Whitaker Institute

Whitaker Institute
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The Institute Provides Programs and Materials That Stimulate Interest and Promote Public Awareness of Local and Global Issues Related to Science, Environment, Engineering and Mathematics.
The Whitaker Institute works with all types of students in K-20 STEM education environments
to engage them in inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and research experiences.
FGCU Student Resources
FGCU Faculty Resources
K-12 Resources
Outreach Activities Include
Public television and radio spots
Print and web publications
Public speaking engagements
Community seminars and workshops
Support of University clubs and organizations
Activities for public school children
Upcoming Events
name
image
day
month
year
time
duration
color
location
description
image_alt
STEM Perks
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/STEM.Perks.april26.new.jpg
16
04
2026
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Whitaker Hall 225
Join us for coffee and conversations

Funding for this program was provided through the Whitaker Eminent Scholar Chair in
Science Endowment. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed
in this program do not constitute an endorsement on behalf of FGCU.
STEM Perks! Join us for Coffee & Conversations. April 3rd, from 9:00am to 10:00am.
SunChase
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/sunchase26.jpg
11
04
2026
11:00 am - 2:30 pm
FGCU Campus Loop
In 2013 Dr. Joe Simmons, the first Backe Chair for Renewable Energy at FGCU, had a
vision to develop area high school student interest in engineering and renewable energy
technologies through a solar go-kart competition held on campus. Since that first
year the FGCU Faculty, Students, and Staff have worked hard to host and promote this
event, and we hope to continue to work with each of you to continue to improve SunChase
every year!
Want to volunteer?
Various shifts are available:
st
shift: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
nd
shift: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
rd
shift: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Use the link to sign up for the shift that works for you:
Learn more about SunChase!
Sunchase Solar go-kart race. Save the Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 11:00 AM - 2:30
PM For more info visit: https://www.fgcu.edu/cas/centers/ whitaker/
GEMS
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/gemsfeb2026.jpg
07
02
2026
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Whitaker Hall
Growing in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) is a hands-on program dedicated to
promoting science education for all regional middle school students by enthusiastic
professionals and undergraduates as facilitators and role models in a supportive environment.
GEMS provides a launching pad to develop an early interest in engineering, math, and
science as an impetus to higher education and highly-skilled careers. Previous activities
have included bioengineering, chemistry, biological science, biotechnology, forensics,
astronomy, math, civil engineering and environmental science.
Learn more about GEMS!
Come join us for our GEMS event! February 7th from 9:00am to 12:30pm. Check-in is
from 8:30am to 9:00am This is an event for all middle school students to engage in
hands on activities revolving around Engineering, Math, and Science! More information
provided upon registration.
GEMS
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/gems-nov2025.jpg
15
11
2025
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Whitaker Hall
Growing in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) is a hands-on program dedicated to
promoting science education for all regional middle school students by enthusiastic
professionals and undergraduates as facilitators and role models in a supportive environment.
GEMS provides a launching pad to develop an early interest in engineering, math, and
science as an impetus to higher education and highly-skilled careers. Previous activities
have included bioengineering, chemistry, biological science, biotechnology, forensics,
astronomy, math, civil engineering and environmental science.
Learn more about GEMS!
Come join us for our GEMS event! November 15th from 9:00am to 12:30pm. Check-in is
from 8:30am to 9:00am This is an event for all middle school students to engage in
hands on activities revolving around Engineering, Math, and Science! More information
provided upon registration.
STEM Institute
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/2025steminstitute.jpg
16
06
2025
At the Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers Workshop for K-12 educators, participants
will be immersed in the research-based practice of writing and facilitating engaging
inquiry-based STEM activities focusing on the SW Florida environment. Inquiry-based
pedagogies have been shown to improve student engagement, comprehension, and retention.
The workshop infuses technology into the week and incorporates field instruction.
FGCU faculty from the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences and
Conservancy Staff bring a balance of expertise to you during the workshop week.

The Whitaker Institute for STEM Education at FGCU takes a systemic approach to enhancing
and reforming STEM education by providing professional development opportunities for
K-12 educators, conducting research in STEM teaching and learning, developing innovative
curricula, resources, and materials, developing and supporting programs for students,
and building strong community partnerships.

The Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers workshops are developed through collaboration
between the Conservancy of Southwest Florida education staff, Whitaker Institute FGCU
faculty associates, Vester Marine Field Station, and Lehigh Elementary STEM faculty.

The Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers connects real-world environmental research
with evidence-based, hands-on instruction.

Since 2013, the STEM Institute has worked with over 200 K-12 teachers from the five
county area and beyond!

Summer camps are also offered at the Conservancy. Your child/children could experience
the wildlife of southwest Florida through outdoor adventures, field trips, and nature
discoveries, all while you attend our workshop.
Learn more about STEM Institute
STEM Institute for K through 12 Teachers. SAVE THE DATE! JUNE 16th through 20th OR
JULY 7th through 11th. Teachers will learn to develop fun and engaging STEM curricula.
incorporate cooperative learning and inquiry-based 5E lessons, integrate STEM tools
into the classroom, improve student comprehension and retention, incorporate field
experiences in scientific practices such as data collection, sustain the workshop
experience through STEM lesson development and professional conference experiences,
make STEM accessible to ALL learners. More Info: Held at the Conservancy of Southwest
Florida & Florida Gulf Coast University, lunch provided daily, transportation reimbursed
up to $500, master in-service/professional development points available, upon successful
completion participants receive $1,000 for classroom supplies and equipment. APPLY
TODAY! Scan the QR code or click the link. Applications are due by April 15th. Selected
applicants will be notified in early May. In partnership with the Conservancy of Southwest
Florida, STEM Institute, and FGCU Whitaker Institute for STEM Education with generous
support from Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.
STEM Institute
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/2025steminstitute.jpg
07
07
2025
At the Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers Workshop for K-12 educators, participants
will be immersed in the research-based practice of writing and facilitating engaging
inquiry-based STEM activities focusing on the SW Florida environment. Inquiry-based
pedagogies have been shown to improve student engagement, comprehension, and retention.
The workshop infuses technology into the week and incorporates field instruction.
FGCU faculty from the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences and
Conservancy Staff bring a balance of expertise to you during the workshop week.

The Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers connects real-world environmental research
with evidence-based, hands-on instruction.

Since 2013, the STEM Institute has worked with over 200 K-12 teachers from the five
county area and beyond!

Summer camps are also offered at the Conservancy. Your child/children could experience
the wildlife of southwest Florida through outdoor adventures, field trips, and nature
discoveries, all while you attend our workshop.
Learn more about STEM Institute
STEM Institute for K through 12 Teachers. SAVE THE DATE! JUNE 16th through 20th OR
JULY 7th through 11th. Teachers will lean to develop fun and engaging STEM curricula.
incorporate cooperative learning and inquiry-based 5E lessons, integrate STEM tools
into the classroom, improve student comprehension and retention, incorporate field
experiences in scientific practices such as data collection, sustain the workshop
experience through STEM lesson development and professional conference experiences,
make STEM accessible to ALL learners. More Info: Held at the Conservancy of Southwest
Florida & Florida Gulf Coast University, lunch provided daily, transportation reimbursed
up to $500, master in-service/professional development points available, upon successful
completion participants receive $1,000 for classroom supplies and equipment. APPLY
TODAY! Scan the QR code or click the link. Applications are due by April 15th. Selected
applicants will be notified in early May. In partnership with the Conservancy of Southwest
Florida, STEM Institute, and FGCU Whitaker Institute for STEM Education with generous
support from Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation.
SRO
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/sro2025flyer.jpg
07
07
2025
8:30 am - 1:30 pm
12
Emergent Technologies Institute
For over a decade, the Whitaker Institute for STEM Education has sponsored a two week
event for middle school students interested in STEM. They must prepare an application to
be chosen to participate in a Summer Research Opportunity at Florida Gulf Coast University.
SRO offers a hands-on experience of collaboration on a complete and genuine research
problem from hypothesis generation and initial design, through field and laboratory
data collection, culminating in data analysis and interpretation. The SRO program
is staffed by FGCU faculty and Student Assistants and takes place each summer.

Your school is neither endorsing nor sponsoring this event nor endorsing the views
of FGCU.
Learn more about SRO
FGCU SRO Summer Research Opportunity for middle school scientists sponsored by the
daitch family foundation july 7th through 18th 2025 8:30 am to 1:30 pm monday through
friday at FGCU the science beneath: exploring soil and skeletal clues regional science
fair participants and STEM-interested students are invited to join us for this special
two-week event with forensic anthropologist Dr. Heather Walsh-Haney and her amazing
team! These student researchers will explore the effect of the environment on skeletal
remains. Student siwll work in the lab and in the field to collect data and make observations.
The Summer Research Opportunity will end with a student presentation of their research
for family, faculty, and community. click here to register! https://fgcu.formstack.com/forms/sro_app
for addiction information please call 239-590-7444 or email whitakercenter@fgcu.edu
your school is neither endorsing nor sponsoring this event not endorsing the views
of fgcu
STEMinar
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/STEMinar.Win.spring26.jpg
08
04
2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Library Visualization Wall
STEMinar "The Future of Mangroves in SWFl" by Win Everham
Showcasing STEM research from the FGCU community and abroad

Funding for this program was provided through the Whitaker Eminent Scholar Chair in
Science Endowment. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed
in this program do not constitute an endorsement on behalf of FGCU.
Join us for our STEMinar: "The Future of Mangroves in SWFL". On April 8th from 12-1
pm at the Library Data Visualization Wall.
SURI
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/suri2025savethedate.jpg
05
12
2025
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
10
FGCU Academic Courtyard
Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Internships (SURI) is held each year at the
end of the fall semester in the breezeway between the academic buildings. This event
showcases and celebrates the research of undergraduate seniors graduating in December.
Learn more about SURI
FGCU's Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Internships SAVE THE DATE please join
us as we celebrate the tradition of undergraduate research and community partnerships
at FGCU light appetizers and drinks provided details to follow December 5th 3 pm to
5 pm FGCU courtyard in front of Whitaker Hall FGCU whitaker institute for STEM Education
FGCU Scholarly Innovation and Student Research
STEMinar
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/steminar/1.20.2026philklotzbach.jpg
20
01
2026
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
AB09 222
"Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Variability and Prediction" presented by Phil Klotzbach
Showcasing STEM research from the FGCU community and abroad

Funding for this program was provided through the Whitaker Eminent Scholar Chair in
Science Endowment. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed
in this program do not constitute an endorsement on behalf of FGCU.
STEMinar Flyer background photo of hurricane from space with photo of Phil Klotzbach
reads Spring 2026 STEMINAR Phil Klotzbach Atlantic Seasonal Hurrican Variability and
Prediction Agenda January 20 Talk 5:30-6:15 pm questions 6:15-6:45pm reception 6:45-7:30pm
rsvp qr code location academic building 9 room 222 FGCU Whitaker Institute for STEM
Education College of Arts and Sciences The Water School
STEMinar
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/03.11.2026laurenredfern.jpg
11
03
2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Library Visualization Wall
"Sunscreen as an Emerging Coastal Contaminent: UV Filters can Alter the Growth of
Some Common Environmental Bacteria" presented by Dr. Lauren Redfern
Showcasing STEM research from the FGCU community and abroad

Funding for this program was provided through the Whitaker Eminent Scholar Chair in
Science Endowment. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed
in this program do not constitute an endorsement on behalf of FGCU.
STEMinar flyer "Spring 2026 STEMinar SUNSCREEN as an emerging coastal contaminant:
UV filters can alter the growth of some common environmental bacteria Dr. Lauren Redfern
associate professor department of bioengineering, civil engineering, and environmental
engineering at the library visualization wall lunch provided! March 11 12-1pm"
STEM Perks
/cas/centers/whitaker/images/stemperks/march2026stemperks.jpg
19
03
2026
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Whitaker Hall 225
Join us for coffee and conversations

Funding for this program was provided through the Whitaker Eminent Scholar Chair in
Science Endowment. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed
in this program do not constitute an endorsement on behalf of FGCU.
Stem perks flyer: stem perks thursday march 19 9-10 am whitaker hall join us for carbs
coffee and conversation see you there
Current and Past Projects and Grants
On Campus Collaborations
Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Internships (SURI)
SunChase: H.S. Solar Go-Kart Challenge
With the Wild Things
(daily radio spot on WGCU with Dr. Jerry Jackson)
Growing in Engineering, Science, and Math (GEMS)
STEMinars
STEM Perks
Community Partners
State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida
Thomas A. Edison Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Collier County Science Fair
Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
STEM@Work
The Immokalee Foundation
JROTC
Externally Funded
Summer Research Opportunity (middle school research program)
Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers
Sustainable Waters
(teachers)
Gulf Scholars Program
STEM Ethics
Support the Institute
A gift supporting the Whitaker Institute is an investment in Florida’s future in STEM
Education. Gifts can be tax-deductible and can be made online or through the mail.
FGCU accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Online Donation
Designate your donation to the Whitaker Institute by choosing “Other” in the donation
category and typing in “Whitaker Institute” in the subsequent box.
Make Gift
Donation By Mail
Gift by check or money order - please make checks payable to “Florida Gulf Coast University
Foundation, Inc.” and write “Whitaker Institute” in the memo area to earmark your
donation.
Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, Inc.
10501 FGCU Boulevard, South
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
Specific Gift
Please contact the
Whitaker Institute
to discuss specific program giving or any questions regarding supporting the Whitaker
Institute.
Meet the Whitaker Institute Team
Skaza-Acosta, Heather
Director, Whitaker Institute for STEM Education, Associate Professor
WH 0223
239-590-7379
hskaza-acosta@fgcu.edu
Muller, Jo
Eminent Scholar & Professor, Whitaker Center of STEM Education
WH 0224
239-590-1251
joannem@fgcu.edu
Godsea, Anna
Outreach Coordinator II, Wings of Hope
agodsea@fgcu.edu
Aadnes, Madeline
Coordinator, Scholars & Teacher Development Programs
239-745-4701
maadnes@fgcu.edu
Nation, Molly
Associate Professor
AB9 0238
239-590-7242
mnation@fgcu.edu
Boucher, Debra
Administrative Assistant, Whitaker Institute for STEM Education
WH 0225C
239-590-7444
deboucher@fgcu.edu
Searight, Sarah
Administrative Specialist ll, Whitaker Institute for STEM Education
239-745-4421
ssearight@fgcu.edu
Haylee is a Senior majoring in Environmental Studies with a concentration in
Ecology and Environmental Assessment. Outside of school she enjoys the outdoors, animals,
and traveling.
Foy, Haylee
Student Office Assistant
Jelon is a Freshman majoring in Biology with a concentration in Microbiology. Outside
of school, he enjoys photography and going to the beach.
Thomas, Jelon
Student Office Assistant
CONTACT
10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
Fort Myers, FL 33965
239-590-1000
Toll Free 800-590-3428
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