C ATALYZING I NSTITUTIONAL C HANGE IN STEM E DUCATION AT THE U NIVERSITY OF F LORIDA Funded by National Science Foundation March 2009

Program Overview NSF has awarded $1million to the University of Florida to implement the Innovation through Institutional Integration (I 3 ) program over five years. Program started in January 2009.

Vision Transform graduate and undergraduate research-based education at the University of Florida through an integrative and interdisciplinary program that links all NSF-funded student-oriented programs to achieve synergies in education, research and professional development.

Program Goals and Objectives Integrate best practices of training grants (NSF and other) at the University of Florida to improve the professional preparation of graduate students in STEM and SBE disciplines. Develop integration and synergies in research training and educational programs. Include undergraduate students in I 3 program activities to enhance their preparation for graduate studies. Ensure that students from underrepresented populations are fully involved in the I 3 program. Promote enhanced interactions among existing and incoming programs by establishing the CIC Program at the University of Florida.

Broader Impact Emphasize participation of underrepresented groups in NSF and other funded projects. Establish pipelines for underrepresented students in preparation for graduate study. Improve overall research productivity of both students and faculty at UF through professional development opportunities, formal courses and teaching/research experiences. Broaden involvement and collaboration among all students in STEM and SBE disciplines. Increase interaction with K-12 teachers and students.

NSF Projects Involved I 3 program SPICE GK-12 Spatial Ecology IGERT AMW 3 IGERT SEAGEPFGLSAMPAC-SBESLSAMP-BD REU Sustainable Building Systems REU Science for Life REU Biology in Ghana CERHB, CPET, STEP

Role of Graduate Students Graduate students are the driving force for shaping graduate education campus-wide through the I 3 program. Their participation through the Graduate Student Advisory Council is supported by the Office of President, and facilitated by I 3 management team and I 3 program logistics.

I 3 Program Brochure

Methods of Integration I 3 will facilitate interactions among students through : –International Issues - increase students’ interest and experience in international arena, as well as their interaction with foreign counterparts. –State of Florida Issues – increase the participation of UF students in solving local environmental and socio- economic problems. –K-12 Teaching and Teacher Training - enhance the integration of research and general public education. –Links to Industry - develop working relations between local industries and science major professionals. –Research and Teaching on Campus - encourage graduate students to become research mentors of undergraduate students.

Program Governance I 3 Management External Advisory Board Internal Advisory Board Graduate Student Advisory Council

I 3 Management Structure I 3 Program is managed by: –PI – President Bernie Machen –Co-PIs: Dr. Henry Frierson, Associate Vice President & Dean of the Graduate School Dr. Sandra Russo, I3 Program Director and Director of Program Development at the International Center Dr. Douglas Levey, Professor of Biology –UF Office of Graduate Minority Programs: Dr. Laurence Alexander, Director and Associate Dean of the Graduate School –Program Manager: Nicola Kernaghan –Program Assistant: Nargiza Rakhimova

Internal Advisory Board Provides guidance to I 3 program in its efforts to synergize resources toward extending research and professional training opportunities for students in STEM and SBE disciplines. Consists of faculty members from six colleges who are PIs/Co-PIs of NSF and other research and training grants at UF, UF ADA Coordinator, Graduate Minority Programs Director and Associate Dean of the Graduate School, and Assistant Vice President for Research. Meets on a monthly basis.

Graduate Student Advisory Council Assists I 3 program to prioritize students’ interests and needs, as well as act as students’ liaison with UF faculty and administration. Council is encouraged to attend the IAB monthly meetings to express their views on UF graduate education and research. Consists of ten graduate students who are NSF Pre-doc Fellows, NSF-IGERT Fellows, Bridge to the Doctorate Fellows, etc. Meets on a monthly basis.

External Advisory Board The Board will assist UF by providing a forum for communication on issues related to the professional preparation of STEM students. The Board will consist of representatives from industry, the School Board of Alachua County and other off-campus representatives. In the process of formation.

Program Evaluation Goals The UF I 3 program has designed an internal and external evaluation plan to ensure: Students’ interest and needs are addressed. Communication and interaction among existing research and training programs are enhanced. Research and training opportunities are available for all NSF and STEM students. I 3 program outreach is in place.

I 3 Program Activities to Date IAB and Graduate Student Advisory Council are formed and working collaboratively. Launch Event on February 13, 2009: –Meetings between NSF Program Officer and External and internal program evaluators Internal Advisory Board Graduate Student Advisory Council –Dr. Patricia Marsteller, Emory, gave a presentation Launching student and faculty needs assessments. Collaborating with a SPICE GK-12 program to offer an international research experience in South Africa.