Southeastern Regional Robert Noyce Conference 2024: Full Schedule

The Southeastern Regional Robert Noyce Conference brings together scholars, pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, mentor teachers, PI’s & Co PI’s of the NSF Robert Noyce program. The conference provides educational keynotes, sessions, networking and mentoring opportunities.

1:00pm CDT

Conference Registration Check-In

Tuesday June 25, 2024 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

Registration and check-in for all conference attendees. You will receive your name badge and conference items.
Refreshments will be available from 2:00 - 4:00 PM in the 2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area.

Tuesday June 25, 2024 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

All

3:00pm CDT

Opening Remarks, Keynote & Ice Breaker Session: What Is Your Teaching Legacy? What Kind of Teacher Do You Want To Be?

Tuesday June 25, 2024 3:00pm - 5:15pm CDT

Bon Secour Bay I & II

Most educators have a favorite teacher who impacted their education and desire to be in the field. In this icebreaker session, we will explore a teaching legacy through the lens of our favorite educators. Who were they? What did they do to inspire us? How much of their teaching legacy in our teaching legacy? We will identify new ways to assess your success and impact. We will also explore the educational experiences that have shaped the type of educator that we do not want to be. We will meet conference attendees and lay the foundation for a great conference experience.

Speakers

Dr. André Green

Professor and Associate Vice President, University of South Alabama

Dr. André Green, associate vice president of academic affairs at the University of South Alabama, has worked with the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program for 13 years. At the University of South Alabama, Dr. Green has worked with the Noyce program for 13 years. It offers practices... Read More →

Dr. Joél Lewis Billingsley

Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement, University of South Alabama

Dr. Joél Lewis Billingsley received a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of South Alabama (USA) and an Associate of Arts degree in Culinary Arts from Bishop State Community College. She later returned to her alma mater to pursue a Master of Science... Read More →

Dr. Benterah Morton

Benterah C. Morton began his formal education career as a middle and high school science teacher. He has also served as instructional leader (principal and assistant principal) for campuses with Pre-Kindergarten - 8th grade students. As a campus-level administrator and instructional... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2024 3:00pm - 5:15pm CDT
Bon Secour Bay I & II

All, Teaching STEM to Diverse Populations/Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

5:30pm CDT

Opening Reception

Tuesday June 25, 2024 5:30pm - 6:45pm CDT

The Harbor Room | 2nd Floor

Join the 2024 Noyce Conference leadership team for a reception to welcome all scholars and administrators. The reception offers an opportunity to network with other conference attendees.

Tuesday June 25, 2024 5:30pm - 6:45pm CDT
The Harbor Room | 2nd Floor

All

7:00pm CDT

Quiz Bowl Mania!

Tuesday June 25, 2024 7:00pm - 8:15pm CDT

Schooner

The very popular quiz bowl is back by popular demand. Moderated by Dr. S. Raj Chaudhury of South Alabama, come and use old-school buzzers to play on a quiz team and challenge a team of peers! Be lightning fast and win toss-ups for your team, who then gets exclusive rights for the bonus question. Fast, fun, and full of knowledge!

Speakers

Dr. S. Raj Chaudhury

Executive Director Innovation in Learning Center and USAonline Associate Professor of Physics, University of South Alabama

Dr. Chaudhury was trained as a physicist, receiving his B.A. from Vassar College and M.S. and Ph.D. from UCLA. He spent ten years as a physics faculty member at Norfolk State University. His work in STEM education has been funded by agencies such as NASA & NSF. His educational publications... Read More →

Tuesday June 25, 2024 7:00pm - 8:15pm CDT
Schooner

All, Math, Science

8:30pm CDT

Fireside Chat: Navigating the Landscape of the Erasure of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Tuesday June 25, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT

2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

Many educators are navigating the landscape of the dynamics of federal and state legislation, district decisions and teaching demands. This fireside chat will be a safe space to discuss the challenges and opportunities of navigating the erasure of DEI efforts, its impact on teaching and meeting the needs of all your students.

Speakers

Dr. Joél Lewis Billingsley

Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement, University of South Alabama

Tuesday June 25, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

All, Teaching STEM to Diverse Populations/Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Sociocultural

7:00am CDT

Breakfast, Keynote & Book Signing: Weather in Your Face!

Wednesday June 26, 2024 7:00am - 8:30am CDT

Bon Secour Bay I & II

Keynote: Weather in Your Face!
Meteorology is the one subject that crosses all disciplines from science to math to art to history to economics and sociology. Weather controls our moods and comfort. Weather is often the starting topic of a conversation between strangers. Regardless of age, income, ethnicity, gender or zip code, we all share a universal relationship with the elements and the sights they create. Weather in Your Face, presented by meteorologist and educator Alan Sealls, shows all the things that surround us daily that provide a lesson in the sky and for the classroom to entertain and enrich the lives of all.

The author will participate in a book signing directly after the breakfast and keynote.

Speakers

Alan Sealls

Alan Sealls recently retired from his position as Chief Meteorologist at NBC15 in Mobile, after serving as Chief Meteorologist at WKRG-TV. Alan earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in meteorology, respectively, from Cornell, and from FSU. He is a Fellow of the American Meteorological... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2024 7:00am - 8:30am CDT
Bon Secour Bay I & II

All, Teaching STEM to Diverse Populations/Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Science

7:00am CDT

Conference Registration Check-In

Wednesday June 26, 2024 7:00am - 4:00pm CDT

2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

Registration and check-in for all conference attendees. You will receive your name badge and conference items.

Wednesday June 26, 2024 7:00am - 4:00pm CDT
2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

All

10:15am CDT

Coffee Break

Wednesday June 26, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am CDT

1st & 2nd Floor Foyers

Coffee service will be provided on the first and second floors to serve all break-out rooms.

Wednesday June 26, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am CDT
1st & 2nd Floor Foyers

All

12:00pm CDT

Luncheon & Keynote: Make Learning Fun Again!

Wednesday June 26, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

Bon Secour Bay I & II

How did the country that gave the world some of the most impactful inventions fall behind in innovations? The STEM Crisis we are experiencing today was forecasted decades ago yet we ignored the warnings. Let's talk about what we need to do

Speakers

Ronnie Thomas

Presenter, Fun Weird Science

Ronnie Thomas applies his 20 years of STEM teaching experience to ensure that all learners are challenged. A two-time teacher of the year recipient, Ronnie has conducted research with NASA Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program. He is an enthusiastic and passionate technology-driven... Read More →

Wednesday June 26, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Bon Secour Bay I & II

All, Teaching STEM to Diverse Populations/Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Science

3:00pm CDT

Coffee Break

Wednesday June 26, 2024 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT

1st & 2nd Floor Foyers

Coffee service will be provided on the first and second floors to serve all break-out rooms.

Wednesday June 26, 2024 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
1st & 2nd Floor Foyers

All

5:30pm CDT

Networking Reception | Exploreum Science Center

Wednesday June 26, 2024 5:30pm - 8:00pm CDT

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center

Join the 2024 Noyce Conference leadership team for a reception for all scholars and administrators. Participants will also have the ability to explore the science museum, including all exhibits and the iCuba! exhibit.

For additional details about the Exploreum Science Center's current exhibits, visit: https://www.exploreum.com/exhibits/.

EVENT DEMO SCHEDULE
6:00 PM: Fire hands in the Science Squad Headquarters
6:45 PM: Liquid nitrogen ice cream in the Science Squad Headquarters
7:15 PM: Dragon's Breath in the Science Squad Headquarters

Wednesday June 26, 2024 5:30pm - 8:00pm CDT
The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center

All

8:30pm CDT

Fireside Chat: Climate Change, for Real

Wednesday June 26, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT

2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

We change, the climate changes, and we change the climate. The use of fossil fuels has created a warmer atmosphere, land and oceans. It’s an issue for communities, countries and humanity as the impacts of climate change go far beyond just warmer weather. We’ll explore the science of what was once called global warming, and how it manifests itself. In this fireside chat with meteorologist and educator Alan Sealls we’ll discuss climate change and what or whether anything should be done about it. It’s a discussion that is very relevant to the lives of your children and students.

Speakers

Alan Sealls

Wednesday June 26, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

All, Science

6:30am CDT

Conference Registration Check-In

Thursday June 27, 2024 6:30am - 7:30am CDT

2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

Registration and check-in for all conference attendees. You will receive your name badge and conference items.

Thursday June 27, 2024 6:30am - 7:30am CDT
2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

All

7:00am CDT

Breakfast On The Go

Thursday June 27, 2024 7:00am - 7:30am CDT

Bon Secour Foyer

Coffee, tea, and a light assortment of breakfast breads will be available for attendees prior to leaving for the scheduled off-site excursion for the day.

Thursday June 27, 2024 7:00am - 7:30am CDT
Bon Secour Foyer

All

7:30am CDT

Infinity Science Center at Stennis Space Center | Off-site Excursion

Thursday June 27, 2024 7:30am - 5:00pm CDT

John C. Stennis Space Center

For details about the Stennis Space Center, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/stennis/

Transportation: Attendees will meet in the pre-convening area on the 2nd floor to be led to the area to load the buses.
We will meet in the pre-convening area at the top of the escalators to depart for the buses at 7:30 AM.

Meals will also be provided during the off-site excursion.

Thursday June 27, 2024 7:30am - 5:00pm CDT
John C. Stennis Space Center Stennis Space Center, Mississippi 39529

All, Science

6:30pm CDT

Dinner & Keynote: “For such a time as this…”: Freedom Dreaming in Science Teacher Education

Thursday June 27, 2024 6:30pm - 7:45pm CDT

Bon Secour Bay I & II

Keynote: “For such a time as this…”: Freedom Dreaming in Science Teacher Education

In 2002, Robin D.G. Kelley published the book "Freedom Dreams," posing and answering the following questions by studying social movements: 1. “How do we produce a vision that enables us to see beyond our immediate ordeals?” 2. “How do we transcend bitterness and cynicism and embrace love, hope, and an all-encompassing dream of freedom, especially in these rough times?” I will offer responses to these questions specifically for science teachers and science teacher educators.

Speakers

Dr. Terrell R. Morton

Asst. Professor, Identity and Justice in STEM Education, University of Illinois Chicago

Dr. Terrell R. Morton is an Assistant Professor of Identity and Justice in STEM Education at the University of Illinois Chicago. He is an alumnus of North Carolina A&T State University (B.S. Chemistry), University of Miami (MS Neuroscience), and UNC Chapel Hill (Ph.D. Education... Read More →

Thursday June 27, 2024 6:30pm - 7:45pm CDT
Bon Secour Bay I & II

All, Cultural Competence

8:30pm CDT

Fireside Chat: Enacting Black Liberatory K-12 Science Education (BLKSE)

Thursday June 27, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT

2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

Black Liberatory K-12 Science Education (BLKSE) is a framework proposed by Morton and colleagues (2022) that addresses the anti-Black nature of science epistemology and praxis. In this workshop, we will unpack the BLKSE framework and explore how it can be leveraged in science classroom spaces.

Speakers

Dr. Terrell R. Morton

Asst. Professor, Identity and Justice in STEM Education, University of Illinois Chicago

Thursday June 27, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

All, Science

7:00am CDT

Breakfast & Keynote: How Far Do You Believe They Can Go?

Friday June 28, 2024 7:00am - 8:30am CDT

Bon Secour Bay I & II

Keynote: How Far Do You Believe They Can Go?

As educators, it is important for us to understand the communities that our students are from. This keynote will be given by a pastor in the community whose church has a daycare, provides scholarships, and has a thriving youth department. He will provide personal and leader perspectives of student expectations and the role of the educator. This lecture will link the educator's belief that each child can achieve to the success of all students.

Speakers

Pastor Joseph F. Johnson

Joseph Fred “Pastor Joe” Johnson is the Senior Pastor of Mount Hebron Church Ministries in Mobile, Alabama. He has been married to Linda Curry Johnson for over 46 years and is the father of four children ... Tiffany, Timothy, Nicholas, Christal and currently adopting two more... Read More →

Friday June 28, 2024 7:00am - 8:30am CDT
Bon Secour Bay I & II

All, Teaching STEM to Diverse Populations/Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

7:00am CDT

Conference Registration Check-In

Friday June 28, 2024 7:00am - 12:00pm CDT

2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

Registration and check-in for all conference attendees. You will receive your name badge and conference items.

Friday June 28, 2024 7:00am - 12:00pm CDT
2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

All

9:45am CDT

Coffee Break

Friday June 28, 2024 9:45am - 10:00am CDT

1st & 2nd Floor Foyers

Coffee service will be provided on the first and second floors to serve all break-out rooms.

Friday June 28, 2024 9:45am - 10:00am CDT
1st & 2nd Floor Foyers

All

11:00am CDT

Coffee Break

Friday June 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:15am CDT

1st & 2nd Floor Foyers

Coffee service will be provided on the first and second floors to serve all break-out rooms.

Friday June 28, 2024 11:00am - 11:15am CDT
1st & 2nd Floor Foyers

All

12:30pm CDT

Luncheon & Keynote: Putting the “D” in Diversity: Exploring Dynamic Learning for Every Students

Friday June 28, 2024 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Bon Secour Bay I & II

The lecture on dynamic learning will delve into the multifaceted nature of the learning process, emphasizing its cognitive, social, and psychological dimensions. To foster a genuine love for science among students, it is imperative to employ teaching methods that align with these aspects of learning. Cognitively, students should engage actively in explaining, analyzing, and contrasting concepts, which necessitates an environment where they feel comfortable making mistakes as part of their journey toward understanding. Socially, learning is enhanced when students collaborate, benefiting from the collective effort and diverse perspectives of their peers. Psychologically, it is crucial that students believe in their ability to learn science, as this self-belief drives their motivation and resilience. This lecture will explore strategies to create a dynamic learning environment that nurtures these cognitive, social, and psychological elements, ultimately fostering a deeper and more enthusiastic engagement with science.

Speakers

Dr. Bryan Brown

Professor, Graduate School of Education, Stanford University

Bryan A. Brown is the Kamalachari Professor of Science Education, and a professor of teacher education. His research interest explores the relationship between student identity, discourse, classroom culture, and academic achievement in science education. He focuses on the social connotations... Read More →

Friday June 28, 2024 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Bon Secour Bay I & II

All, Math, Science, Sociocultural

3:30pm CDT

Poster Session

Friday June 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

Bon Secour Bay III

This year's poster session features 15 research posters, both about other Noyce Projects as well as other research conducted by Noyce Scholars and Principal Investigators.

USC Science and Mathematics Teachers Initiative Phase 3: Sean Yee, Jan Yow, Christine Lotter, Bert Ely, Kathy Henson, and Ben Gaston
Nurturing the Next Generation of STEM Educators while Navigating the Challenges of Recruitment: Gregory Chamblee, Tuyin An, Denise Carroll, Hui Jin
The Recruitment and Preparation of Next Generation STEM Teachers: Renita King, Emma Francis, Tykeena Watson, Heather Johnson
Recruiting & Cultivating Teachers for Rural and Underserved Communities: INSPIRE 2.0: Reenay R. H. Rogers, Jing Chen
Partnerships that live beyond graduation give teachers a feeling of belonging and stamina to stay: Jill Chambers, Sandra McKell, Tina Hendrickson, Eric Lambert, JM Wyss
Challenges After a Pandemic: Teaching Secondary Science: Daniel Stanley, Dennis Sunal and Cynthia Sunal
Transforming Science Education: The Impact of High Expectations and Problem-Based Learning: Lauren Richardson, Dr. Gregory Chamblee, Dr. Hui Jin, Dr. Tuyin An, Dr. Denise Carroll
Learning Modalities During COVID-19 Effect on STEM Teachers’ Effectiveness and Retention: Melissa Demetrikopoulos, Zhan Shi, Molly Weinburgh, Daniella Biffi, Dean Williams, John Pecore
Enhancing Pedagogical Practices of Noyce Scholars: Merold Saffa, Anthony Vu, Tina Bell, Padmanabhan Seshaiyer
Retaining Diverse STEM Teachers in High-Needs Secondary Schools: Christopher C. Jett, Natalie S. King
Project Tiger Teach (PTT): Elaine D. Martin, Artenzia Young-Seigler, Heraldo Richards
Noyce Pathway to Mathematics II: An Integrated STEM Initiative: Susan Ferguson, Kelly Byrd, Katie McCorrison, Joe Gaston, Chris Parrish, Tres Stefurak, Shenghwa Wu, Ramsey Willis, Dru McCleave
STEM Majors’ Untapped Interest in Teaching: Insights From a Freshmen Survey: John L. Pecore, Kwame Owusu-Daaku, Josiah Tawiah, Aletheia Zambesi, Shim Lew, Melissa K. Demetrikopoulos
ODU GEMS: Lessons Learned from Clinical Field Experiences: Demetrice Smith-Mutegi, Courtni Mindy, Dominique Wright, Christina Steel
Noyce Stream: Katie McCorrison, David Forbes
Lessons Learned from a Noyce Scholar, Marie Coffey, Chelsi Dill

Friday June 28, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Bon Secour Bay III

All, Math, Science

9:30pm CDT

Fireside Chat: The Hero's Journey: Navigating Burnout, Moral Injury & Mental Health Matters in K-12 STEM Education

Friday June 28, 2024 9:30pm - 10:30pm CDT

2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

During the 21st century, thus far, K-12 teachers have faced a once-in-a-century pandemic, politicization of their jobs, cohorts of students with academic deficits, a crisis in leadership, and an exodus of their peers. Teaching remains a profession that requires heroic psychological and spiritual fortitude given these challenges. How do we find ourselves in the midst of this, and create a professional life of joy, empathy, thriving, and competence rather than demoralization, exhaustion, detachment, and cynicism?

Speakers

Dr. Tres Stefurak

University of South Alabama

Dr. Stefurak is a Professor of Counseling Psychology and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Research & External Relations in the College of Education & Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama. He began his career as a middle school special education teacher for severely... Read More →

Friday June 28, 2024 9:30pm - 10:30pm CDT
2nd Floor Pre-Convene Area

All, Teacher mental hnealth & resilience

7:15am CDT

Coffee, Tea & Pastries

Saturday June 29, 2024 7:15am - 8:00am CDT

Bon Secour Foyer

Coffee, tea, and light pastries will be available prior to the 8:00 AM breakout sessions.

Saturday June 29, 2024 7:15am - 8:00am CDT
Bon Secour Foyer

All

9:30am CDT

Brunch & Keynote: “My eyes! My eyes!” How Un-Seeing Connects to Mathematics

Saturday June 29, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am CDT

Bon Secour Bay I & II

“My eyes! My eyes!” Phoebe and Rachel said it best, but what does this quote have to do with teaching and learning mathematics? Join Dr. Barlow as she reveals this connection, drawing on classroom stories and engaging problems. Spoiler Alert: It isn’t really about un-seeing – it’s about un-understanding.

Speakers

Dr. Angela Barlow

University of South Alabama

Angela T. Barlow is a professor of mathematics education and the dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama. She currently serves as a board member for the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators and for its Alabama affiliate... Read More →

Saturday June 29, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am CDT
Bon Secour Bay I & II

All, Preparing for the Upcoming School Year in Mathematics Secondary Education

10:45am CDT

Voices From the Field & Closing Remarks

Saturday June 29, 2024 10:45am - 11:30am CDT

Bon Secour Bay I & II

Join Dr. Susan Ferguson and Dr. Branda Brand as they host the Voices from the Field panel, featuring: Gladys Murage, Morghan Graper, Ramsey Willis, Daquion Mack-Williams, Maura Smolinksi, Meagan Naraine and Valena Spencer, Thomas Lewis, Emma White, Ethan Senator, and Sophia Zeldin.

Speakers

Susan Ferguson

Project Director, University of South Alabama

Dr. Susan Ferguson is Noyce Project Director for the University of South Alabama Pathway to Science II & Pathway to Mathematics projects. She is coordinator of Secondary Education programs and advisor for the graduate English for Speakers of Other Languages program. Her outreach includes... Read More →

Dr. Brenda Brand

Professor, Virginia Tech

Dr. Brenda R. Brand is a Professor in Science Education at Virginia Tech. She teaches science education courses for elementary and secondary pre-service teachers and has done extensive work in supporting pre-service and in-service teachers in developing strategies for integrating... Read More →

Saturday June 29, 2024 10:45am - 11:30am CDT
Bon Secour Bay I & II

All