Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

SENCER Fellow Honors for Steven Freeman

 

Contact (local): Dr. Steven Freeman
Contact (national): Danielle Kraus, Danielle.kraussencer.net, 202 483-4600

Washington, DC and Ames, IA: Professor Steven A. Freeman of Iowa State University has been elected a 2008-2009 SENCER Leadership Fellow by the National Fellowship Board of the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement.  Freeman is associate professor of engineering and assistant director of ISU’s Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.

Fellowships honor educators for their exemplary leadership and commitment to the improvement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.  The Fellowships provide opportunities for honorees to continue their efforts.  SENCER Leadership Fellows are elected to 18-month terms, following nomination and application review.  A total of 76 Fellows were chosen from among the nominees drawn from the 1,300 eligible faculty members and academic leaders.

SENCER (Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities) is the signature program of the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement, a research center affiliated with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.  A faculty development and science education reform initiative supported by the National Science Foundation, SENCER stimulates student engagement in science and mathematics through courses and programs focused on real world problems.  This method extends the impact of student learning across the curriculum to the broader community and society.

On behalf of the National Fellowship Board, David Ferguson, distinguished service professor of Stony Brook University and board chair, expressed his congratulations and had this to say about the honoree:

“Professor Freeman routinely employs SENCER principles and concepts in the courses he teaches in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at ISU, just as he communicates and teaches these ideals in the workshops he creates and faculty consultations he provides in his role as assistant director of the University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.  Steve’s contributions to the national SENCER community have also been notable, from his engagement with global partnerships with students and faculty colleagues in the Republic of Georgia to his presentations at SENCER-sponsored national meetings and symposia.  Steve is especially interested in getting engineering and technology students engaged with civic issues and public problems that can be solved or ameliorated through the application of the technology and engineering disciplines.

As a SENCER Leadership Fellow, Steve plans to help increase the involvement of engineers in the SENCER program, engage additional faculty members at ISU in connecting science education to civic challenges, conduct faculty development workshops and consultations and support regional networks and activities.”

“We in the National Fellowship Board and the National Center have the highest hopes and expectations for the success of Steve’s efforts and look forward to having the benefit of his advice and counsel as we plan for the future,” said David Burns, the executive director of the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement.

“I believe it is very important to get our engineers and technologists involved in solving societal problems and I do not think this can happen until they become engaged in their civic responsibilities both locally and globally,” said Freeman. “I think the SENCER ideals are a critical component to enhancing STEM education to help prepare the next generation of leaders.  I am honored to have been selected as a SENCER Leadership Fellow.”

 

For more information on SENCER, NCSCE and the Leadership Fellows program, please visit www.sencer.net, or contact (202) 483-4600.

If you would like to incorporate SENCER principles in your classroom, contact Dr. Steve Freeman, sfreemaniastate.edu or (515) 294-9541.

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