Aggie Research Programs

Texas A&M University

STEM Education Research Leadership Program

STEM Education Research Leadership Program

Director: Michael S. Rugh, Ph.D., Associate Research Scientist, Texas A&M University

The STEM Education Research Leadership Program is an innovative professional development initiative designed for graduate students, postdocs, research staff, and junior faculty who are passionate about STEM education research. This program uniquely blends leadership training with the pursuit of cutting-edge research in STEM education.

Program Structure

Participants, known as Team Leaders, are responsible for assembling and guiding a diverse team of undergraduates. These teams will focus on research projects that explore and address critical issues in STEM education, such as curriculum development, teaching methodologies, educational technology, and student engagement strategies.Gain mentoring and management experience for academia or industry careers

Key Components

  • Leadership Development: Team Leaders will hone their leadership skills by managing a research team, fostering collaboration, and inspiring innovation in educational research.
  • Research Productivity: The program aims to boost research output by capitalizing on the diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences of undergraduate team members, all while contributing significantly to the Team Leader’s own research trajectory.
  • Collaborative Learning: Monthly meetings provide a platform for Team Leaders to exchange best practices, discuss challenges, and collaboratively find solutions that enhance team dynamics, research quality, and educational impact.
  • Networking and Professional Growth: Engage with peers and established leaders in STEM education research, expanding professional networks and gaining valuable references.
  • Certification and Recognition: On successful completion, participants will be certified as STEM Education Research Leaders, a testament to their expertise and leadership in the field of STEM education research.

Eligibility and Enrollment

  • Targeted at junior faculty, research staff, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral students in STEM disciplines with a keen interest in educational research. 
  • Submission of the STEM Education Research Leadership registration form and an intake survey.
  • Recruit, interview, and select 3–8 students to join your team.
  • Obtain approval from faculty mentors (for postdocs and graduate students).

To earn certification as a STEM Education Research Leader

  • Active participation for a minimum of two semesters.
  • Conduct regular weekly meetings with your research team.
  • Attend monthly online meetings with other Team Leaders tailored to accommodate participants’ schedules.
  • Complete regular program evaluations, an exit survey, and contribute to the development of a Leadership Best Practice Report in STEM education research.

Questions about the program?

Register for summer OF FALL 2024