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Tiffany Karalis Noel, clinical assistant professor from the Department of Learning and Instruction, is exploring how to reduce gender bias against women in STEM education. “Despite progress with recruitment, as women in the United States continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields, it is imperative to understand the factors that may influence women’s feelings of belonging and motivation to remain in STEM fields,” Karalis Noel writes in a commentary article, “Exploring Non-Retention of Women in STEM,” for Teachers College Record.

Herbert Foster, a professor emeritus from the Department of Learning and Instruction, was completely caught off guard on a Friday afternoon. While visiting Edgartown Public Library (EPL) in Massachusetts, of which Foster serves as a trustee, former United States first lady Michelle Obama surprised students, patrons and staff members with an unannounced visit. “Everybody was overwhelmed with joy and we are really hoping our former first lady will become a regular to the library and read more often to the kids,” Foster said.

Lilliam Malavé Lopez, associate professor from the Department of Learning and Instruction (LAI), received her second Fulbright-Hays Program grant to start an 18-month project for language and culture content training along with research through immersion in Mandarin language and Chinese culture. “The purpose of this project is to contribute to the improvement of modern foreign languages and area studies in the U.S. by providing opportunities for faculty, students and teachers to study in a foreign country,” says Malavé Lopez. “We want to increase the Mandarin language capacity and Chinese culture knowledge of the participants.”

Heidi Julien, professor from the Department of Information Science, and other colleagues from universities in Canada have been awarded a Partnership Development Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The grant will help fund a project exploring public library approaches to digital literacy.

Each year, the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention holds a conference to address bullying, victimization and related issues that can be utilized in school and community settings. The Alberti Center was created through a gift from Jean M. Alberti, an alumna from the Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology. One of the main goals of the Alberti Center has always been to promote effective and research-driven methods to prevent bullying and help victims of violent behavior.

George Zion, an alumnus from the Department of Learning and Instruction, was recognized by the College of Engineering Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for being a knowledgeable teacher and mentor. Zion was honored with the 2018-2019 Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching for his ability to build bridges for students making the transition from high school to college.