Preparing for STEM
Majors
David Raymond, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering
CSU Los Angeles
draymon@calstatela.edu
(323) 343-4494
Phil Hampton, Ph.D.
Chemistry Professor
Director, HSI-STEM Grant
CSU Channel Islands
philip.hampton@csuci.edu
(805) 437-8869
A literate nation not only reads. It computes, investigates and innovates.
-Change the Equation
Topics




What is STEM?
STEM careers
STEM preparation for higher education
STEM success at CSU
What is STEM?
What is STEM?

STEM stands for…
–
–
–
–
Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
STEM Areas








Biological Sciences
Chemistry/ Biochemistry
Computer & Information Science
Engineering & Technology (Biomedical, Civil,
Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, etc.)
Environmental Science
Geosciences (Geology, Astronomy)
Mathematics
Physics
Images of STEM?
STEM Careers
Job Opportunities in STEM in CA
Vital Signs: www.changetheequation.org
Future STEM Employment
http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/reports/documents/stemfinalyjuly14_1.pdf
STEM Salaries
http://www.naceweb.org/uploadedFiles/NACEWeb/Research/Salary_Survey/Reports/SS_Jan2013_ExecSummary.pdf
College-Bound Students
http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/gf-07-02.pdf
California Student Proficiency
Korea
1st in Math
Singapore
1st in Science
9th in Math
10th in Science
Strong Math Preparation: A
Requirement for Success in STEM



Advanced math courses: greater factor in college
success than family background
Math beyond Algebra II: double chances of obtaining
B.A.
Necessary preparation of many college courses,
including physics, chemistry and even biology.”
http://www.futurereadyproject.org/sites/frp/files/Achieve-MathWorksFactSheet-All%20StudentsNeedAdvancedMath.pdf
Engineering, Computer Science &
Technology Careers


2012 National Occupational Employment and
Wage Estimates
Engineers held 1.5 million jobs
–
–
–
–

Electrical and electronics engineering (295,520)
Civil engineering (258,100)
Mechanical engineering (252,540)
Industrial engineering (243,620)
Growth areas
–
–
–
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
What Do Engineers, Computer
Scientists and Technologist Do??



They are problem-solvers
They are innovators
They are creators
http://changetheequation.org
http://youtu.be/s1qRPJHAZZg
How should K-12 prepare
students for 4 year university?
Preparing Students for Success in
College
1.
2.
3.
4.
Strong cognitive strategies, e.g. analysis, reasoning and
argumentation, and interpretation.
Strong content knowledge and skills developed by studying
English, math, and science.
Academic behaviors that enable students to cope with the
academic demands of college, such as self monitoring and
study skills.
“College knowledge” of how the postsecondary system
operates, e.g. process of college admissions, financial aid,
and successful functioning in college.
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/labor/report/2009/01/27/541
1/improving-academic-preparation-for-college/
STEM High School Preparation
Curriculum
–
–
Four years of high school mathematics
Four years of high school science




–
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Earth Science
Strong oral and written communication skills

Students will be able to:
–
–
–
–
Discover and understand the roles that STEM
professionals have in their lives
Connect their personal passions and skills to STEM
careers options
Understand how their academic and extra-curricular
choices in high school and college affect career
opportunities
Discover the steps to take for various pathways to
STEM careers
http://changetheequation.org
Preparing for Transition to CSU STEM
Engineering & Technology




Mathematics, Engineering, Science
Achievement (MESA) Program
“Boot camps” designed to improve entering
freshman placement in college-level math
and science courses.
Engages students with faculty and staff early
in their academic career.
Fosters student-peer support network
M.E.S.A.
Since 1970



Provides academic support
for educationallydisadvantaged students so
they may excel in STEM
higher education
10 participating CSU
campuses
36 participating community
colleges
www.mesa.ucop.edu
M.E.S.A.

Builds student success through:
–
–
–
–
Enrichment activities
Hands-on competitions
Counseling & Academic support
Industry involvement and support
www.mesa.ucop.edu
M.E.S.A.
www.mesa.ucop.edu
S.T.E.P. 
In 2011
–
–
–

CSULA
Served 265 students
85% place in college-level math
33% placed in Calculus I or above
Compared to 2007 pre-STEP
–
–
–
174 entering students
51% placed in remedial math
3% placed in any Calculus course
What to Expect at CSU
Engineering & Technology
CSULA Engineering & Technology
Project-Based Learning Culture




Brings the “real-world” into the classroom
Interdisciplinary teamwork
Students can draw on prior knowledge,
interests and experiences
Engages students with STEM professionals
in industry early in their academic careers
Society of Automotive Engineers

http://youtu.be/NEkZIKGHY_0
http://youtu.be/2x5DbcNNFxc
Rehabilitation Engineering

Interdisciplinary between engineering,
technology and kinesiology
Society for the Advancement of
Forensic Engineering (SAFE)



New in 2013!
Interdisciplinary STEM association focused on
forensic application of engineering.
Parent Organization
–
American Academy of Forensic Sciences







Criminalistics
Pathology
Anthropology
Engineering
Questioned documents
Psychiatry
Toxicology
STEM!!
Professional Practice Program (PPP)



Capstone design experience
Interdisciplinary teams
Industry-sponsored projects
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Northrup Grumman
Boeing
Raytheon
Aerospace Corp
Medtronic
JPL
Southern California Edison
L.A. Dept. of Public Works
Concluding Remarks




Encourage early student engagement with
CSU STEM programs
Encourage student exploration of STEM
careers by matching interests
Encourage seeing the world through “STEM
glasses”!
Contact your local CSU for more information
Thank you
Phil Hampton, Ph.D.
Chemistry Professor
Director, HSI-STEM Grant
CSU Channel Islands
philip.hampton@csuci.edu
(805) 437-8869
David Raymond, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering
CSU Los Angeles
draymon@calstatela.edu
(323) 343-4494