Past Projects

Past Professional Development Projects

Pulaski County School District:

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) STEM Institute provides research-proven pedagogy and professional development to K-12 educators in STEM educational environments. STEM professional development training integrates math and science content developed by UCA STEM Institute staff. Harris Elementary School contacted UCA STEM to provide digital and in-class support during the 2020-2021 Academic year.

The program provides summer salaries for three UCA faculty and stipend for two undergraduate students.

Contract: $10,500

After school Support to Quitman School district:

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) STEM Institute will coach teachers/students with highly engaging STEM activities including esports to support afterschool programs. STEM support and professional development training integrate math, science, and technology content developed by UCA STEM Institute staff. Ms. Theresa Hawks contacted UCA STEM to provide online support for the afterschool program during the 2020-2021 Academic year; October 2020 to March 2021.

The program supports one UCA faculty and two undergraduate students.

Contract: $8,000

Principal Investigator on Past Funded Projects

  • “Commitment to Excellence in STEM”. Equipment and Professional Development Grant for Vilonia School District. Arkansas STEM Coalition. $18,583. 2023
  • “2023 Summer STEM Academy”. Summer Camp for 9-11 grade students. Academic Enrichment for Gifted in Summer (AEGIS) Program, Arkansas Department of Education. $10,531.50 2023
  • “Disease Detectives”. Enrichment program for 7th & 8th graders. Arkansas STEM Coalition and Blue & You Foundation. Awarded: $7,268. 2022
  • “SMART Bears: Smartphones and Media for Arkansas science Teachers at UCA Bears” American Institute of Physics, Meggers Project Award, Awarded: $4,600 2019-2021.
  • “Science in Action.” STEM Coalition, Amount Granted: $79,000, 2012-2021.
  • “Thomas Nuttall’s Journey across Arkansas and into Oklahoma Cross-curriculum STEM Teaching in the Classroom.” Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Midwest Region Program, Awarded: $20,000, 2019
  • UCA-Health Science Leadership Career Tech Day” Arkansas STEM Coalition through Carl Perkins funds, Awarded: $6,000 2019
  • “STEM grant for Math and Science specialist”, Arkansas Department of Education. Awarded: $346,000 2017 – 2019
  • “UCA-Target STEM Leadership for Girls Conference- Conway” Arkansas STEM Coalition through Carl Perkins funds, Awarded: $31,365, 2018.-2019.
  • “UCA-STEM Leadership for Girls IV Conference.” Arkansas STEM Coalition, Awarded: $421,925 2015-2018
  • “Blending Mathematics and Science: Grades 5-8.” Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), Awarded: $57,780, 2017.
  • “Algebra: Connecting Concepts.” Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), Awarded: $67,740, 2016.
  • “Excellence in Elementary School Science.Arkansas Department of Education, Awarded: $265,823, 2015-2017.
  • Connecting Core Instruction for the Next Generation of Mathematicians and ScientistsArkansas Department of Education, Awarded: $435,612, 2013-2016.
  • “Smart Start Mathematics-Instructional Specialist.” ADE, Awarded: $778,500, 2008-2017.
  • “Smart Start Science-Instructional Specialist.” ADE, Awarded: $778,500, 2008-2017.
  • “Basic Robotics in STEM Teaching: Grades 6-8.” Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), Awarded: $68,772, 2014.
  • “Math Core Team.” Arkansas Department of Education, Awarded: $404,588, 2011-2014.
  • “Science Core Team II.” Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), Awarded: $67,100, 2013-2014.
  • “This is my town.” Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Midwest Region Program, Awarded:$20,000, 2013
  • “Science Core Team.” Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), Awarded: $64,204, 2012-2013.
  • “UCA – Preparing for College and Career.” Arkansas Department of Education, Awarded: $340,355, 2008-2012.
  • MSP-Science Lead Teacher Institute.” Arkansas Department of Education, Awarded: $341,262, 2009-2012.
  • “Algebra 1 and Implementation of Common Core State Standards.” Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), Awarded: $133,035, 2011-2012.
  • “The Mathematics, Science and Information Technology Academy at the University of Central Arkansas: The MSIT Academy @ UCA.” Arkansas Summer STEM Academy Grant Project. Awarded: $10,000. PI Ramesh Garimella and CoPI Umadevi Garimella 2011-2012.
  • “K-4 SMARTS (Science, Mathematics, and Reading Teaching Strategies).”, from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), Amount awarded: $67, 225, 2010-2011.
  • “Astronomy – Solar System Exploration.” NASA through the National Space Grant Foundation, Awarded: $29,362, 2010-2011.
  • “Algebra I-Grade 8 Professional Development.” Arkansas Department of Education, Awarded: $82,350.68,
  • “Astronomy – Lunar Exploration.” NASA through National Space Grant Foundation, Awarded: $26, 877, 2010-2011.
  • “Assessing Impact for Mathematics and Science Grant Projects Seminar.” Smarts Start Mathematics Grant, Arkansas Department of Education, Awarded: $18,080. Co-PI Belinda Robertson. 2008-2009
  • “Evaluation of two local Lonicera species for antimicrobial activity.” University Research Council, UCA. Awarded: $8,200, with John Choinski, 2006-2007.
  • “Visualizing the distribution of Defensive Chemicals in Leaves.” University Research Council, UCA. Awarded: $8,875, with David Dussourd, 2004-2006.
  • “Science Institute: A Bridge Between Middle and High School.” Teacher Quality Improvement Grant, Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Awarded: $63, 265, 2003 – 2004.
  • “Integrated Science Institute for Middle School.” Eisenhower Title II Grant, Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Awarded: $52,500, 2001 – 2002.
  • “Middle School Chemistry Institute.” Eisenhower Title II grant, Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Awarded: $36,950, 2000 – 2001.
  • “Enhanced Learning Through A.D.A.M. Interactive Anatomy.” A.D.A.M. Software. Inc., Awarded: $19,609,

 

Faculty consultant on funded projects

Actively participated in writing several collaborative grant proposals and served as Co-Principal Investigator or Faculty Consultant on following grants:

  • “Partnership for Transition to Teaching.” Department of Education grant for $2.3 million. College of Education. PI: Dr. Carolyn Williams
  • Outreach committee member for the P3 EPSCoR project of state of Arkansas
  • “Target Testing.” Funded by South East Arkansas Educational Services Co-operatives, consultant, 2008-2009 ($69,950).
  • “The UCA/NLRSD – P-16 Education Partnership: Improving Teacher and Principal Quality for the No Child Left Behind Project.” Part III, UCA Faculty consultant, 2004 – 2007 ($301,000).