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 STEM applications into their curriculum. Dr. Brand's research examines sociocultural factors influencing teaching and learning in STEM. Her outreach efforts specifically focus upon supporting historically underrepresented groups in overcoming the social constraints that impede their participation in STEM.