Using Research Findings on Interest Generation to Help Us Provide Equal Access to Quality STEM Experiences

Adam Maltese, Indiana University
In this session, findings from recent research involving the generation and maintenance of interest in STEM degrees and careers will be discussed. The presenter will review results from recent studies and discuss how these results might apply to the specific contexts of various STEM experiences. The goal is for attendees to be able to use the findings to start a plan of action related to their programs.


About the Presenter:
Adam Maltese, Assistant Professor, Indiana University
Adam Maltese is currently working on research involving analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data regarding student experiences, performance, and engagement in science education from middle school through graduate school. One ongoing project in this area is measuring the evolution in student interests over grades 3–12, while another NSF-funded project is looking at the effect undergraduate research experiences have on plans to pursue degrees and careers in STEM. Recently, he has also been involved in work that uses eye tracking technologies to study the interpretation of data by students and scientists in classroom and field-based settings. Maltese also teaches courses in secondary science methods and doctoral seminars at the School of Education at Indiana University. In the past, Maltese taught middle school science in Connecticut. Maltese received his BA in Geology from Hamilton College, his MS in Geology from the University of Connecticut, and his PhD in Science Education from the University of Virginia.