October 26, 2016

Where we’re going:
The Center for the Advancement of STEM Teaching and Learning Excellence (CASTLE) has an exciting future in front of it. Recently, we learned that we received support from a DARE for Experiential Learning through the Cooperative Education Lifecycle (ExCEL). The DARE ExCEL serves as an indication that the University values our mission.

CASTLE also joined the ranks of the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL), a network of 46 Research -1 institutions with a shared goal of improving the diversity of STEM fields and the STEM literacy of the nation. This membership affords Drexel University STEM graduate students and postdocs with many enlivening programming opportunities. To further support graduate students, CASTLE is introducing four new courses through PROFESS, a new initiative for Drexel PhD students to learn about pedagogical approaches for teaching STEM undergraduates.

Lastly, we are also excited to host the First Annual UTeach Workshop: Bridging UTeach & Engineering to expand the national dialogue regarding increased participation in teaching licensure programs through an engineering degree pathway.

Where we were:
We had a great ribbon cutting ceremony back on May 20, 2016 in which I helped to officially open the Center alongside President Fry and Provost Blake. We sincerely thank all of our supporters who were in attendance for their support and excitement for the goals of the Center! 

Just a month after our official opening, we hosted a partners meeting to share our vision and engage in discussion with faculty and staff across campus. It was a great opportunity to interact with so many individuals. We had many rich conversations throughout the day and further defined research strands as well as projects that we are interested in pursuing as a community. Our goal is to support a culture of inclusion and encourage you to reach out to us if you would like to actively participate in our goals and activities.

We are growing as a team as well, and recently hired a new Director of Operations, Rachael Switalski and a new Program Coordinator, Marisa Dietrich.

I invite you to continue watching CASTLE’s exciting new developments as we work to support effective STEM education at all levels – from Kindergarten through Faculty – that expands boundaries, capitalizes on the diversity of experience and knowledge, and engages its members in a lifelong pursuit of learning.

Please take some time to explore our research initiatives and programs offered and get to know our superb staff and faculty. If you would like to join our mailing list or have a colleague you may be interested, please view the Stay Informed box located on the front page of our website.

Thank you,

Adam Fontecchio, PhD,
Director, CASTLE