College of Science to launch Center for Advancing Undergraduate Science Education

The College of Science has created the Center for Advancing Undergraduate Science Education (CAUSE), an effort to enhance educational excellence within Virginia Tech’s science community.

Rooted in the belief that education is a scientific endeavor, the center embodies a vision where educational research informs instructional practices. By integrating research and practice, the center aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in undergraduate science and mathematics education.

“The bottom line for this new center is to elevate student learning outcomes,” said Kevin Pitts, dean of the College of Science. “The launch of CAUSE marks a significant milestone in the College of Science's ongoing commitment to educational excellence.”

Estrella Johnson, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and the college’s assistant dean for inclusion and diversity, saw an opportunity for Virginia Tech to become a leader in innovative teaching methods in undergraduate science and math.

"At the heart of CAUSE is the acknowledgment that education is a science that can be improved through research and practice," said Johnson. "Through collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary engagement, we want to empower faculty as professional educators and enhance student learning experiences."

The center's dual approach emphasizes both research to practice and practice to research. The research to practice initiative will support faculty in implementing evidence-based instructional strategies, while the practice to research program will facilitate professional development in educational research methodologies.

With approximately 425 teaching faculty within the College of Science, the center will be a vital resource for faculty across all ranks and positions. Through an array of activities, including informational sessions, workshops, and speaker series, the center will foster a supportive community where educators can collaborate and exchange ideas.

"We recognize the importance of building a welcoming community in our initiatives," said Johnson. "Our activities are designed to accommodate faculty interests and schedules, ensuring that all members of the academic community feel welcomed and supported in reaching their instructional goals."

The Center for Advancing Undergraduate Science Education also will offer faculty the opportunity to deepen their engagement through titles such as scholar and fellow, acknowledging their contributions and dedication to advancing undergraduate science education. These titles come with benefits that reflect the college’s commitment to elevating and valuing the work as educators.

In addition to workshops and grants, the center will serve as a central entity for faculty and leaders in undergraduate science education to collaborate and exchange innovative teaching practices and research insights.

The center will work with campus partners such as the School of Education, the Department of Engineering Education, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies, and others to further advance the educational mission across campus, Johnson said.

"As we build this community together, CAUSE invites faculty to join us in shaping the future of undergraduate science education," Johnson said. "Together, we can harness the power of research and practice to create meaningful learning experiences for our students."