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Pictured are: (L-R) Dean Andy Horne; Charles Kutal, professor of mathematics and director of UGA's STEM Office; Marantis, Roger Hill, professor and head of the department of workforce education, leadership and social foundations; and Steve Oliver, professor and associate head of the department of mathematics and science education. Photo by Tracy Elder.

University of Georgia faculty members in the College of Education and the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences described current UGA initiatives in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with Ambassador Demetrios Marantis, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, during his visit to campus Feb. 18.

Marantis was in Athens to speak at daylong conference titled, “The Future of International Trade: An American Perspective,” sponsored by the School of Law’s Dean Rusk Center and the Terry College of Business. He had requested an opportunity to learn more about STEM education initiatives, specifically how UGA is preparing students in the STEM disciplines as well as future teachers in these areas.

Marantis wished to make a connection during his talk later in the day between President Obama’s message on STEM (delivered the same day in another state) and what UGA is doing in the STEM areas.  Don Johnson, director of the Dean Rusk Center, assisted in setting up this opportunity to hear about UGA’s STEM education efforts.

The ambassador was welcomed by Dean Arthur M. (Andy) Horne and the following presentations were made:

• Steve Oliver, professor and associate head of the COE’s department of mathematics and science education, on “Learning Biology through Inquiry and Animation;”
• Roger Hill, professor and head of the COE’s department of workforce education, leadership and social foundations, on “Collaborative STEM Initiatives;”
• Chuck Kutal, professor and associate dean of the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences and director of UGA’s Office of STEM Education, on “STEM Education at the University of Georgia.”

The meeting concluded with a round table discussion about the impact of the various programs highlighted in the presentations.

For more information on UGA STEM initiatives, visit:
www.ose.uga.edu/