Center for Excellence in Mathematics & Science (CEMS)
CEMS Logo (Acrobat (PDF) 269kB Dec3 20)The mission of the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science (CEMS) is to foster PK-12 and undergraduate student success across STEM disciplines by supporting innovative and evidence-based teaching and research in the various fields of mathematics and science through the enhancement of existing campus initiatives, development of new initiatives and partnerships, and through effective collaborations between mathematics, science, and education faculty both on and off campus, with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of students pursuing careers in mathematics and science.
Division of Research and Innovation, Southern Connecticut State University
Established: 2007
https://www.southernct.edu/cems
Profile submitted by Dr. Carrie-Anne Sherwood
Vision and Goals
The mission of CEMS is achieved by:
- Strengthening the capacity of PK-12 institutions in the Greater New Haven community to effectively teach STEM to all students (e.g., via educator professional development, pre-service teacher training, STEM curriculum development),
- Coordinating and conducting grant-writing activities in support of programs and events that help address the need for more, and better-trained STEM teachers and professionals,
- Creating avenues for interdisciplinary STEM collaboration in teaching and research,
- Developing and supporting programs that expose the regional community to STEM, especially those that specifically increase the number of women and members of underrepresented minorities pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Increasing the impact of STEM on SCSU students through educator professional development for College/University faculty, and the Liberal Education Program (Southern's general education program).
Center/Program Structure
CEMS is a Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science at Southern Connecticut State University. The Center is a collaboration between the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education, in coordination with SCSU's Division of Research and Innovation (DRI), and the Office of the Provost. We bring together STEM faculty and students, College of Education faculty and students, as well as area PK-12 educators and STEM professionals, and serve as a springboard and collaborative hub for innovative, evidence-based STEM instruction, outreach, and research. CEMS is currently under the direction of Dr. Carrie-Anne Sherwood, Assistant Professor of Science Education and Science Education Coordinator, and Dr. Christine Broadbridge, Executive Director of Research & Innovation, Professor of Physics, SCSU Director for CT State Colleges and Universities Center for Nanotechnology.
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Funding
CEMS is funded by the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education, and through grants.
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Description of Programming
Successes and Impacts
Evaluation and Assessment
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