Roosevelt receives national recognition for science and math

Posted: 03/16/2012

Roosevelt University’s programs in science and math have received the highest award from SENCER, a national organization devoted to improving science education by focusing on real world problems.

The William E. Bennett Award for Extraordinary Contributions to Citizen Science was presented on March 13 to Associate Professor of Biology Robert Seiser on behalf of his Roosevelt colleagues during the SENCER Washington Symposium held in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. The Bennett award is given annually to a person, team or institution whose SENCER and other related activities have made “exemplary and extraordinary contributions to citizen science.”

Universities following the SENCER (Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities) method connect science and civic engagement by teaching how basic science relates to complex and unresolved public issues. Roosevelt has been involved with SENCER since 2005.

In announcing the Bennett award, Wm. David Burns, executive director of the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement, said, “The Roosevelt Team is being recognized for the extraordinary breadth and the thoroughness of its creation of learning opportunities for your diverse student body that connect learning in science and mathematics with some of the most challenging civic issues of our day. An exceptionally talented group of young faculty members has imagined, planned, and implemented a range of SENCER courses across the undergraduate curriculum. We hope that this recognition will inspire others to achieve what your team is achieving.”

In addition to Bob Seiser, the Roosevelt faculty members who been most involved with SENSER over the years as Summer Institute team leaders, course developers, leadership fellows and/or grant recipients are Kristen Leckrone (chemistry), Kelly Wentz-Hunter (biology), Barbara Gonzalez (math), Melanie Pivarski (math), Dave Szpunar (chemistry), Byoung-Sug Kim (education) and Jie Yu (math).

“I am delighted that the outstanding work of our faculty has been recognized by SENCER,” said Lynn Weiner, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “The program has given our math and science professors an opportunity to create student-centered, engaging and exciting curricula. By joining faculty from around the country, they are helping to connect science and math education in the examination of broad civic and community issues.”

In Roosevelt’s application for the Bennett award, Professor Seiser explained the importance of the SENCER process to Roosevelt University. “I strongly believe that participation in SENCER and the commitment to carry out its ideals in our work as faculty has been our best way to fulfill the Roosevelt mission,” he said. “The SENCER community has provided us with resources, tools, and most importantly, a way of thinking about teaching that resonates and provides meaning and context to our work.”

In addition to being recognized in Washington, Roosevelt’s SENCER team members will be honored this August at SENCER’s annual Summer Institute in San Jose, Calif., where they will make a Bennett Award presentation on their outstanding work.

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