T-RISE

Transdisciplinary Research Incubator for STEM Education 

In support of NIU 2023 University Goal 5B, the purpose of T-RISE is to facilitate transdisciplinary teams pursuing STEM education research projects. Specifically, the four goals are: 

1. To incubate new transdisciplinary STEM education research projects,  
2. To increase capacity for extramurally funded STEM education research,  
3. To coordinate across administrative and college structures to build university-wide STEM education research efforts, and 
4. To establish a sustainable model for a Center for Transdisciplinary Research in STEM Education within five years  

To achieve these goals T-RISE will: 

• Host guest speakers and opportunities to grow the community 
• Convene workshops to incubate collaborative research and develop proposals  
• Meet with leaders across campus to identify ways to coordinate and connect research to university goals 

Structure of T-RISE 

The leadership of T-RISE represents the academic diversity of NIU’s research landscape to ensure equitable support for STEM education research. 

T-RISE Director: Dr. Nicole LaDue, College of Liberal Arts and Science 
T-RISE Deputy Director: Dr. Ximena Burgin, College of Education 
T-RISE Executive Board: 
Dr. Briano Coller, College of Engineering and Engineering Technology 
Dr. Melani Duffrin, College of Human Health and Sciences 
Dr. Gibson Cima, College of Visual and Performing Arts  

The work of T-RISE will be facilitated by guidance from Kellie Dyslin and the Office of Research Development and funding from the Division for Research and Innovation Partnerships. 

• The 2023-2024 schedule of activities is forthcoming.
• Calls for proposals.