Erin Ingram, PhD, former community engagement coordinator for the Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources Science Literacy Initiative at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, began her new role as the Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education associate director today.
With just over 13 years of experience working at UNL, Ingram brings expertise in education, education research, science communication, entomology, and community engagement to her new role as associate director. She has experience in successfully navigating K-12 and higher education spaces to address relevant and pressing STEM education needs and developing effective partnerships with numerous K-12 teachers and public and private education partners.
A UNL alumna, Ingram earned her bachelor’s in elementary education in 2004, her master’s in entomology in 2013, and her doctorate in entomology in 2019. While a graduate student in the UNL Department of Entomology, she also worked as a research assistant from 2011-2019 and science literacy coordinator from 2014-2016.
Ingram became the IANR curriculum development specialist in Jan. 2016, then community engagement coordinator in Feb. 2020. In her most recent role as IANR community engagement coordinator, she developed transformative K-12 STEM learning experiences with a focus on engaging underrepresented and/or underserved audiences.
Ingram led efforts to rebrand the IANR K-12 Science Literacy team as "Growable," including development of graphics and language for public-facing media to advance their mission. For her success as an exceptional mentor to interns, she was named Changemaker Mentor of the Year (2023-2024) by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
"When I read the Center’s strategic plan, I saw my values aligning with the mission and vision in so many ways," Ingram said, "and after interviewing with the Center’s core team, it was easy to imagine leveraging the skills and connections in the K-12 STEM education space that I had built during my time with IANR in new ways at the Center."
As associate director, Ingram will direct all activities related to the operation of the CSMCE, administering a wide variety of projects, grants, meetings, conferences, graduate education for STEM teachers, and other activities in partnership with faculty across UNL. She hopes to find ways to grow and adapt the associate director role, so that CSCME staff members are positioned to use their strengths for the good of the Center, UNL, and Nebraska educators.
"I was especially drawn to the Center’s focus on fostering equitable STEM education research, strengthening professional learning for PK-16 educators, and co-creating sustainable partnerships between higher education and PK-12 settings," Ingram added. "Many of my existing projects and partnerships already fall under these three target areas, so it feels like a great fit!"
The CSMCE staff welcome Ingram to the Center and look forward to learning and working with her to support equitable STEM education for all.