Our Purpose

The STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMI²E²) Center aims to:

• Develop and enhance the knowledge base on engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning opportunities for young children with disabilities (O-5);
• Implement high-quality technical assistance and professional development to increase engagement for young children with disabilities in STEM opportunities; and
• Engage partners and stakeholders from diverse disciplines and industry in work to increase the inclusion of young children with disabilities in early high-quality STEM learning experiences.

Our Team

Leadership Team

Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, UNC-Chapel Hill

Megan Vinh
Chih-Ing Lim

Marsico Institute, University of Denver

Doug Clements
Julie Sarama

Staff

Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, UNC-Chapel Hill

Ann Sam
Adam Holland
Kellen Reid
Christine Harradine
Julie Chin
Jessica Anne Amsbary
Hsiu-Wen Yang
Daniel Van Ark
Victoria Waters
Lindsay Holland

Marsico Institute, University of Denver
Elica Sharifnia
Shannon Stark-Guss

Consultants

Pip Campbell
Cindy Hoisington, Early childhood STEM educator/researcher, Education Development Center (EDC)
Alissa Lange, Director, Center of Excellence in STEM Education, NE TN STEM Innovation Hub, Early STEM Lab, East Tennessee State University 
Yvette Mere-Cook, Department Chair and Associate Faculty, Occupational Therapy, Samuel Merritt University
Lisa Wadors Verne, Program Manager of Education Research and Partnerships, Benetech

National Impact Team

Industry leaders, STEM experts, inclusion experts, practitioners, families, IHE faculty