Project Manager of GEAR UP Center for Engineering Diversity & Outreach at the University of Michigan
About
Dr. Gloria Thomas is an educator who has dedicated her talent to serving families and communities through interdisciplinary research, theory and practice. Her work is inspired by a love for children and teaching. She currently serves as the project manager for the GEAR UP Center for Engineering Diversity & Outreach (CEDO) Initiative; a program designed to offer under-represented minority and first generation students educational experiences that boost pre-college interest in STEM education and careers.
Dr. Thomas is a former associate professor of education at Marygrove College, an adjunct faculty member and project coordinator for Spring Arbor University's Adult Studies Program, and a 4-H youth development specialist with North Carolina A&T State University Cooperative Extension Program. In addition to service and teaching, Dr. Thomas consults on best practices in K-12 outreach. She has presented and co-presented nationally at professional conferences on topics related to STEM outreach and college access. Among her most recent scholarly work are: "Invention Engine-Building GEAR UP STEM Scholars;" "Backward Design-Increasing Capacity & Student Outcomes;" and "A Parental Model for Supporting STEM Literacy for Parents of First Generation Students." Dr. Thomas earned a PhD and MA in education from the University of Minnesota and a BS in nutrition from Michigan State University.
Her favorite moments in life include making little girl coffee for her granddaughters, drumming with her life-long girlfriends, and watching Masterpiece Theater.
Current Work:
Current research effort (conducted in concert with the Center for Education Design and Evaluation Research) is a case study evaluation of STEM based college readiness programs for URM and first generation students participating in a pilot GEAR-UP STEM initiative in collaboration with the Center for Engineering Diversity & Outreach. Evaluation assessment will focus on: (1) the number of low income students who choose engineering/STEM as a career, (2) identifying conceptual model that effectively prepares students to pursue STEM post-secondary education and careers, (3) best practices in outreach and pipeline development, (4) emergent themes in the co-hort experience that facilitate participation and positive program outcomes, and (5) impact of parent involvement on student participation in the college planning process.
Research Area Keyword(s):
Pipeline, first generation, outreach, human ecology, access
