A WVU collaboration built to empower K-12 educators and inspire next generation of engineers and computer scientists

Educators participate in a camp for former classroom teachers to master effective teaching practices in engineering, hosted by the WVU Statler College and WVU STEAM Technical Assistance Center. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Faculty at the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University have opened their lecture halls and labs to the WVU STEAM Technical Assistance Center, housed within the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative, for hands-on STEAM learning through a unique WVU collaboration.

Story by Laney Eichelberger, Storyteller; Cerasela Zoica Dinu, Associate Dean for Student, Faculty and Staff Engagement at Statler College

Photos by Paige Nesbit, Marketing and Communications Director

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Over the summer, the Statler College hosted the STEAM TAC specialists — former classroom teachers who are expert educators in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics — for a day of learning about engineering and engineering applications in the modern world.

The Statler College Office of Student, Faculty and Staff Engagement recruited expert faculty and staff to use their classrooms and state-of-the-art engineering labs and facilities to highlight a range of engineering disciplines, including robotics, cybersecurity, and petroleum, electrical and chemical engineering.

The STEAM TAC specialists will use the information provided by Statler experts to lead hands-on, engaging STEAM lessons, known as immersions, alongside participating teachers and students across the Mountain State. The immersions provide high-quality, experiential learning that sparks curiosity and promotes exploration into STEAM careers. Educators are also equipped with effective teaching practices and resources to introduce students to a variety of career pathways.

“The STEAM TAC’s partnership with the Statler College will promote interdisciplinary collaboration poised for impact,” said Donna Peduto, executive director of the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative. In her role, she draws upon an expansive career in K-12 education and experience at state and national educational institutions. “I am very proud of the work we can do together to continue to champion for public education in West Virginia and advance practical knowledge to create a transformative platform that inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and global thinkers in our communities.”

Since 2022, the STEAM TAC has conducted more than 650 school visits across all 55 West Virginia counties, serving approximately 60,000 students and more than 500 teachers.

“This collaboration has opened the door for us to work together with the incredible team led by Peduto to bring engineering concepts to our West Virginia community and foster an experiential learning environment where participants can explore what engineering at the Statler College can offer,” said Cerasela Zoica Dinu, associate dean for student, faculty and staff engagement and Statler program organizer. “This forward-thinking experience truly embodies the spirit of collaboration through impactful and intentional service and outreach.”

The outreach event was part of a K-12 teachers bootcamp — now in its third year — organized by the College. Through engaging hands-on programming and immersive lab tours, the initiative aimed to help participants explore new engineering technologies while developing transferable team-building and problem-solving skills across different disciplines. All step-by-step instructions and classroom demonstration slides necessary to replicate STEM activities in their classrooms were shared with each participant for continued use in their teaching-related experiences.

Many Statler alumni are supporting the College’s mission to build strong collaborations with K-12 schools in the state by providing resources with which engineering and computer science can be incorporated into K-12 curriculums. Diane and David Sherrard, chemical and aerospace engineering alumni have been instrumental in sustaining efforts — through gifts and essential tools needed to extend learning beyond the classroom and engage a broader spectrum of students through real-world education.

“Through WVU partnerships, we can continue to teach and inspire K-12 teachers how to incorporate engineering and computer science into classrooms and explore modern, real-world applications.” Dinu explained. “We envision that future collaborative opportunities with STEAM TAC could potentially bring these types of engineering experiences in the K-12 schools to inspire the next generation of college-bound students and lead them directly to WVU.”

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