Engaging STEM Students From Rural Areas: Emerging Research and Opportunities

Reenay Rogers, an associate professor in Educational Research, holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership with an emphasis in Instructional Technology and a M.A. in Secondary Science Education. As a former high school science teacher with over ten years of experience, Dr. Rogers recognizes the need for hands-on experiential learning and real world applications of STEM in the classroom. Dr. Rogers’ experience as principal investigator on two Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program grants has also made her uniquely aware of the importance of preparing women and minorities for future STEM careers. Rural education and STEM education are both important aspects of Dr. Rogers’ research agenda. She has co-authored two book chapters; one on pre-service teacher preparation in STEM and one on STEM grant writing as well as conducted numerous presentations on technology for instructional purposes, STEM and rural education preparation, as well as rural instructional leader preparation.

Yan Sun is an Assistant Professor in Instructional Technology at Mississippi State University. She received her Ph.D. degree in Learning, Design, & Technology from Purdue University and completed her post-doctoral research work at Texas A&M University. Dr. Sun’s research and teaching revolve around the area where STEM education intersects with technology. She is particularly interested in examining how emerging technology can be integrated to improve STEM education and to enhance students’ interest and motivation in learning STEM and pursuing STEM careers. Dr. Sun has expertise in quantitative and mixed-methods research, and has been applying quantitative and mixed-methods methodologies in her research on innovative technology-integrated STEM education pedagogy, projects, and interventions.