The National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER awards stand out as unique and prestigious honors within the academic and research community. The CAREER (Faculty Early Career Development) Program, offered by the NSF, is distinctive in its commitment to supporting early-career faculty members who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars. These awards are designed to empower individuals who demonstrate not only exceptional research prowess but also a deep commitment to education and outreach, fostering a balance between innovative scientific contributions and effective teaching.
Now, in recognizing the exceptional achievements of two early CAREER Principal Investigators (PIs) Remy Dou (Florida International University) and Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, PhD, (Texas State University), it becomes evident that they have not only received this prestigious accolade but have also excelled in the fields of informal science education and STEM education and workforce development. These distinguished PIs have spearheaded NSF grants, showcasing the extraordinary dedication and impactful work in these critical areas.
Their endeavors in informal science education underscore a commitment to reaching broader audiences beyond traditional academic settings. Through innovative approaches and community engagement, these PIs have made significant strides in making science accessible and engaging for diverse audiences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for STEM disciplines.
Remy’s grant: Talking Science: Early STEM Identity Formation Through Everyday Science Talk (Award no. 1846167) is developing an understanding of the salient structures and context of conversations that support STEM identity development in both majority and Hispanic/Latino populations, and keenly translating the research outcomes into informal STEM learning practices that contribute to young people’s perception of themselves as STEM professionals.
Shetay’s grant: The Effects of Community Cultural Wealth on Persistence of Black and Hispanic Women in the P-20 Computing Workforce Pipeline in Texas, (Award no. 2046079), is examining the short- and long-term effects of CCW on the persistence of African American/Black and Latino/Hispanic women in computing education and the workforce in Texas and the U.S.
By highlighting the achievements of these outstanding early CAREER PIs, we celebrate not only their accomplishments but also the broader impact of the NSF CAREER program in nurturing emerging leaders who are shaping the landscape of science, education, and workforce development.
Very glad to be working with these two extraordinary PIs on their grants.
