KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Western Michigan University could soon be shaping the future of science, technology, engineering, and math research for the entire country.
The National Science Foundation selected 3 of Westerns submissions as finalists for their 2026 National Science Foundation Wish Machine Competition.
32 entries were selected from over 800 submissions.
According to their press release, the three WMU video pitches include the following:
- The STEM Teaching and Learning Incubator, Dr. Todd Ellis, assistant professor of geography and science education, focuses on empowering K-12 educators to develop new approaches to teaching and learning STEM disciplines by providing a regional hub for instructors that offers support for design, implementation, evaluation and dissemination of their ideas.
- Reversibility: Future of Life on Earth, Dr. Bilinda Straight, professor of anthropology and of gender and women’s studies, asks how the reversibility, irreversibility and tipping points of different types of systems are determined and how this could potentially impact the future of life on Earth. Addressing this question requires novel ways to examine interconnections between systems that may include human experience and motivation.
- #WhyNotMe: Stem Diversity Drivers, Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, vice president for research and professor of biological sciences, and Dr. Lori Wingate, director of research at The Evaluation Center, discuss novel ways to identify experiences that increase the success of underrepresented professionals in STEM fields.
WMU was the only Michigan college to be selected and also has the most entries selected from one university.
The public can view each entry and share their opinions on who they think should win at nsf.gov until June 26th.
