The UWA Black Belt STEM Institute is a powerful regional center for STEM education that aims to serve the hiring needs of employers across Alabama, but especially in the Black Belt. By offering supplemental curricula focused on providing students real­ world learning experiences in the context of innovation, design, and technology students develop an awareness of STEM career opportunities while simultaneously reinforcing academic standards and skills learned in the classroom.   

The UWA Black Belt STEM Education Institute informed by research, expert STEM educators, school partners, business and industry demands, as well as other stakeholders including parents, community leaders, and students will serve as the hub organization central to a network of stakeholders dedicated to transforming STEM education in the West Alabama Black Belt region. This Collective Impact approach facilitates the effective use of resources to make measurable differences in STEM education. By addressing the primary areas impacting student achievement, recruitment of STEM teachers, retention of STEM teachers, and education of students using best practices in STEM education focused on the skills needed by business and industry, the UWA Black Belt STEM Education Institute will change the landscape of the Black Belt. 

Goal of the Black Belt STEM Institute 

Revitalization of STEM education in Alabama (particularly rural STEM education in the Black Belt Region) 

Why is the Black Belt STEM Institute Important? 

  1. A shortage of high qualified STEM teachers in Alabama 
  1. An increasing demand for a highly-skilled STEM workforce 
  1. Alabama ranked last in 2019 in math performance on the Nation’s Report Card 
  1. Alabama is desperate for improvement in the College and Career Readiness benchmark 

How are we attempting to affect change in Alabama schools? 

  1. Transformation of STEM education in Alabama using a Collective Impact Approach, regularly convening key stakeholders, including representatives from UWA’s Colleges of Education and Natural Sciences and Mathematics, P-12 school partners (leaders and veteran STEM teachers), current pre-service STEM teachers, and community and business partners who are united in an effort to positively impact STEM education. 
  1. Recruiting and retaining more math, science, and technology teachers into STEM education. 
  1. Supporting pre-service and newly certified teachers through STEM coaches and mentor coaches. 
  1. Professional development opportunities, quarterly workshops at the  UWA-Cahaba Biodiversity Center, and opportunities to earn micro-credentials in STEM areas.   
  1. STEM teacher scholarships/stipends. 
  1. Improved STEM teaching efficacy for retention. 
  1. Increasing student interest and achievement in math and science disciplines. 
  1. STEM career exploration. 

How will this institute increase student interest and achievement in STEM? 

Inquiry-based learning and place-based learning will capture students’ attention and provide the experiential learning needed for students to retain STEM content.   

Delivering a series of STEM activities and STEM curricula driven by the needs of industry leaders, combining hands-on STEM with knowledge and skills required to be successful in today’s STEM workforce.  

STEM Activity Implementations 

The following work-based education and training models will utilize industry—driven standards to engage students in STEM learning, thus increasing their likelihood of success and pursuit of a STEM career.   

  1. An intense approach to learning fractions (Hammer Math),   
  1. a mobile unit equipped with virtual and actual hands-on equipment called “Skills on Wheels.” 
  1. the new, innovative STEM middle school curriculum, “We Build It Better.”  
  1. a free resources allowing Alabama students to explore STEM and Computer Science Careers, Learning Blade, which includes 2 new initiatives in Alabama, Career Blade, which provides K-12 Career Lessons that will connect with Local Businesses, and Ready for Industry, which helps upper high school through adults prepare to enter the workforce in 5 in-demand industries. 
Areas Visited
Past Events

Events

UWA BBSEI Robotics Competition — January 19th, 2024 This took place in the Hughes Gymnasium and hosted many robotics teams from the Alabama Black Belt Region. For many of the participants, it was their first competition, but some experienced teams competed as well. This was the first robotics competition hosted at the University of West Alabama.

STiiX On-Site Professional Development Opportunity — February 2nd, 2024 At this hands-on training, teachers received a free STEM kit, had meaningful discussions about the current status of STEM Education, became students for two hours, and learned about all the STEM Kits available through STiiX. Following is the number of participants by school and district:
Total Number of STEM Kits Received: 50
Total Number of Teachers Trained: 29
Total Number of Districts Impacted: 13

Robotics Engineering and Programming PD — February 23, 2024 This was an immersive workshop designed specifically for educators wanting to compete in Vex Robotics. This workshop empowered teams to bring cutting-edge STEM education to classrooms. This hands-on training covered the fundamentals of robotics education, focusing on practical skills, and collaborative strategies to engage and inspire students in STEM learning. Key Focus Areas included Engineering Notebook Mastery, Engineering Problem Solving, Introduction to Programming VEX Robots, and Student/Teacher Build Sessions. Teachers received 7 hours of TEAMS Credit for participating in this professional development session. Participants included: 2 teams from Lowndes County, a total of 14 students from two schools. 2 teams from Marengo County, a total of 6 students from two schools. 4 teams from Washington County, a total of 10 students from one school. 3 teams from Sumter County, a total of 20 students from two schools. 1 team from University Charter school, represented by one coach. 1 team from Aliceville Elementary School, represented by one coach. 1 team from Hale County Middle School, represented by one coach. Total Participants: 14 teachers/coaches and 50 students from 10 schools in 7 districts.

Girls Engaged in Math and Science — March 5, 2024 The Black Belt STEM Education Institute worked with GEMS, Girls Engaged in Math and Science, to secure the first ever West Alabama location for the 16th Annual GEMS Expo. Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) is an educational program designed to actively involve girls in STEM-related activities through formal and informal learning environments. The GEMS Program supports the national need to close the STEM gender gap utilizing eight teaching strategies to encourage self-confidence and elevate interest in the areas of math and science with female students. At this particular event, seventeen (17) 7th and 8th grade girls and nineteen (19) 3rd through 6th grade girls participated. The morning consisted of Keynote Speakers in the area of women in STEM. This panel included Dr. Kelsey Bickett from QuantHub, Dr. Nancy Brooker from the UWA-BBSEI, Dr. Amy Pigott, a pharmacist from Meridian, MS, Kristen McKenney, a Registered Nurse from Meridian, MS, Laurel Esposito with Energy Alabama, and La’Tanya Scott with the Cahaba River Society. Following, the students presented their projects and completed hands-on activities organized by the UWA College of Education Pre-service students and Dr. Robert Mayben from Alabama Science in Motion. The 7th and 8th grade girls completed a HammerBuild, where they learned teamwork, measurement skills, critical thinking, math, and problem-solving skills. The schools represented were as follows: York West End Junior High School, Huntington Place Elementary School, Wetumpka Middle School, and Robert Brown Middle School.

News 

NASA and IBM host STEM camp for teens at Wallace Best Buy Tech Center | News | selmasun.com 

BRCC, NCCER provide Hammer House Build Experience for Istrouma High Students 

Engineering Success: Breathing New Life into STEM Education in Rural Alabama 

Our Team

Chester M. Nicklas, Jr. (Chet), Ed.D is an alumnus of Mississippi’s State University and The University of West Alabama.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of West Alabama (2011), a Master of Education degree (2012) and Specialist in Educational Leadership (2015) from Mississippi State University, and a Doctor of Education, Rural Education/Organizational Change from the University of West Alabama (2021).  Chet’s dissertation was entitled “The Impact of Inequitable Broadband and the Digital Landscape Within Rural Schools.”

After serving as a teacher, coach, and bus driver for over ten years in Meridian, MS, Dr. Nicklas is now the Director of the UWA Black Belt STEM Education Institute, which serves as the hub organization for professional development and student engagement in the Alabama Black Belt and beyond through a collective impact approach.  The institute partners with K-12, higher education, business, and industry partners to increase student skills and achievement, student and teacher STEM opportunities, and teacher recruitment and retention.

In his free time, Dr. Nicklas enjoys working out, spending time with his family, including his wife of nearly 15 years, Janna, his 13 year-old son, Bearon, and his 11 year-old son, Colston.  This family time mostly consists of year-round ball games and competitions, but the rare relaxation time is his favorite.  In 2020, he was recognized as the Mississippi State Games Overall Male Athlete of the year.

Dr. Nicklas considers one of his greatest strengths to be his energy and his charisma. The growth of the UWA Black Belt STEM Education Institute is due in part to the relationships made since its creation.  The networking opportunities include partnerships with many STEM Leaders across the state of Alabama and the nation. For example, relationships with NSTA (National Science Teacher’s Assocation), Alabama Space Grant Consortium, VEX Robotics and S.C.O.R.E. (Southeastern Center of Robotics Education), Teton Science Schools, and If I Had A Hammer, ALEX (Alabama Learning Exchange), among others, STIIX has resulted in a  AMSTI Affiliate status in the state of Alabama.  The corresponding professional development offerings have resulted in many learning opportunities for teachers and students and also created many valuable relationships in the K-12 schools. The number of counties visited by Dr. Nicklas through the institute now exceeds 30, and many of these counties represent teachers that have attended at least one Professional Development Session, either virtually or face to face.  His story underscores the importance of relationship building, the importance of educational opportunities and highlights successes possible through positive attitude and hard work.

Reggie R. Holifield (Class of ’18, ’20) is an alumnus of the University of Montevallo, where he participated in TRIO Upward Bound, Student Support Services, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement programs, and Undergraduate Research. He received a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry (Biochemistry concentration) in 2018, and a Master of Education in Secondary Education (General Science) in 2020, all from the University of Montevallo. He is currently a doctoral student in Higher Education Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi (’24). Reggie’s research focuses on the impact of asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities on the success and retention of African American students.

Beyond academia, Reggie is deeply involved in community engagement and advocacy. He is a co-founder of the Montevallo Legacy Project and serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Montevallo Legacy Project—a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving stories of the past, fostering community unity, and promoting cultural diversity. Reggie is also the founder and host of the podcast TalkinUpward, which aims to amplify the experiences of TRIO students, professionals, and stakeholders.

In addition to his academic pursuits and community involvement, Reggie is passionate about transforming STEM education in the West Alabama Black Belt region. He is actively engaged in the UWA Black Belt STEM Education Institute, which serves as the hub organization central to a network of stakeholders dedicated to this transformational endeavor. Through collaborative efforts informed by research and best practices, Reggie and his colleagues aim to address the primary areas impacting student achievement, recruitment, and retention of STEM teachers, while equipping students with the skills needed by business and industry.In his free time, Reggie enjoys playing music (guitar and bass), competitive gaming, cooking, and exploring new recipes.

Throughout her journey, Dr. Brooker has embraced diverse roles & opportunities for professional growth by transitioning between academia &  private industry and now back into STEM education. This versatility not only speaks volumes about her adaptability, but also underscores her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge across different domains. Whether in the halls of academia or the dynamic landscape of private industry, Dr. Brooker’s passion for science is apparent.

Starting with her foundational education at Pittsburg State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Dr. Brooker laid the groundwork for her future endeavors. Her subsequent pursuit of higher education at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville (M.S.) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Ph.D.) further honed her expertise in plant sciences, plant pathology & biochemistry.

Dr. Brooker’s academic achievements paved the way for her impactful career in research & teaching at Pittsburg State University (PSU). During her 14 year tenure, she not only conducted pioneering research on soil-borne soybean diseases, but also played a pivotal role in promoting and leading the PSU women’s studies program as Chairperson of the multidisciplinary department & developing coursework in women in science. She also served as a pre-health adviser & mentor of undergraduate students, supporting their career development and earning her promotion to Full Professor of Genetics in 2007.

While at PSU, Dr. Brooker’s 10 years of STEM grants & curriculum development supported hundreds of science teachers and thousands of K-12 students in plant science education. One of her proudest STEM accomplishments was her training curriculum used at the George Washington Carver National Monument to train ~25,000 visiting students in soybean modeled plant science.  George Washington Carver considered soybeans to be one of the most versatile agricultural crops that he studied. Over Dr. Brooker’s 14 years in academics, her contributions were nationally recognized, earning her prestigious awards and leadership opportunities from the National Institute of Health, Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) and the National Science Foundation and she was awarded her first US Patent for a new plant protectant for seeds.

Transitioning to the private sector, Dr. Brooker’s global positions at Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroScience, DowDupont, Abbott Laboratories & Recursion Pharmaceuticals showcased her versatility & leadership in biotechnology R&D, quality management & governmental compliance.  Her 16 yrs of industry work spanned continents, from the EU, Asia to the United States, helping in the commercialization of 7 new biotechnology products for worldwide markets.  Her work encompassed various aspects of Biotechnology Quality Management, Regulatory Science Testing & Preclinical/ Good Lab Practices (GLP) Safety Studies for new Biotechnology Products & Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Brooker is a recognized subject matter expert in Biotechnology Reference Materials used to validate testing methods & helps ensure accuracy in testing new products.

In 2023, Dr. Brooker embarked on a new chapter in her career by establishing her consulting business, Brooker Analytical Testing & Quality Compliance Consulting, in York, Alabama. As CEO, she leverages her extensive expertise to guide private companies in navigating complex testing and quality assurance needs, while developing training & regulatory compliance programs for companies.

She has started as STEM coach for the Black Belt STEM Institute at the University of Western Alabama (UWA) in Livingston, Alabama in Spring of 2024, and she brings her considerable knowledge in STEM Education & Teacher Professional Development. Her scientific expertise in Biotechnology, Microbial Genetics, Plant Pathology & Agriculture supports expansion of STEM career development.  As an enthusiastic supporter of  Black Belt STEM teachers & students in their career development, Dr. Brooker is committed to expanding scientific knowledge & support for the next generation of scientists.  In her free time, Dr. Brooker enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking Cantonese foods and camping with her 2 cats.

Dr. Brooker’s professional journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of STEM education and the significant strides made by women in the field of science. Her story not only underscores the importance of educational opportunities, but also highlights the remarkable achievements possible through dedication, perseverance and hard work.

Questions? 

If you have any questions, would like to know more about the Black Belt STEM Institute, or would like to work with the Institute to help improve STEM education in the region, please email cnicklas@uwa.edu.