Volume II | Issue 2

The Center for STEM Learning (CSL) Advisory Board brings together faculty and campus partners from STEM departments to help shape the future of the CSL and strengthen our support of STEM teaching and learning.

Throughout the year, Advisory Board members will provide guidance on CSL priorities and strategic planning, identify emerging needs and opportunities across the STEM community, and generate ideas for new programs, partnerships, and initiatives. Members may also lend their expertise to projects ranging from grants and outreach efforts to student support initiatives and communications.

The Advisory Board serves as a connection between the CSL and the STEM departments, helping us hear their perspectives, build stronger collaborations, and ensure our work continues to meet the evolving needs of STEM students and faculty.

We are grateful to our Advisory Board members for lending their time, expertise, and perspective as we continue to grow the work and impact of the Center for STEM Learning.

Dr. Abby Boyd, Chemistry

Dr. Matteo D'Alessio, Civil Engineering

Mr. James Durham, Center for STEM Learning

Dr. Jerry Dwyer, Center for STEM Learning

Dr. Samuel Lisi, Mathematics

Dr. Lydia Lytal, Biology

Dr. Brenda Prager, Chemical Engineering

Dr. Grace Rushing, General Engineering

Dr. David Silverstein, Chemical Engineering

Dr. Beckie Symula, Biology

Dr. Bin Xiao, Physics

Dr. Lance Yarbrough, Geology & Geological Engineering 

Friday, September 18: How to Escalate Safety Issues without Being Confrontational

Friday, September 25: Title IX, Mandatory Reporting, and UM Resources

Friday, October 9: UM Fire Marshalls Service, Fire Safety and Fire Extinguisher Training

Friday, November 6: Classroom Management as a TA & Inclusivity Issues + Their Solutions 

Friday, November 20: Check-Out Procedures for Chemistry Laboratories

If you or someone you know would like to participate or learn more, select the button to email Dr. John Wiginton. 

Teaching assistants (TAs) play an important role in the undergraduate STEM experience, but being prepared to teach involves much more than knowing the course material. John Wiginton and the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry are helping TAs build the broader skills they need to confidently navigate the classroom, laboratory, and university environment.

Through Chemistry’s TA Training Guest Speaker Series, graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants have opportunities throughout the semester to learn directly from experts across the University of Mississippi. Sessions address practical topics that TAs may encounter in their roles, including first aid and triage, communicating and escalating safety concerns, Title IX and mandatory reporting, fire safety, classroom management, inclusivity, and laboratory procedures. By bringing together expertise from across campus, the program helps TAs develop skills that extend beyond their individual teaching assignments while connecting them with the people and resources available to support them.

And the program isn’t limited to Chemistry! TA's, Learning Assistants, Research Assistants, faculty, and staff from across the STEM community are welcome to attend. Sessions are held Fridays at 2:30 p.m. in the Duff Center (CSTI 134) and feature a different topic and guest speaker throughout the semester.

The Center for STEM Learning is expanding its grant development efforts to create new opportunities for STEM teaching, learning, research, and collaboration. Several National Science Foundation (NSF) programs are currently being explored, each offering a different avenue for strengthening STEM education at the University of Mississippi and beyond.

Current areas of interest include Research Experiences for Teachers (RET), which provides opportunities for high school teachers to conduct research alongside university faculty and translate those experiences into project-based learning for their students; Research in the Formation of Engineers (RFE), which supports research into the teaching and learning processes that shape engineering thinking; and Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE), which supports innovative approaches to strengthening undergraduate STEM teaching and learning.

As these efforts develop, we are especially interested in connecting with faculty and campus partners who may want to contribute their expertise, ideas, or research interests. Interested in getting involved? Select the button below to connect with us and start the conversation!

Join us for Spooky Physics Night on October 23 at 6 p.m. in the Duff Center for an evening where physics gets a little... spooky!

Enjoy exciting, Halloween-inspired physics demonstrations and hands-on fun for all ages. Grab your family and friends, put on your best costume, and come see physics in action! 

The HAPS Regional Conference is coming to the Duff Center on November 9th! We’re excited to welcome anatomy and physiology educators to the Duff Center for a day of learning, collaboration, and connection.

Know someone in the A&P community who might be interested? Help us spread the word and encourage colleagues, instructors, and other A&P professionals in your network to join us! Select the button to learn more about the HAPS Regional Conference!

The Southeast Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) is coming to the University of Mississippi on February 12-13, 2027! SURC brings together undergraduate students from across the region to showcase their research, share ideas, and connect with fellow student researchers and faculty across chemistry-related disciplines. 

We’re excited to welcome SURC participants to campus and the Duff Center for a day celebrating undergraduate research, discovery, and innovation. Select the button for more information about the conference, including opportunities to participate and get involved!

Abstracts are due December 4, 2026! 

Join us on Zoom every Monday at 11:00 a.m. CT for conversations related to teaching practices and promoting student success across the STEM disciplines.

Select the button below to join the STEM Learning Seminar on Zoom!

Join us on Zoom every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. CT for an engaging discussion facilitated to address student success in the mathematics discipline.

Select the button below to join the Math Learning Seminar on Zoom!

Have a STEM opportunity to share? The Center for STEM Learning wants to help you promote events, speakers, programs, research opportunities, and outreach activities across campus. Submit your information for consideration in our newsletter, social media, and other outreach efforts. Please submit by the first day of the month in which the event occurs.

Select the button below to submit the STEM Event Spotlight submission form.