News

91��Ƭ Center for STEM Education Leads Student Ocean Literacy Symposium

znegron@mercy.edu — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:27:27 +0000

91��Ƭ Center for STEM Education Leads Student Ocean Literacy Symposium znegron@mercy.edu Fri, 04/17/2026 - 16:27 91��Ƭ News Center for STEM Education

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Students from Charter High School of Law and Social Justice, Bronx showcase their poster at the USA Blue Schools Student Symposium

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91��Ƭ's Center for STEM Education brought together 367 students from 15 schools across New York City, Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey for a regional symposium showcasing ocean health and literacy projects on March 27 at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut.

The USA Blue Schools Student Symposium represents one of several grant-funded initiatives led by the Center for STEM Education. Through funding from the EPA Long Island Sound Partnership/University of Connecticut and the National Marine Educators Association/SEA BEYOND, 91��Ƭ supports dozens of Blue Schools in the region.

"The Symposium was a terrific opportunity for our USA Blue Schools students to showcase the work they're doing to improve ocean literacy and waterway health in their communities and beyond," said Dr. Meghan Marrero, professor of secondary science education and co-director of the Center for STEM at 91��Ƭ. Marrero also serves as the national coordinator for the USA Blue Schools.

During the symposium, elementary through high school students used various aquarium settings as backdrops to present posters outlining their projects and discuss how they are influencing changes in ocean literacy in their schools and neighborhoods. Schools rotated between presenting and viewing other posters during a one-hour session.

Following the poster presentations, each school participated in programs organized by the Maritime Aquarium, including behind-the-scenes tours of the sharks exhibit for high school students, coastal erosion workshops for middle schoolers and intertidal habitat workshops for elementary learners.

The USA Blue Schools are part of a growing global network of schools committed to improving ocean literacy among teachers, students, families and community members. Blue Schools students engage in hands-on stewardship and social action projects to improve the health of their local watersheds and the global ocean.

For more information about Mercy’s Center for STEM Education and the USA Blue Schools network, visit https://mercy.edu/academics/center-stem-education.

Dr. Diana Payne (CT Sea Grant), Ashley Morell (UConn graduate student), Dr. Meghan Marrero and Mary Ushay from Mercy's Center for STEM Education

Students from Jefferson Elementary School in New Rochelle present their poster

Students from Love of Learning Montessori School, Long Island, discussing Native Plants and Oyster Restoration

Manville High School, NJ, Environmental Club students demonstrated diverse aspects of their projects, including letting other students touch “eel mops.”

Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: Creating Community, Empowering Teachers

jbailjr@mercy.edu — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:23:22 +0000

Maverick Magazine Spring 2025: Creating Community, Empowering Teachers jbailjr@mercy.edu Mon, 07/28/2025 - 14:23 School of Nursing Maverick Magazine 91��Ƭ News Center for STEM Education

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Creating Community, Empowering Teachers

Mercy leads the way in spreading early STEM education.

On a cool evening last fall, fifth graders at Columbus Elementary School in New Rochelle, N.Y., made their first foray into architectural home design. As part of a STEM engineering challenge, the team of 10-year-olds applied creative problem-solving, budgeting and other skills toward the design and construction of tiny house models using household materials.

The activity was developed and facilitated by a cadre of K–8 teachers, with support from the 91��Ƭ Center for STEM Education (MCSE). At Columbus Elementary and other schools in the region, educators of children in grades K–8 are leading the way to ensure all students have access to rigorous STEM education.

MCSE co-directors Dr. Amanda Gunning and Dr. Meghan Marrero are a driving force behind the proliferation of the center’s flagship programs, which include the STEM Schools Network, the Wipro Science Education Fellowship (SEF), and the family-centered FLORES (Family Learning and Outreach for Research and Education in STEM). Thanks to their steady efforts over the past decade, Mercy has emerged as a leader in shaping early STEM education in the region.

In its 10 years as a member of Wipro SEF, MCSE has supported more than 90 science teacher fellows from five local school districts as they completed a science education fellowship. Many of these Fellows have recruited additional educators from their schools and other networks, alerting them to Mercy programs, building community and advocating for early STEM education.

“We’re focused on building community and connecting teachers to emerging educational resources,” said Gunning. “And we’re constantly growing. Our goal is to ensure all students, regardless of background, have access to integrated STEM learning.”

At their conference on STEM teacher leadership held last fall on Mercy’s Westchester Campus, the MCSE invited area K–12 STEM educators to come together and learn from schools that are succeeding in early STEM education. Seven of these schools, including Columbus Elementary, were recognized as the first cohort of the 91��Ƭ STEM Schools Network, a consortium of distinguished schools that have demonstrated a commitment to STEM education and have leveraged MCSE’s wealth of programs and opportunities. Network schools have access to funds for teachers’ STEM initiatives and enjoy discounts on STEM conferences and other professional development programs.

“Through our many outreach programs, we are seeing real growth in our ability to build a knowledge-sharing community of STEM educators that not only empowers teachers but also helps communities,” said Marrero. “We commend our Network schools for their dedication to learning new practices, sharing technologies and spreading the word about Mercy’s programs to other schools and districts.”

To date, Columbus Elementary has sent four teachers through the Westchester STEM Ambassadors program, another professional development project led by the MCSE. Many have reached out to other schools in the area, connecting with other K–8 teachers and sharing resources and support as more schools work to develop their own STEM activities for students.

Anny Vanegas, a National Science Foundation STEM Master Teacher Fellow, Wipro Reimagined Fellow, Westchester STEM Ambassador and a teacher at Columbus Elementary, acknowledged the support and enthusiasm STEM has received from her administrators and the district. “It’s gratifying to know our district leaders share our belief in the transformative power of science education, particularly for students with learning differences,” she said. “We’re seeing them — all students, in fact — starting to thrive in STEM subjects.”

Columbus regularly hosts evening workshops for families to help support their children’s science learning and bring science into their daily lives. The FLORES family-oriented, bilingual workshops are led by Columbus faculty who have completed a professional learning program at the MCSE.

“Columbus has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to STEM education by wholeheartedly tapping into the resources and opportunities we offer,” said Gunning. “We’re proud to be partners, along with the other members of the 91��Ƭ STEM Schools Network.”

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Educators Showcase Innovative STEM Projects at 91��Ƭ Symposium

znegron@mercy.edu — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:51:39 +0000

Educators Showcase Innovative STEM Projects at 91��Ƭ Symposium znegron@mercy.edu Wed, 04/09/2025 - 10:51 School of Education 91��Ƭ News Center for STEM Education

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Dr. Meghan Marrero addresses the audience at the Westchester STEM Ambassadors Symposium.

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Teachers and education specialists from seven public school districts across Westchester County came together on March 25 to present their innovative work at the Westchester STEM Ambassadors Symposium, held at 91��Ƭ’s Westchester Campus in Dobbs Ferry.

The event marked the culmination of an eight-month professional development program hosted by the 91��Ƭ Center for STEM Education. The initiative, supported by a Smart Start grant from the New York State Department of Education, aims to expand access to high-quality STEM learning in public schools by equipping educators with cutting-edge tools and student-centered teaching strategies in computer science, engineering, and educational technology.

Over the course of the program, more than 35 educators from Bedford Central, New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester, the Tarrytowns and White Plains school districts collaborated in vertical professional learning communities. These educators, called "STEM Ambassadors,” explored classroom innovations, tested new technologies and shared best practices in fostering critical thinking, collaboration and creativity among students.

“The symposium is a culmination of eight months of hard work,” said Dr. Meghan Marrero, professor of secondary science education and co-director of the 91��Ƭ Center for STEM Education. “We asked these professionals to dabble in new technologies, apply research to practice, and be vulnerable as they reflect with others on their classroom practice. The night’s presentations showcased the excellent work these dedicated teachers are doing to bring meaningful STEM experiences to young learners.”

Ambassadors received stipends to support the purchase of STEM education materials for their classrooms. Presentations at the symposium highlighted a wide range of innovative topics—from virtual field trips and growth mindset strategies to engineering challenges and brain breaks that support focus and engagement.

Highlights from the symposium presentations:

Bridging the Mind: STEM & Movement Breaks the Concrete-to-Abstract Problem-Solving Journey
Teachers explored how movement and reflection enhance problem-solving as students transition from hands-on experiences to abstract concepts. This approach encourages critical thinking and creativity in STEM learning.

The World is One Click Away
Presenters showcased how virtual field trips can connect students, especially those from low-income backgrounds—to global experiences and real-world applications of computing technology.

Brain Boosts in Motion: Energizing Learning with Movement
Educators demonstrated how incorporating short movement breaks into lessons enhances focus and supports digital literacy, particularly in activities involving research and keyword use.

Engaging the Minds of Students – Growth Mindset
This project engaged students in breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps. Through collaborative problem-solving and reflection, students built confidence across different subjects and grade levels.

Form and Function – Utilizing Brain Breaks
Teachers examined how brain breaks can be effectively paired with engineering lessons to increase student engagement and comprehension. The approach was adapted across various age groups.

Flexibility Meets Security
This presentation focused on the impact of flexible seating in classrooms, and how students can maintain data security while using tech tools in more adaptable learning environments.

Mindfulness in Computer Science
Educators explored integrating mindfulness strategies into computer science lessons to help students manage stress and break down complex tasks across subjects, supporting both emotional and academic growth.

Empowering Communication and Collaboration Through Digital Tools
Presenters discussed how specific, effort-focused praise can boost collaboration and outcomes when students use digital tools in group projects—especially in middle school settings.

Teaching Grit – Empowering Students for Lifelong Learning
This project promoted resilience by having students solve real-world problems through engineering challenges, like building classroom tools or designing playgrounds. Upper-grade students embraced the concept of GRIT: Growing Resilient Innovative Thinkers.

Educators shared glowing feedback about the program’s impact on their teaching and their students’ experiences.

Angelica Dardon, a first-grade dual-language teacher in Bedford, described the program as “a really enriching experience,” especially for students who may not otherwise have access to real-world learning opportunities. “We give those students that experience and help them understand that computers are a way to connect with the world,” she said.

Margaret Browning Barnickel, a technology coordinator in Bedford, emphasized how the program bridged general and special education, saying, “I liked that the program gave us the freedom to do what would work for us.”

Cristina Fonte, a sixth-grade STEM and math teacher in Ossining, was impressed by how hands-on the experience was. “We had a lot of time to work with different robots—Spheros, drones, Bee-Bots. Seeing it all come to life was so fulfilling,” she said.

Peekskill pre-K teacher Jaclyn Echevarria also praised the collaborative atmosphere, adding, “Seeing the enthusiasm and excitement makes me eager to get back in the classroom and implement these for my kiddos.”

STEM Education Conference generates energy, community and support for STEM in Elementary Schools

znegron@mercy.edu — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 23:23:37 +0000

STEM Education Conference generates energy, community and support for STEM in Elementary Schools znegron@mercy.edu Thu, 10/17/2024 - 19:23 91��Ƭ News Center for STEM Education

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Keynote speaker Dr. Arthur Eisenkraft (center, back row) flanked by 91��Ƭ Center for Stem Education co-directors Dr. Amanda Gunning (left) and Dr. Meghan Marrero (right) pose with Wipro Fellows.

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This fall, 91��Ƭ celebrated its tenth year of participation in the Wipro Science Education Fellowship (SEF), an international consortium that builds science teacher leadership in grades K-12. To mark the occasion while bringing together STEM educators from the region, Mercy hosted Building Teacher Leadership Capacity, a conference for K-12 STEM Educators, at the Westchester campus on September 28, 2024.

Sponsored by Regeneron and hosted by the 91��Ƭ Center for STEM Education (MCSE), the conference was designed to bring together STEM educators in the region, including Mercy’s Wipro Fellows and partners. "The goal of the annual conference was to foster a growing knowledge-sharing community of STEM educators and teacher leaders who dedicate themselves to bringing rigorous STEM education to all students," said MCSE co-directors Dr. Amanda Gunning and Dr. Meghan Marrero.

The event consisted of breakout sessions, poster presentations, and a keynote address by Wipro National Coordinator Arthur Eisenkraft, Ph.D., who spoke about the importance of STEM education in the earliest years. “Children are naturally curious, which makes them natural scientists,” he said. “If you don’t get them early, you lose them.”

In addition to his role as a distinguished professor of science education and director of the Center of Science and Mathematics in Context (COSMIC) at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, Eisenkraft is a champion of STEM education, training and motivating individuals, districts, and organizations to spread the message worldwide. Eisenkraft, who helped author the National Science Education Standards of the National Research Council, was invited by professors Gunning and Marrero after they contributed a chapter to his latest book on STEM education leadership.

Mercy’s Wipro program has supported three original cohorts of 20 science teacher fellows from five local districts as they completed a two-year science education fellowship, and later garnered additional funding to continue to support these Fellows for new projects. The program is now expanding their work with additional teachers through the Wipro Reimagined project. During the past 10 years, Gunning and Marrero have directed $1.8 million in Wipro funding across five local districts that reached 212 teachers, with more set to become involved this year.

Highlighting the day’s events was the introduction of the first cohort of the 91��Ƭ STEM Schools Network. Out of 11 schools that applied from various districts, only seven that have consistently engaged with programs and opportunities offered by the MCSE were selected to join the first cohort. “We wanted to celebrate the teachers’ successes, share new and emerging knowledge and practices, and recognize the first members of the consortium,” said Marrero.

Benefits of joining the network include mini-grant funds for teachers’ STEM initiatives and discounts on the annual Mercy STEM conference and other STEM professional development programs. “We developed this network to better connect teachers and schools across our community,” said Gunning. “When teachers get together, they want to help each other, and their students succeed. We have seen some amazing successes from these teachers.”

Anny Vanegas, a National Science Foundation STEM Master Teacher Fellow and a Wipro Reimagined Fellow, teaches at one of the STEM schools newly appointed to the Network. She described the steady growth of STEM opportunities made possible by the MCSE at her school, Columbus Elementary in New Rochelle, N.Y. “Science teaching is often misunderstood, which is unfortunate,” she said. But she added, with support from Mercy and the Wipro fellowship, she has seen an expansion of STEM and even a spreading effect she describes as “energizing. We have many more access points, not just at our school, but across the district. The consortium allows us to network and share ideas school-wide,” she said. “We’re proving that every child can become excited about science and become active learners. Everyone has something to give.”

To learn more about the 91��Ƭ STEM Schools Network, visit the MCSE’s website at mercy.edu/stem-learning.

Dr. Arthur Eisenkraft speaking to Dr. Amanda Gunning and Anny Vanegas, a Wipro Reimagined Fellow and teacher at Columbus Elementary in New Rochelle, part of the first cohort of the 91��Ƭ STEM Schools Network.

Verizon STEM Program at 91��Ƭ Empowers 138 Bronx and Westchester Middle Schoolers

znegron@mercy.edu — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:57:08 +0000

Verizon STEM Program at 91��Ƭ Empowers 138 Bronx and Westchester Middle Schoolers znegron@mercy.edu Mon, 08/05/2024 - 12:57 School of Education 91��Ƭ News Center for STEM Education

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This summer, 138 middle school students from 75 schools across the Bronx and Westchester County got the chance to participate in the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers summer program at 91��Ƭ. This free summer program, funded through Verizon Innovative Learning, empowers middle school students from under-resourced schools to build STEM and entrepreneurship skills through hands on instruction using next gen technology. It creates a more diverse pipeline for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Aimed at middle school students in fifth, sixth and seventh grades, the program took place July 1, 2024 - July 19, 2024.

“What makes this program so important is that it gives students from under resourced communities and from diverse backgrounds opportunities they would otherwise not have access to,” said Daniela Martinez, programs facilitator, 91��Ƭ Center for STEM Education. “Everyone is welcome. At the end of the day, we make sure kids have the best learning experience possible.”

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers is one of Verizon’s education initiatives that help address barriers to digital inclusion under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all. 91��Ƭ is the only NY location for this program. This is Mercy’s second year participating in this program.

“When we started this program in 2015, a huge goal for us was to ensure that every student had access to the best cutting edge STEM opportunities in the summer months,” said Dr. Brittany Chambers, senior manager, Corporate Social Responsibility for Verizon.

Throughout the three-week program, which took place at Mercy’s Bronx and Westchester campuses, students learned about coding, 3D design and printing, augmented reality, robotics, social entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

“The kids learned from simple coding to more complex coding like designing games and encrypting messages,” said Elizabeth Mojica, coding instructor. “They also learned how coding goes beyond the classroom. We visited Mercy’s nursing simulation lab where they saw first-hand how things need to be wired and coded correctly and how simple code can help nursing students learn in the simulation lab.”

Mojica was really impressed by the children and how much they learned. For their final projects and presentations, some of the students programmed robots, ring tones and one even did Morse code. “I was amazed at what the students came up with,” she added.

“The students gained important problem-solving skills, which you need for any type of technology program,” said Brittany Concannon, digital product innovations instructor. “Those skills apply for any technology programs, whether they are laser-cutting, 3D printing or coding.”

The students also got the chance to visit Five Island Park in New Rochelle to observe an underwater rover and engage in environmental activities, and they got to hear from Verizon guest speakers about career pathways in STEM.

For more information on the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program, visit /academics/center-stem-education/center-stem-education-news.

Read latest article about the program in the Hudson Independent here https://thehudsonindependent.com/mercy-and-verizon-provide-stem-training-for-kids-from-under-resourced-schools/