanders, Hannah Jackson, Emily Peters, (middle) Tiffani Butler, Katie Ayres, Kenzie Jenkins, Danielle Fogle, Marie Gipson, (back) Breanna Blackwell, Ben Scamihorn, Nathaniel DeRousse and Rachel Towne.