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Georgia Educators in Mathematics and Science (GEMS)

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The GEMS project, an NSF-funded Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, is designed to recruit, prepare, and support new secondary science and mathematics teachers to work in high-needs school districts. This project prioritizes STEM collaboration, diversity, and equity through a range of experiences both on and off campus that equip our scholars to successfully work with diverse learners. Scholars have opportunities to attend the annual national Noyce conference, participate in paid internships at local schools, and learn from world-renowned science and mathematics educators.

Graduates will be eligible for certification at the T-5 level in either secondary mathematics or secondary science disciplines (biology, physics, chemistry, earth/space science).

The project is currently accepting applications with the goal of admitting its first scholars in fall 2020.

The Noyce Fellowship

Who should apply?

  • Students must have attained at least junior status in a STEM baccalaureate program (not education) or already have a bachelor's degree in a STEM area that can lead to certification in mathematics or science.
  • Students should be committed to teaching in high-needs school districts.
  • Students who are themselves from underserved and underrepresented populations in science or mathematics are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application process

  1. Apply to UGA and the mathematics or science education program (for full consideration for fall 2020, applications should be submitted by July 1, 2020).
  2. Complete the GEMS Noyce Fellowship application.
  3. Obtain three letters of recommendation.

Funding decisions

Funding decisions will be based on academic potential in your chosen field, financial need, demonstrated commitment to advancing the representation of students from underserved and underrepresented populations in the field of secondary mathematics and science, and commitment to work in and potential for success in high-need and/or underserved schools.

Meet the Team

Portrait of Julie A. Luft, principal investigator

Julie A. Luft, principal investigator

UGA Distinguished Research Professor;
Athletic Association Professor of Mathematics and Science Education,
Department of Mathematics and Science Education

Research interests

  • Science teacher professional learning
  • Newly hired science teachers
  • Science teacher knowledge and practice
Portrait of Dorothy White, co-PI

Dorothy White, co-PI

Professor, Department of Mathematics and Science Education

Research interests

  • Access and equity in mathematics education
  • Cultural awareness in teacher preparation
  • Teachers' professional learning communities
Portrait of Paula Lemons, co-PI

Paula Lemons, co-PI

Professor, biochemistry and molecular biology

Research interests

  • College biology instructors who engage in professional development
  • Biochemistry learning of core concepts
  • STEM teacher recruitment and preparation
Portrait of Nathaniel Hunsu, co-PI

Nathaniel Hunsu, co-PI

Assistant professor, engineering education

Research interests

  • Learning and cognition
  • Student engagement
  • Assessment of learning and student engagement in engineering classrooms
Portrait of Georgia Hodges, project manager

Georgia Hodges, project manager

Associate research scientist, Department of Mathematics and Science Education

Research interests

  • Science teacher preparation
  • Serious educational gameplay in schools
Portrait of Kelly Edenfield, project manager

Kelly Edenfield, project manager

Clinical assistant professor, Department of Mathematics and Science Education

Research interests

  • Preparation of highly-qualified mathematics teachers
  • Curricular decision-making
  • Technology, assessment, and differentiation
Portrait of Austin Heil, graduate student

Austin Heil, graduate student

Doctoral student, Department of Mathematics and Science Education

Research interests

  • Biology education research
  • Science literacy
  • Informal marine science education
Portrait of Elgin Leary, graduate student

Elgin Leary, graduate student

Doctoral student, Department of Mathematics and Science Education;
Master's student, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Research interests

  • Informal astronomy education
  • Science communication
  • Stellar formation in the early ISM
  • Exoplanet habitability

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