Slesnick Symposium

2023 SYMPOSIUM

Friday, April 28th

Watch Webinar of Event

This year's symposium brought to you by the Irwin L Slesnick Endowment and the Howards Hughes Medical Institute

"By an inclusive teaching mind-set, we mean that every pedagogical decision should countered with two questions: Who might be left behind as a result of my practice? How can I invite those students in?"

Dr. Kelly Hogan & Dr. Viji Sathy

Kelly Hogan

Dr. Kelly Hogan

Dr. Kelly Hogan is the Associate Dean of Instructional Innovation for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's College of Arts and Sciences. She is also Director of the University's Quality Enhancement Plan, and a professor in the Biology Department. 

Dr. Viji Sathy

Dr. Viji Sathy

Viji Sathy is a Professor of the Practice in the Psychology and Neuroscience Department. She is also the Associate Dean for Evaluation and Assessment and Director of the Townsend Program for Education Research in the Office of Undergraduate Education. 

Keynote Talk by Dr. Niral Shah, Director of the Race, Theory, & Design Lab at University of Washington

"EQUIP is not about identifying racist and sexist teachers; it's about illuminating biases that we all have so that we can do something about them. Even when you have years of teaching experience and the best intentions, this is something that you have to continue to work on."

Dr. Niral Shah

Dr. Niral Shah

Dr. Niral Shah

Niral Shah is an associate professor of the Learning Sciences & Human Development, and is director of the Race, Theory, & Design Lab. His research concerns how people learn racism and anti-racism. Shah's prior work has focused on race and racism in STEM education, specifically how racial narratives about STEM ability affect students' identities and participation in classrooms. He is also a co-developer of the EQUIP classroom observation tool, which supports teachers and educational leaders to identify and mitigate implicit bias in classrooms.

About the Symposium

Irwin Slesnick showing flower parts to a child

STEM EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM

The late Dr. Slesnick retired in 1996 after a 33-year career on Western's College of Sciences and Technology biology faculty. During his 33 years in the biology department, he profoundly impacted thousands of students and future science teachers. His vision and tireless advocacy for improving science education played a critical role in gaining approval for constructing the Science Education Building and influenced its unique design. Slesnick was instrumental in the establishment of the current SMATE program housed in the building that continues the work he started. The annual Irwin L. Slesnick STEM Education Symposium is a tribute to his memory.

Past Symposia

The Irwin L. Slesnick STEM Education Symposium was begun in 2014.  Each year's speakers and workshops have been recorded and are available on the Past Symposia page.