ResearchGate, a collaborative social network for scientists, is potentially changing and transforming the way science is done. For years, scientists avoided the social web because of cultural resistance, the lack of a clear benefit to publishing, winning tenure, and making discoveries…fueled that apathy. With the rapid success in social networking with companies such as Facebook, ResearchGate realized the potential opportunity to create a collaborative cloud in which scientists could share ideas and publish works, thus increasing the speed of scientific discovery.
New Science Cloud Idea May Increase Scientific Discovery Speed
June 21st, 2012 by Brad Graham
Posted in: Cloud, Scientists, Social Networking, STEM
Obamacare Or Not, U.S. Needs 5.6 Million Heathcare Workers By 2020
June 21st, 2012 by Brad Graham
Over the next 8 years, the demand for postsecondary education in healthcare will grow faster than any other field except for those in STEM and Education. With an influx of “baby-boomer” retirees, healthcare workers will be in high demand to fill front and back end jobs such as hospital accountants, pharmaceutical sales representatives, doctor’s office secretaries and the like. A total of 82 percent of those 5.6 million new healthcare jobs–4.6 million–will require postsecondary education and training. Healthcare successfully competes for science and engineering talent. Because healthcare, science, and technology fields tend to require similar skills, healthcare programs at the associate and bachelor’s level are often an appealing alternative for science and engineering students. Though healthcare and STEM skills are similar, healthcare reflects distinctly different work interests and values. People in healthcare jobs tend to value forming social bonds, while people who gravitate to STEM occupations place a greater emphasis on achievement and independence.
Posted in: Healthcare, Postsecondary, STEM
10 Startling Stats About Minorities in STEM
June 19th, 2012 by Rich Feller
With data compiled from a 2006 study of minorities and their relationship to STEM, OnlineUniversities.com has produced this interesting article and infogram with 10 startling stats. Although it is not new news that minorities are missing from many STEM careers and educational programs, it is apparent based on this research that minorities have a keen interest in STEM related fields. The reason? The article states that, “…the gap exists because many minority students aren’t afforded the same educational opportunities, receiving less science and mathematics instruction from more inexperienced teachers. Lack of mentors has also been proposed as a potential problem, as well as lack of financial assistance. Again, this is further evidence that STEM opportunities need to be further integrated into our educational systems, especially those filled with disadvantaged and marginalized populations.
Posted in: Girls, Minorities, Resources, STEM
Projections Claim Manufacturing Will Return To U.S.
June 18th, 2012 by Brad Graham
It seems as though manufacturing has come full circle in the U.S. Over the years, the manufacturing power shift went from the U.S. to Germany and Japan…and now resides in China. However, according to talks at the second annual Clinton Global Initiative – America, industry leaders are projecting that the U.S. may once again return to its roots and maintain its dominance in the manufacturing arena. Due to high demands for companies to research, design, manufacture, and bring products to market as quickly as possible, companies in both the U.S. and China are seeing the benefits of local production. If this happens, there will be an even greater demand to cultivate a skilled STEM workforce to run this economic engine.
Posted in: China, Manufacturing, STEM
Support. Collaborate. Retain: Improving The STEM Teaching Crisis
June 14th, 2012 by Rich Feller
As the excerpt states, “One of the most often-cited reasons for the STEM achievement gap is the lack of skilled and trained STEM teachers.” Findings indicate that a large percentage of K-12 teachers are under-qualified in STEM disciplines. As a result, students are not getting the education they need in order to be competitive in these fields. In many cases, teachers are also contending with poor workplace conditions, lack of funding, and lack of support from peers and school leadership. This report discusses what teachers, administrators, educational leaders and interested citizens can do to improve teacher retention by encouraging and improving opportunities for collaboration, support, respect, openness, and commitment to student achievement and professional development within schools. It presents original findings from a longitudinal study of public school science and math teachers in California participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
Posted in: Counselors, Educators, STEM
U.S. News STEM Solutions Summit: June 27-29, Dallas, TX
June 12th, 2012 by Brad Graham
During this three day event, the U.S. STEM Solutions Summit, has collected over 50 key organizations in industry and education to explore solutions and define success in STEM. The summit will last from June 27-29, 2012 in Dallas, Texas. More specific information here.
Students in STEM Sought by Companies Before Graduation
June 12th, 2012 by Brad Graham
With the retiring “baby boomer” generation, top companies are quickly losing qualified scientists, engineers, and other STEM skilled labor that requires precise expertise. As a result, there is a growing demand for new talent and companies such as Microsoft and Boeing are now contacting individuals before college graduation. Please read the article to see the success stories.
Posted in: Boeing, Computing, General Electric, Microsoft, STEM
Longitudinal STEM Study Uncovers Key Findings for Counselors
June 12th, 2012 by Rich Feller
A recent longitudinal study created by the STEM Careers Awareness initiative (from 2008-2010) spanned across 30 schools in England with the hopes of evaluating the delivery of STEM subjects and careers to students. In addition, surveys were also administered to students in order to find their opinions about STEM subjects and thoughts about STEM careers. This in-depth study provides valuable information on the delivery and opinions of students regarding STEM that prove to be helpful for teachers and counselors alike.
Posted in: Careers, Crafts, Design Arts, STEM, Technology, Vocational Schools
