2024

Kaput Center wins $1.6M grant from the NSF

Interdisciplinary research center aims to support local STEM teachers

UMass Dartmouth's Kaput Center for Research and Innovation in STEM Education and Principal Investigator Shakhnoza Kayumova have been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), marking a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to democratize access to education.

The project, which totals nearly $4 million across all partners, is set to enhance the understanding of how to support local STEM teachers in addressing social and environmental justice issues through a framework known as, "Teaching for the Anthropocene," described Kayumova.

"This funding is a testament to our commitment to cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in STEM Education and adds to our reputation as a leading center for innovation, broadening our local, national, and international impact," said Kayumova, associate professor of education and director of the Kaput Center. "More importantly, it is a testament to our collective effort."

Led by Kayumova, a 2024 U.S. Fulbright Scholar, and including UMassD faculty Walter Stroup (education) and Dilshod Achilov (political science), the initiative brings together collaborators from the Smithsonian Institute in California, the University College London (UCL) in the U.K., and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE). The consortium will work with local schools and teachers in the Massachusetts SouthCoast, California, and the United Kingdom.

The idea for multi-site research emerged after Kayumova gave a speech at the Physics Institute in the U.K., where discussions with science educators highlighted the challenges in teaching environmental issues across diverse communities. This grant builds on those conversations, aiming to equip teachers with the tools to integrate complex environmental topics into their science curriculum.

"This funding is a testament to our commitment to cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in STEM Education and adds to our reputation as a leading center for innovation, broadening our local, national, and international impact."
Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Kaput Center, Shakhnoza Kayumova

As part of their ongoing mission to bridge the gender divide in STEM professions, the Kaput Center hosted the 12^th annual STEM4Girls Day this month, bringing together over 400 people, including close to 300 girls from local communities in grades 3-8 to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Research shows girls' interest in math and science appears to wane from 4^th to 8^th grade, and according to the NSF, women occupy just 35% of the STEM workforce. Drawing more girls into STEM is a pivotal step towards leveling the playing field in the workforce and ensuring a diversity of perspectives.