News + Press

June 08, 2023

Driving Possibilities Initiative Launch

Eastern Michigan University to establish new STEM Institute in collaboration with Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative and community school districts

YPSILANTI (June 8, 2023) – To keep up with the growing popularity of STEM occupations, Eastern Michigan University was selected by Toyota’s Driving Possibilities initiative to collaborate with Lincoln Consolidated and Ypsilanti Community Schools, both part of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, on an initiative to prepare youth for in-demand science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

group presenting on stage at kickoff event
October 10, 2024

Collins Honored with Henry McBay Outstanding Educator Award

Our incredible STEM Education Institute director, Dr. Sibrina Collins, attended the annual conference for the  National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). According to NOBCChE, their goal is intended to “...build an eminent cadre of successful diverse global leaders in STEM and advance their professional endeavors by adding value to their academic, development, leadership, and philanthropic endeavors throughout the life-cycle of their career.” The organization is responsible for an influx of leadership opportunities such as the conference Dr. Collins attended this past week. The event took place in Orlando, Florida from September 30th, 2024 through October 4th, 2024. At this event, Dr. Sibrina Collins won the 2024 Henry McBay Outstanding Educator Award! The Henry McBay award honors exceptional STEM educators who contribute a significant amount to teaching and mentoring younger scientists. We are honored that our director has been awarded such an inspiring award and has dedicated her time and energy to doing just the same. This is a remarkable achievement highlighting the success and contributions not only from Dr. McBay, but also from Dr. Collins. In honoring Dr. McBay’s legacy, Dr. Collins stated what it was like for her to win this award. As a reflection of her achievement, Dr. Collins expressed, "It is an honor to be the 2024 Henry McBay Outstanding Educator of the Year. Dr. Henry McBay is truly an inspiration and a pioneer in the field of chemistry. He made an incredible impact with research, which later led to the discovery of a protein used to treat prostate cancer.  He mentored several young scientists and engineers. Thus, I am thrilled to be part of Dr. McBay's amazing legacy in STEM education and impact K-12 education." Dr. Collins has made significant contributions during the most recent academic year at Eastern Michigan University. Her ability to swiftly adapt to her new role has been impressive and widely recognized. She has actively participated in numerous events organized by the STEM Education Institute, demonstrating her commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders and scientists. Dr. Collins has taken a proactive approach at the institute, and her vision for its future is clear. Her contributions have greatly enriched our team, and we are beyond proud to have her as part of our community. As she continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, Dr. Collins’s leadership at the STEM Education Institute promises to drive innovation and inclusivity in education.

September 30, 2024

Magnetic Vibes at Bishoptennial Spirit Night

Our most recent event took place at Bishop Elementary School, marking the celebration of the start of their 100th school year. This year, the theme revolved around the penny, and our team embraced it wholeheartedly. Drawing inspiration from all things Lincoln, we crafted a unique educational experience that connected students to this cherished coin. As representatives of the STEM Education Institute, we faced the exciting challenge of integrating STEM education surrounding the theme of a penny. Our goal was to create an engaging learning opportunity that would also capture the students' imaginations while intaking valuable scientific concepts. What better way to spark curiosity than through the fascinating world of magnets? At our booth, we featured an interactive educational game that invited students to explore the properties of magnets in relation to pennies. The activity involved sorting between real pennies and fake pennies that were actually magnets. As students participated, they discovered a fun scientific fact: real pennies, composed primarily of copper, do not stick to magnets. This hands-on experience not only gathered their understanding of magnetism but also encouraged critical thinking as they engaged in sorting and reasoning. When students needed a break from magnets, they visited our neighboring table to learn from Toyota representatives how to build a battery out of pennies! The response to our game was overwhelmingly positive! Students eagerly gathered at our table, drawn in by the challenge and the fun. Our dedicated team was thrilled to host the activity, sharing insights about magnetic fields while ensuring that every participant enjoyed themselves. Overall, the event was more than a success! We left the elementary school with smiles on our faces, knowing that we sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity about science in the scientists of the future we met. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with the local schools and community. We look forward to future events where we can continue to inspire and educate students in creative and enjoyable ways!  

August 16, 2024

STEM Ed Institute Participates in LCS Centennial Celebration

Lincoln Community Schools recently celebrated its 100th year with ‘Splitterpalooza’. The back-to-school event, which was held on August 15th, 2024, brought the community together for a day filled with joy and companionship at the Lincoln Athletic Building and its surrounding area. Inside the Lincoln Athletic Building, attendees were able to enjoy a variety of activities, including bounce houses, community tables, and an assortment of engaging educational games. Outside of the venue, the festivities continued with an arrangement of food trucks offering delicious treats, a sensory trailer for inclusive fun, and many other delightful activities. District administration expressed their gratitude for all of thelocal businesses, organizations, and community members that made the event a success.  The EMU Institute for STEM Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development shared information about the plans for the institute, powered by Toyota’s Driving Possibilities Project. Additionally, institute leadership gave students the chance to use a remote-controlled robot to score soccer goals. Institute Assistant Director, Zach Krauss, said, “Seeing students quickly master the controls of the robot to score a goal was impressive. Moreover, seeing students and families excited about the breadth of STEM tables at the event was inspiring and reinforced our excitement to be part of the Lincoln community.". Splitterpalooza was a fantastic way to kick off the district’s 100th year, bringing together fun, community spirit, and a touch of technological wonder. It was a day to remember and set the stage for a remarkable and STEM-full year ahead. Author: Josh Alarcon