Mallinson Institute for Science Education

06/19/2026

Today the Mallinson Institute joins in the rest of the nation by celebrating Juneteenth. But we know that the end of slavery was not the end of discrimination and there is still much work to do. The field of Science and Science Education has been greatly impacted by men and women of color and MISE is proud to continue the work done by those who came before us, while we reflect on the horrors of the enslavement that got us here.

Enjoy a piece of red velvet cake. Invite neighbors to a quiet cookout. Sit. Talk. Laugh. Learn. Be better, because we know better.

06/17/2026

I am pleased to share that the article entitled "Using the History of Research on Continental Drift to Promote Learning of the Nature of Science," which I authored with Dr. Rudge as co-author, has been published in In the Trenches, a professional publication of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT).
The article abstract may be accessed at:
https://nagt.org/nagt/publications/trenches/articles/312109.html

Congratulations to Drs. Roach and Rudge on this publication!!

This article page presents a pedagogical approach using the historical development of continental drift and plate tectonics to teach the Nature of Science (NOS) in geoscience education, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, reflective writing, and a modified KWL framework to address students' mis...

06/15/2026

I would like to congratulate our own Dr. Dave Rudge on being selected as one of only four WMU participants in the MAC Academic Leadership Program for 2026-2027.

MISE is very proud to be represented in this prestigious and selective program. Congratulations Dave!!

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06/12/2026

While we often have cause to celebrate the achievements of our students and faculty, sometimes we must endure the sadness of saying goodbye. One of our recent alumni Dr. Lauri Davis, left us much too soon on the morning of June 10. She had a small memorial service in Marquette, today, June 12. Lauri was an amazing, exuberant, and beautiful soul who touched so many of us in her time here. Our love goes to her family and friends, who have had to let her leave them much too soon.

https://www.canalefuneral.com/obituaries/Lauri-Elizabeth-Davis?obId=48667207

05/12/2026

I would like to send out a very large CONGRATULATIONS to our newest graduate, Dr. Rabby!! He successfully defended his dissertation last evening, and may have set the record for shortest committee deliberation ever! His work was titled: Inclusive Teaching in College-level STEM: Tensions Between Instructors' Beliefs, Values, and Classroom Practices. He was advised by our former Director Charles Henderson, who joined virtually! Congratulations again Dr. Rabby, I am SO proud of you!

04/24/2026

Dear MISE Friends! We have a graduate student who is looking for research participants for her PhD research. Please see the following and pass along if you know of anyone or contact her if you fit the bill! Thank you all so much!
Hello,
You are invited to participate in a research study designed to learn about your perspective and experience as a science instructor with a disability. We are interested in hearing how professionals navigate and complete their teaching responsibilities in a lab and/or field related science class.

In order to participate in this study, you must meet the following criteria: 1) Work as a professional in higher education working in the United States 2) Teach either a lab and/or field science class 3) Have completed at least one year of teaching, 4) Be currently teaching or have taught a class within the last three years, 5) Self-identify as having a disability; and 6) Be willing to participate in a virtual interview.

If you agree to participate in this study, you will first be asked to complete a short demographic survey, then participate in an interview that will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. Once all interviews have been completed, transcripts will be produced, and any information that could identify you will be removed.

If you are interested in learning more or participating in this study, please visit https://wmich.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d1n0PBOiXmkbqOG

You may choose to discontinue participation in the study at any time, and you may also choose not to answer any question that you find uncomfortable.

If you have any questions or concerns about this study, feel free to contact me by e-mail listed below.

Thank you for your time,

The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

03/25/2026

Friends! MISE is one of only 3 units in the College of Arts and Sciences with no current donations on giving day! If you are able to support us, the link is here:

Join me and make a gift to Western Michigan on Giving Day!

03/25/2026

Congratulations to MISE post-doc Dr. Taormina Lepore and her co-authors on their latest publication in the Journal of Geoscience Education!

Neurodivergent perspectives in geoscience: Reflections from the development of paleontology museum educational materials

It can be found open access here:

As neurodivergent paleontologists, museum practitioners, and allies, we recognize that the museum world is not always welcoming to neurodivergent needs and perspectives. Science museums have made a...

03/24/2026

We want to shout out PhD students Abby Flowers and Rabby Sanyat for presenting this past week at the American Physical Society (APT) meeting in Denver!

Abby presented a talk entitled: A qualitative exploration of neurodivergent student experiences in undergraduate and graduate physics programs

Rabby presented a talk entitled: Instructors' interpretations of social exclusion in undergraduate STEM courses

Great work Abby and Rabby! We are very proud of you!

03/16/2026

The WMU community is gearing up for Giving Day, which is March 26 this year! MISE relies on donations and gifts for everything from getting our students to conference presentations, helping with publishing costs, to funding graduate students on teaching or research assistantships! If MISE has been an important part of your life trajectory, please consider a donation this year. Our MISE specific giving page is here: https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givecampus.com%2Fs%2Fdae1fg&data=05%7C02%7Cbrandy.pleasants%40wmich.edu%7C8ace1a06e9ef429c72cc08de80813256%7C257622517aa94c72905f39bf026a8a84%7C0%7C0%7C639089489535824529%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Q3INr0nnl7RLH0Al4i7V4VdMFfaQ6P2DUmrEzVXMjdg%3D&reserved=0

Thank you everyone!!