BOEC In the News
Curiosity Cycles Strengthen Classroom Engagement Through Student Voice
Our latest round of Curiosity Cycles brought teachers and students into a focused, low-lift process that used student voice to shape instruction. Across classrooms, students shared what they were curious about and how they learn best, and teachers used that input to refine lessons, strengthen engagement, and make learning more meaningful. These cycles continue to show how small, intentional shifts centered on student curiosity can lead to noticeable gains in participation, confidence, and classroom connection.
ISU–DMACC REU Workshop Connects Students to Summer Research Pathways
Eric Hall served as a panelist at the ISU–DMACC Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Workshop on October 18, where more than 80 students gathered to learn about summer research opportunities. The event introduced prospective REU participants to what an REU involves, how to craft strong application materials, and how these experiences can shape future academic and career pathways.
KCCI-TV Highlights Summer programs
KCCI-TV highlighted our Summer Science Showcase, where teachers and undergraduate students presented research on perennial ground cover plants and biomedical science after nine weeks in Iowa State labs.
The story emphasizes how these experiences not only advance research but also help educators bring authentic science back into their classrooms—and inspire students by seeing scientists who look like them
Iowa State Daily News feature
Iowa State’s Daily News Service spotlighted how our summer RET and REU programs immerse teachers and pre-service educators in authentic research experiences. From measuring corn in the field to studying antibiotic resistance in waterways, participants connect cutting-edge science with classroom learning. The article highlights the lasting impact of these programs—on teachers, students, and researchers—through hands-on projects, year-round coaching, and stronger broader impacts
Local spotlight: matt cain
The West Branch Times featured high school STEM teacher Matt Cain, who joined the Chowdhury Lab at Iowa State during our summer program. Cain developed hundreds of lines of code to help reduce methane emissions from dairy cattle, saving researchers thousands of work hours. He shared how the experience broadened his mindset and will inspire him to bring more coding and risk-taking opportunities into his classroom.
Local spotlight: malissa jeffrey
The Spencer Daily Reporter profiled local teacher Malissa Jeffrey, who completed her fifth summer in Iowa State’s RET program. Working with the Serb Lab, Jeffrey studied scallop eyes to better understand adaptation while balancing research with family life. She emphasized how the experience puts her back in the role of a learner—reminding her to lead with curiosity, empathy, and agency in her chemistry and forensics classroom.