We partnered with the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education (CRMSE) at San Diego State University in May 2013 to increase their visibility in San Diego. We set out to showcase their more than 25 years of robust research, curriculum development, and service to the math and science education community.
After our nine month collaboration, we look back on our work with the team and outcomes achieved.
What a journey this past year has been! I’m approaching year one with KDR PR and am amazed at how quickly the time has gone and how the business has transformed. Until recently, my career centered on life science corporate communications, which seemed like a stretch at first with a communications degree, not science. I was open to learning something new, and over the years have grown to love science. Every day scientists are making incredible discoveries that are changing the way we approach medicine and our own health. This recent study struck me…what will studying the brain on dance teach us about how the brain learns complex movement?
Starting KDR PR last March, I was so focused on making sure arts were incorporated into education, I didn’t realize that there is a similar need in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Around the same time, I became aware of a movement from STEM to STEAM (adding arts) in San Diego that was just starting to build momentum. Local community and business leaders gathered last spring to talk about the movement and the role San Diego can play (Art of Science Learning), and Patricia Frischer at the San Diego Visual Arts Network launched DNA of Creativity, a project bringing together local artists, scientists and educators in a creative collaboration.
It quickly became clear that my focus at KDR PR needed to be on science, the arts and education, and where the three areas converge. Enter Full STE[+a]M Ahead – a networking event started by Sneaker Academy (now Do Good Communications) and ArtsBusXpress for STEAM professionals to discover cross-discipline collaborations. I decided to take on the group and re-energize the community-wide movement towards STEAM. We had our first event last Wednesday at Hera Hub and it was a great success! Excerpts of some feedback: “inspiring professionals, STEAM enthusiasts, inspiring and energizing to see how much activity there is in the art and science realm locally…” Now in partnership with UCSD Extension, I’m working to build a hub for all things STEAM in San Diego, Full STE[+a]M Ahead events included.
What’s your take on STEAM? Please share your experiences, connections in the community, new events or initiatives, etc. I look forward to connecting with you!
