Scheduled and Recent Events

• Co-Designing Equitable Futures for Families, Communities, and Youth in Science (September 16)
• Career Steps Webinar Series #15 (September 25)

Co-Designing Equitable Futures for Families, Communities, and Youth in Science

Wednesday, September 16, 2026
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm ET

This interactive virtual event explores how researchers, educators, families, and community partners collaboratively engage in the co-design of equitable STEM learning experiences across formal and informal settings. Centering Black and Latine children, the session will highlight how co-design processes can support STEM identity development, culturally sustaining learning environments, and meaningful partnerships among children, parents, teachers, and researchers.

Presenters will share conceptual frameworks, methodological approaches, practical models, and emerging empirical findings related to family engagement, participatory design, community-based STEM learning, and collaborative innovation.

This 90-minute interactive session will include:

• Brief framing remarks introducing principles and models of co-design Flash talks from scholars and practitioners representing varying perspectives and contexts Interactive breakout room discussions focused on challenges, tensions, and possibilities within co-design processes
• A second round of thematic breakout discussions allowing participants to explore topics in greater depth Whole-group synthesis and closing reflections
• The session intentionally bridges theory and practice by examining how co-design moves from ideation to implementation and evaluation while recognizing that children, families, educators, and researchers each bring valuable expertise to STEM teaching and learning.
• Strategy discussions for navigating power dynamics, sustaining partnerships, and designing learning experiences that affirm the identities and lived experiences of historically marginalized communities.

Meet Your Speakers:
Christine McWayne, Tufts University
Andres Bustamante, UC Irvine
Eric Dearing, Boston College University of Pittsburgh
Diana Leyva, Boston College University of Pittsburgh
Catherine Haden, Loyola University Chicago
Riley George, Loyola University Chicago
Kim Koin, Chicago Children’s Museum
Jessica Rush Leeker, Cornell University
Jimena Cosso, University of Maryland
Jessica Huancacuri, New York University
Gigliana Melzi, New York University

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/Equitable_Futures_For_Families_etc_in_Science 

Career Steps Webinar Series #15

Friday, September 25, 2026
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET

Navigating the transition from graduate studies to a fulfilling career can feel overwhelming. With countless possibilities - academia, industry, government, non-profits, and beyond - graduate students often find themselves uncertain about which path to pursue or how to begin. The Graduate Student Committee recognizes this challenge and organizes the Career Steps Webinar Series, an engaging, monthly webinar series designed to illuminate multiple career trajectories, offer practical guidance, and foster meaningful connections within the NARST community.

This webinar series features accomplished PhDs and seasoned NARST members who have traversed the journey you are beginning. By sharing their personal stories - complete with challenges, pivotal moments, and unexpected opportunities - our speakers bring to life the myriad routes to career success. More than mere inspiration, these sessions provide concrete strategies, resources, and networks you can leverage as you craft your own path. After all, one meaningful connection can be the spark that redefines your career trajectory.

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/Grad_Student_Career_Steps_15