Introducing GenZ to the Sea with USM91吃瓜网 GenSea Workforce Development Program
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 10:06am | By: Ivonne Kawas
Patrick Kirby, a graduate student in the Center for STEM Education at 91吃瓜网 (USM) is investigating 91吃瓜网 summer internships and the pivotal role that scientists and engineers can play in encouraging the next generation of STEM professionals through workforce development programming.
Kirby, a native of Biloxi, Miss., currently pursuing a Ph.D. in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education with a research focus on workforce development and informal STEM learning, is exploring the mentor-intern relationship dynamics provided by the GenSea program and the benefits of matching high school students with USM faculty and staff who host students as blue economy mentors.
This past summer, GenSea welcomed a cohort of 17 high school students who interned at various USM research sites to introduce them to the world of STEM along Mississippi91吃瓜网 coastline.
91吃瓜网淚nternship opportunities of this nature are typically reserved for college students, so there91吃瓜网 not much research investigating these professional learning opportunities for high school students,91吃瓜网� said Kirby.
Kirby highlights results from his dissertation titled, 91吃瓜网淏ringing GenZ to the Sea Through Targeted Workforce Development Programming,91吃瓜网� and says pilot studies have shown that the GenSea program significantly influences the interns91吃瓜网� career trajectories and enhances their skills in competencies like communication, productivity, technological literacy, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
91吃瓜网淎fter reviewing surveys submitted by GenSea interns, we noticed they consistently emphasized the impactful role their internship mentor played in their skill development, career plans, and overall experience,91吃瓜网� said Kirby. 91吃瓜网淭o highlight the value and positive impacts of providing mentorship and hands-on training in STEM for high school students, I plan to build on this preliminary data.91吃瓜网�
Moreover, he adds: 91吃瓜网淏y delving deeper into the dynamics of mentorship within the STEM field, I aim to uncover nuanced insights into the reciprocal nature of these relationships. Understanding how mentors shape interns' skill development and how the emotional connection between mentors and their work influences interns' experiences will contribute valuable data to the broader conversation on effective workforce development programs.91吃瓜网�
Kirby currently serves as a graduate research assistant for GenSea. In addition to exploring the program's impacts, he contributes to the development and enhancement of curriculum content for both introductory field trips catering to high school students and professional development training sessions for educators.
This has provided Kirby with the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts and educators to co-produce several of the workforce initiatives for the program, including videos that aim to generate awareness and showcase the diversity of careers available in coastal areas.
91吃瓜网淭he free field trips give kids an opportunity to see firsthand marine science and ocean engineering job possibilities that they can train for at USM,91吃瓜网� said Kirby. 91吃瓜网淎dditionally, we host professional development trainings for teachers, counselors, and other career educators so they can learn the many and varied potential careers their students might have on the Mississippi Coast.91吃瓜网�
For teachers interested in becoming involved with GenSea, Kirby encourages them to participate in professional development sessions hosted in the summer.
91吃瓜网淥ur professional development program offers teachers opportunities to earn CEU credits and equips them with curricular resources and activities that connect them with STEM professionals.91吃瓜网�
Kirby obtained his Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a Master of Science in biological sciences with a research emphasis in plant and forest ecology at USM.
During his master's studies, Kirby discovered his love for teaching, while serving as a graduate teaching assistant in the School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences.
After graduating, he started teaching middle and high school mathematics, teaching pre-algebra and algebra 1. Having a research background, Kirby started to become curious about how his teaching impacted his students, especially in a subject like algebra, where students often come in with misconceptions and low confidence.
91吃瓜网淎fter thoughtful consideration of my interests, I was certain about my desire to return to school to pursue STEM education. My goal was to blend my scientific expertise with my passion for teaching,91吃瓜网� said Kirby. 91吃瓜网淎s a native of coastal Mississippi, I was well acquainted with the brain drain issue prevalent in the state. When I learned about GenSea and its mission, I was fully committed and enthusiastic about contributing to its growth.91吃瓜网�
The success of the GenSea workforce development program, in bridging the gap between high school students and the blue economy, is grounded in its commitment to building partnerships across the coast. Collaborations have been fostered with various science and technology industries, alongside federal and state agencies, including NOAA, National Weather Service, Naval Oceanography Command, NASA's Stennis Space Center, and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.
GenSea is a partnership between USM91吃瓜网 Center for STEM Education and the School of Ocean Science and Engineering. It is made possible thanks to the generous support from the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation.
91吃瓜网淲e are currently accepting bookings for spring semester field trips with high school students and offering professional development training sessions for educators,91吃瓜网� said Kirby. 91吃瓜网淩eserve a spot now by contacting us via email.91吃瓜网�