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Type III: National Level Interventions

Concurrent Session 08.9 - Regular Sessions

A Social Network Analysis of the (STEM)2 Network: A Multi-Institution, Multidisciplinary Approach to Transforming Undergraduate STEM Education

Saturday, November 9, 2024
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM East Coast USA Time
Location: Tidewater II, 2nd Floor
Program Abstract: The (STEM)2 Network catalyzes collaborations among biology, chemistry, and math faculty pursuing STEM transformation at two- and four-year institutions. Three theoretical frameworks underlie the Network: communities of transformation, systems design for organizational change, and emergent outcomes for diffusion of innovations.

We used Social Network Analysis (SNA) to determine if the Network is achieving the goal of connecting faculty across disciplines and institutions, and identify characteristics of highly connected individuals. The results indicate that the Network structure successfully creates connections both within and across disciplines and institutions. For example, average path length and modularity decreased and density increased through time. Highly connected individuals are those with leadership roles in the Network.

During this presentation, participants will identify collaborations that would help them overcome specific challenges, select elements of the (STEM)2 Network structure that they could adopt and adapt, and identify how SNA can visualize and quantify collaborative connections.