"Enhancing Our Global Impact through STEM Innovation"
The College of STEM & HBCU-UP / I3 (O.A.S.I.S) at Johnson C. Smith University
September 29 - October 1, 2011, Charlotte, North Carolina

On September 29, 2011, Dr. Darnell Johnson, Education Coordinator for the Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing Education and Research (CERSER), attended the STEM Conference sponsored by The College of STEM & HBCU-UP / I3 (O.A.S.I.S) at Johnson C. Smith University. This conference hosted representatives from institutions and related STEM programs to assist in developing answers to the many challenges related to “Enhancing Our Global Impact through STEM Innovation.”

The conference goals included:

• Enhancing first-hand learning opportunities for STEM students by creating successful research communities
• Establishing and strengthening STEM partnerships among academic, research, and private enterprises
• Cultivating globally competitive STEM students by introducing transformational teaching methods and training opportunities for faculty
• Broadening the participation of talented underrepresented minorities in the STEM workforce

The opening keynote speaker was Alma Clayton-Pedersen, Ph.D., Senior Scholar, Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), 2010-2013 Project: Preparing Critical Faculty for the Future (NSF Funded), and Executive Vice President of Emeritus Consulting Group. The title of her presentation was "STEM Innovation: Strengthening the Position of the US in a Global Economy."