From the Nerd Herd — March 2025
I’ve been reflecting on what makes TRSA so special. It’s not just about the programs or initiatives; it’s about the heart of our community. It’s about the feeling of connection, of shared purpose, and of knowing that we’re all in this together. That’s why we selected “Together, We Create Possibility” as our value statement. That belief has driven us to refine our partnership approach.
From the Nerd Herd — February 2025
Before I became a Project Manager at Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance, I was a middle school STEM teacher and led an after-school Girls’ STEM Club in Claremore Public Schools. In late 2019, I went to a TRSA SeaPerch training – I had no idea what SeaPerch was before that, and had to do a little research to figure it out. But after the full-day training, I knew this underwater robotics competition would be a fantastic opportunity for my Girls’ STEM Club.
From the Nerd Herd — January 2025
2025 will undoubtedly be one for the history books for Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance and our partners! Just before Winter Break began, our team was deeply engaged in our quarterly meetings (lovingly referred to as Slow Down Week and, ironically, there’s nothing slow about it). I shared with them, and feel compelled to share with you, that everything in my heart tells me 2025 will see monumental shifts for our organization and community that will lay the foundation for the next decade of our work in Tulsa and across our state.
From the Nerd Herd — December 2024
This holiday season, as youth transition between the structure of school and the freedom of home, we have an incredible opportunity to nurture their curiosity and growth. By giving the gift of STEM, we can inspire the next generation to embrace the endless possibilities offered by science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Together, we can empower young learners to embark on journeys of discovery and unlock doors to a brighter, more innovative future. However, achieving this vision requires addressing one of the biggest barriers to STEM engagement: persistent gender stereotypes in toys and educational tools.
From the Nerd Herd — November 2024
An often cited and much-outdated stat from some time ago suggested that teachers make some 1,500 decisions per day. That number has undoubtedly ballooned as teachers are increasingly responsible for tiered differentiation, countless communication channels and instructional technologies, and expansive requirements for documentation and compliance.
From the Nerd Herd — October 2024
Embracing the Fall: A Season for Growth in Learning October marks the true beginning of fall, and I don’t know about you, but I’m excited for cooler temperatures, transforming my home into a Halloween mad science lab, and watching the leaves showcase their vibrant colors. As we transition from a summer filled with exciting STEM […]
From the Nerd Herd — September 2024
Cultivating a Legacy by Rachel Christy, MPA—Project Manager, Out of School Time, Family & Community It has long been a common phrase to refer to Oklahoma as one of the “flyover states.” Although a catchy phrase for song lyrics, the term flyover implies Oklahoma has nothing to offer that would be worthy of being a […]
From the Nerd Herd — August 2024
The Power of Connection through Mentorship by Abigail Vensel, Project Manager—Me & My Math Mentor I first learned about the power of connection through hearing about my mom’s relationships with her patients as a dental hygienist. She sees her patients twice a year for an hour, and most of the time, she has her hand […]
From the Nerd Herd – July 2024
The Ripples of Mentoring Think for a moment about a well-known and highly renowned space expert and educator … If you’re anything like me, your first thought was of Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson. Dr. Tyson is not primarily known for making groundbreaking scientific discoveries through original research in the traditional sense. Still, he has contributed […]
From the Nerd Herd — June 2024
Illuminating the Need for Belonging in STEM Think back to a time when you felt fully seen and heard. How did it feel? How does it still make you feel? Did it feel empowering, validating, or safe? David Brooks (2023) claims, “There is one foundational skill that lies at the heart of any healthy person, […]
