Contact the STEM Hub

Kelly Bergman
 North Central Regional Manager 

Iowa State University
1259 Stange Rd
Ames, Iowa 50011

kbergman@iastate.edu
515-294-0645  

STEM Event Calendar

January

January 25
NC STEM Hub Board Meeting
Ames

February

February 14
STEM Day at the Capitol

March

April
April 27
DMACC Ankeny
2017-18 NC STEM Advisory Board

Jose Amaya
Ames

Emily Banks 
 Marshalltown

David Barajas 
 Marshalltown

John Bonner
Vincent

Ashley Flatebo
Garner

 Doug Jacobson
Ames

Michael Pedersen
Marshalltown

Ben Petty
Conrad

Richard Ritter III Marshalltown

Corey Rogers
Waterloo

Kathy Rogotzke
Mason City

Sarah Rosenblum Marshalltown

Camille Sloan Schroeder
Ames

Kerry Weig
Nevada

Richard Wrage 
 Marshalltown

2018-19 STEM Scale-Up Programs Announced

The 2018-19 Scale-Up Program application will open Monday, January 22.   The Scale-Up program menu ranges from coding programs to hands-on biotechnology and agriculture projects to STEM career exploration.

I owa's educators who want to continue inspiring students in STEM now have an opportunity!
CASE: Animal and Plant Biotech
CASE: Environmental Sci Issues
Computer Science Principles
Engineering Everywhere
Making STEM Connections
Pint Size Science
PowerTeaching Math
PLTW Gateway - Computer Science for Innovators and Makers
Ramps and Pathways
STEM in Action 
 
Who can apply?  Any educator, formal or informal, serving Iowa students PreK-12th grade
 
When to apply:  January 22 thru March 5, 2018
 
Questions:  Contact Kelly Bergman, NC STEM Manager  

Additional information will be posted during the next two weeks at iowastem.gov


Kelly Bergman named North Central Regional STEM Manager


Dr. Kelly Bergman recently joined the STEM network team as the north central regional STEM manager operating out of Iowa State University (ISU). Bergman joins five regional manager counterparts in Iowa who effectively implement the priorities of the STEM Council in local communities and school districts throughout the state. Collectively, the STEM managers deliver services and programming, create community connections and collaborate with businesses, industries, educators and many others to increase student engagement in STEM.

Bergman brings outstanding experience and background to the north central region. She received a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Ph.D. in Marine Geology and Geophysics from the University of Miami where she spent time as a research assistant and worked with middle school teachers and students to bring environmental science curriculum to the classroom.

After moving cross country, Bergman joined Chevron as an earth and petroleum scientist and served as a Bay Area Earth Science Institute workshop instructor. During this time, Bergman was active in youth STEM activities in the Bay Area, including judging Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Tri-Valley Science and Engineering Fair and serving as a presenter for Kids and the Power of Work (KAPOW) program for third-graders interested in mathematics and science careers.

Most recently, Bergman held various positions at C12 Energy in Berkeley, California, including project geologist, vice president of geosciences and senior geologist before working as a consultant in Iowa.

STEM education and outreach have been intrinsic elements of Bergman's scholarly and professional careers. She taught several STEM courses in both classroom and outdoor settings and is dedicated to building partnerships with educators and students through outreach and mentoring.

"I am thrilled to be in Iowa and serving alongside knowledgeable and passionate individuals who strive to advance STEM initiatives in the state. This work is incredibly important as we look towards job growth opportunities and meeting future workforce needs," Bergman said. "I have focused my career on advocating for science and technology, which is one of the reasons I am excited to be a part of this team."

KIDZMANIA STEM Festival a huge success 

The North Central STEM Hub partnered with Linking Families and Communities to help kick off this year's Kidzmania. The annual community event where families can enjoy some food and fun activities while learning about resources that are available in the area.
            
This year, Kidzmania had a scientific twist. With organizations such as the the ISU Insect Zoo, Fort Dodge Senior High Robotics, Women in Science and Engineering and more the community was able to understand a little more about STEM. The NC STEM Hub's goal was to create awareness for families regarding all the opportunities there are for children to get involved in STEM activities.
 
Through primary data, we conclude that there were a little over 1,400 attendees from six counties. From those, 54 percent females and 22 percent families of color.  Because of these numbers, we determined that Kidzmania 2017 was a huge success. Not only did 1,400 plus people leave with a little more knowledge about STEM, we were able to expand our STEM audience to girls and students of color. STEM is for all! 


Looking for Organizations to Host a STEM Teacher Externships
Connecting schools and businesses is one of the main goals of the STEM Council.  Whether that business is a global manufacturer or a real service supplier, the Iow a STEM Teacher Externships program unites the producers of talent (schools) with the employers of talent (business and industry) for mutual benefit.

If your business or workplace is interested in hosting a Teacher Extern for summer 2018, please fill out an interest form or contact Kelly Bergman.

Volunteer Opportunities
   
FIRST Lego League - We have events all over Iowa during November and December.  To find a list of positions are available, to register or for more information visit ISEK volunteers.