KerBear411

There have been many, but Cosmos by Carl Sagan is definitely top of the list.

We are experiencing an assault on science unparalleled by anything I’ve seen in my life. It’s not one issue or another anymore, the entire institution is under attack by the most powerful individuals in the country.

This Friday, where will you be?

standupforscience2025.org

This.

Jimmy Carter’s legacy extends far beyond his presidency, encompassing his humanitarian work and his lifelong dedication to peace and conflict resolution. In a world where performative morality by leaders is the norm, Jimmy Carter’s is a shining example of values-driven, just & ethical leadership.

I just can’t bring myself to decorate for the holidays this year and feel like I’m disappointing my kiddos. Anyone else’s existential dread leading to holiday paralysis?

End of Fall semester status:

✅ 94 final projects graded…
✅ 94 final grades submitted on time…
✅ 10 students with serious academic/personal issues pop up last minute…
✅ 1 student whines about their A, because of a 0 on one low point assignment (done incorrectly)…

I am ready for this winter break.

The best part about teaching scientific problem-solving and research methods is seeing the aha moments as students begin to understand science for what it truly is - the ongoing quest for empirical knowledge. There is always more to discover as we explore, test, and refine our understanding.

Many successful adults would not be where they are today without the special ed resources that made learning accessible. These services are now very much at risk, and their loss will cause irreparable harm to millions of families and our economy, while increasing poverty and incarceration rates.

First year students are especially vulnerable, because they don’t realize that their plans won’t cover dining over break. If you know a college student who can’t travel home and have means to help, please consider sending them some $, a grocery store gift card, or a or mail a care package today. 3/3

We don’t talk about food insecurity of students with pre-paid meal plans. Room and board costs have skyrocketed and many students have no choice but to select the cheapest plan. Many limited plans leave students in the lurch during breaks with no (meal plan-covered) campus dining options 2/3.

Just sent out my annual “if you’re staying on campus for Thanksgiving, make a food plan/go to the pantry email to my students. The combo of (almost) non-existent on-campus food options and end-of-semester financial limitations makes this a miserable week for too many students. 1/3

Free hours to work. Each lab course adds three hours to student schedules per credit enrolled. Why, then are undergraduate financial aid packages the same across all programs, when students in STEM (and other lab-/field-intensive) programs clearly pay more and have less available hours to work? 2/2

As a STEM access professional, I have long wondered why colleges don’t recognize that affordability is a key reason why students abandon STEM majors. From expensive texts and manuals (that are updated regularly, limiting access to used copies), lab supplies and the extra hours in lab that limit 1/2

I haven’t historically been a big social media user, but after the heartbreaking outcome last week I need to begin using my voice to amplify great ideas, facts and truths, and to occasionally share a few nuggets of my own from my world of STEM Ed. Nice to meet you all!