Drs. Rita Hagevik and Kaitlin Campbell of the Biology Department and Dr. Martin Farley of the Geology and Geography Department participated in the NC Bridging the Gap Conference, where they presented their Kids in the Garden program to teachers, scientists and administrators.  The conference was held on 24 October 2018 in the McKimmon Center at North Carolina State University. 

During a luncheon following their presentation, Dr. Hagevik received the 2018 Distinguished Teaching Award in STEM Education from the NC Association of Biomedical Research. Dr. Hagevik's teaching and scholarship reflect her interests in environmental education, sustainability, nature of science, geospatial technologies, and teacher professional development. She incorporates geographic mapping and the use of mobile technologies in her beginning teacher courses. 

The Kids in the Garden Program is a Burroughs Wellcome-funded STEM program on pollen, pollinators, and plants for middle and high school students from Bladen, Cumberland, Richmond and Robeson counties and the surrounding region.  Students conduct independent research under the guidance of UNCP faculty, undergraduate and graduate students. This work is done through the UNCP Campus Garden & Apiary, adjacent to Pine Cottage on campus.

Article Submitted by Rita Hagevik