Our 14th Annual Symposium is a Wrap!
STEMtastic Adventures!
October 1 – 4, 2024
Mason Square, George Mason University, Arlington Campus – Virginia
and Washington, D.C., USA
Quick Links
Featured at STEMtastic Adventures!
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
STEMtastic Adventures
For the mEducation Alliance’s 14th annual Symposium, we attracted exceptional presenters who are propelling learners on STEMtastic Adventures!
The mEducation Alliance, with our 100+ Alliance and Community of Practice (CoP) members, is the largest convening platform of development, donor agencies, non-profit organizations, private sector associations and other institutions focused on supporting data-driven and evidence-backed uses of technology in education, primarily in lower middle-income economies.
As with our 13 prior Symposia, we were joined at this event by Ministry of Education officials and other policymakers, Alliance member representatives, practitioners, funders, researchers, etc., particularly those focused on pre-primary, primary and secondary instruction in formal and informal low-resource settings. This also includes those institutions and individuals working on teacher preparation/support and community outreach initiatives.
This was the second annual global STEM education focused conference. Our 13th annual Symposium, Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders-Everywhere! and held in September 2023, was the first ever global STEM education conference with a primary focus on low-income countries and context. For our 14th annual Symposium, we created even more dynamic spaces for intentional knowledge-exchange and networking around a broad range of STEM literacy topics.
Event Features
Attendees: To encourage space for meaningful dialogue, we typically invite 200 individuals to our annual Symposia. Participation at the general Symposia and Alliance Member Day are invite-only.
General Symposium Event (October 1-3, 2024) – Location: Mason Square, George Mason University (Arlington, Virginia). Mason Square is conveniently located just between the Rosslyn-Ballston Arlington, VA corridor and a few metro stops from downtown D.C.
Alliance Member Day (October 4, 2024) – Location: World Bank offices, Washington, D.C. Invite-only for Alliance Members and event sponsors
Symposium highlights include:
- Thought-provoking and engaging presentations in a variety of STEM literacy track topics
- Maximized networking and knowledge exchange opportunities
- Coding and Robotics Showcase
- “Dolphin Tank” pitch sessions with US government funded STEM ed app developers
- STEM Education Village with 35+ exhibitors — and food!
- Play spaces for tech and non-tech STEM games
- Research spotlight sessions
- Facilitated dialogues with Ministry of Education officials from several countries and donor representatives funding and/or supporting STEM education initiatives
- STEM game giveaways!
- Featured sessions hosted by mEducation Alliance members
Event Tracks
Event Tracks
Track sponsors engage with us in overall event planning, including our working together to attract presenters. We also provide symposia sponsors with several recognition and unique networking opportunities.
Sponsors were invited to adopt one of the 2024 Symposium Event Track themes below:
- AI and STEM Education and Other Emerging Technologies
- Climate Education
- Coding and Robotics
- Digital Literacy
- STEM Digital Courseware
- STEM is Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
- Global Science of STEM Education
- #InspirationSTEM is Girl Powered!
- Making STEM Accessible (equity, diversity, learners with disabilities, nonformal education)
- Mathical Thinking/Non-Digital Games
- National STEM Education Programs
- Peace Tech
- Science Labs (Physical and Digital)
- Science Museums
- STEM in Challenging Education Environments
- STEM and Early Learners
- STEM Empowered Educators
- STEM Empowered Educators – and Volunteers
- STEM Game & Play (tech and non-tech interventions)
mEducation Alliance Member Day - October 4th
In collaboration with the World Bank and held at their D.C. offices, the Alliance co-hosted a day-long series of networking and knowledge exchange events with its members and invited guests.
If you are interested in becoming an Alliance member, please visit our mEducation Alliance Member page or use the button below.
Plenary Speakers
October 1 – Kickoff Plenary
Dr. Charles E. Davidson, Research Assistant Professor, Political Leadership Academy Director, Carter School at George Mason University
Dr. Davidson is a Research Assistant Professor at the Carter School at George Mason University, specializing in civil war, armed groups, and local peace processes, along with American identity politics. He directs the Rotary and Carter School Collaboration for Peace and the Political Leadership Academy, focusing on equipping American leaders with skills to sustain democracy. With 15 years of experience in peacebuilding and research, he has worked in Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda, Burundi, the D.R. Congo, Tunisia, and Colombia. Dr. Davidson holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, an M.A. in Cultural Anthropology, and a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Arkansas. Learn more about Dr. Davidson’s work here.
October 1 – Kickoff Plenary
Dr. Patricia Gruber, Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State
In her capacity, Dr. Gruber she engages with academic and private sector research communities to shape foreign policy and foster international collaboration in science and technology. Previously, she was the Director of Research at the Office of Naval Research, overseeing the Department of Navy’s fundamental research portfolio, initiating the Basic Science of Autonomy program, and coordinating education, outreach, and diversity efforts. Dr. Gruber also led international research collaboration at ONR Global and managed the Navy’s International Science Program, awarding over 200 grants annually. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Marine Physics from the University of Miami. Learn more about Dr. Gruber’s work here.
October 1 – Kickoff Plenary
Dr. Eric Nkansah, Director General, Ghana Education Services (GES)
Dr. Nkansah is a seasoned educator and policy maker with a strong focus on STEM education and educational transformation. He holds a PhD in Financial Economics from the University of Zululand, South Africa, and has extensive experience in teaching, banking, and academic leadership. Dr. Nkansah has contributed significantly to the formulation of educational policies in Ghana and has published widely in academic journals. He is passionate about leveraging education to drive national development and has been involved in various capacities, including as Chairman of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Ghana and a member of multiple educational boards. Learn more about Dr. Nkansah’s work here.
October 1 – Closing Plenary
Mike Dawson, Chief Executive Officer, Ustad Mobile
Mike Dawson is the CEO and co-founder of Ustad Mobile: an open-source offline-first learning management system that has been used in various countries by organizations including Voluntary Service Overseas, Dubai Cares, UNICEF, Save the Children, and others. He has been writing code for 24 years.
October 1 – Closing Plenary
Jim Plamondon, Chief Executive Officer, Spix Foundation
As a programmer, a writer, and a “Technical Evangelist” (his actual job title!), Jim focused on making it easy for people to adopt new technologies. After a decade-long career at Microsoft, he relocated to Busselton, Australia, where he and George Spix founded a community foundation that raised money to train high school students in computer repair and networking. Today, in the USA, Jim runs the Spix Foundation, which seeks to make it easy to use technology to solve problems in global education. See Jim about the Spix Foundation’s RESPECT (Resilient EdTech Standard Project for Educational Courseware and Technologies) initiative and their Class Of 2038 project at their Symposium booth and sessions.
October 2 – Interview Plenary Panel: AI and STEM Education and Other Emerging Technologies
Aanya Niaz, Global Education Equity Leader at Amazon Web Services
In her role, Aanya is spearheading the AWS Education Equity portfolio to democratize access to technology for underserved communities globally. With over 15 years of experience, she has made significant contributions, including developing Pakistan’s first English as a Foreign Language Curriculum for The Citizens Foundation, advising ministries of education on national policies with the OECD in France, and teaching students in the US with Teach For America and in South Africa with Raise the Children. Aanya holds a Master’s in Comparative and International Education from the University of Oxford and a BA in Foreign Affairs and Global Development from the University of Virginia. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for UKFIET.
October 2 – Interview Plenary Panel: AI and STEM Education and Other Emerging Technologies
Pat Yongpradit – Chief Academic Officer, Code.org
Pat serves as the CAO at Code.org and lead of TeachAI, a global initiative to guide education leaders in rethinking education in an age of AI. Before becoming a global voice for K-12 computer science and AI education, he taught for 13 years, inspiring students to create mobile games and apps for social causes and broadening participation in computer science among underrepresented groups. He was featured in the book, “American Teacher: Heroes in the Classroom,” and has been recognized as a Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Educator. Although Pat spends most of his time in policy conversations, he still finds ways to sneak into the classroom
October 2 – Interview Plenary Panel: AI and STEM Education and Other Emerging Technologies
Dr. Kenneth S. Ball, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University
Dean Ball has led the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason University since 2012, driving growth in research, enrollment, and program development, and boosting its national ranking. A prominent figure in engineering education, he chaired ASEE’s Engineering Dean’s Council and is internationally recognized for his research in computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer. He has chaired three international conferences, served on several journal editorial boards, and played a key role in program assessment and accreditation, particularly in the Middle East. Dr. Ball has secured over $20M in funding for projects in mechanical engineering, including thermal/fluid sciences and nuclear engineering. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from Drexel University and a B.S. from Lehigh University.
October 3 – Ministry of Education Panel
Mrs. Jacinta L. Akatsa (HSC), Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA)
In her role Mrs. Akatsa leads initiatives in teacher professional development in STEM education. She also serves as the Executive Secretary of SMASE-Africa, driving policy development in mathematics and science education across the continent. With over 30 years of experience in education, Mrs. Akatsa has held leadership roles as Chief Principal at renowned schools like Precious Blood and Maryhill Girls. She is a Biology education expert and an accomplished author of Biology course books with Longhorn Publishers. Her work focuses on enhancing teacher capacity and advancing quality education in Africa.
October 3 – Ministry of Education Panel
Dr. Benson Banda (PhD), Director of the National Science Center, Ministry of Education in Zambia
Dr. Benson Banda is the Director of the National Science Centre in Zambia and President of Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education in Africa (SMASE-Africa). With a PhD in Education Management, he has made significant contributions to STEM policy and practice across Africa. Banda’s work focuses on STEM education, curriculum development, and learning attainment. He designed the Knowledge Co-Creation Program, training over 700 educators, and led the creation of an award-winning Learning Management Platform for STEM education. His leadership in the Junior Engineers, Technicians, and Scientists (JETS) program has promoted youth innovation in STEM, earning him the JICA President’s Nobel Laureate Award in 2020.
October 3 – Ministry of Education Panel
Dr. Chomora Mikeka, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in the Ministry of Education – Malawi
October 3 – Closing Plenary Panel
Dr. Lwidiko Mhamilawa (MD, PhD) Co-founder, ProjeKt Inspire
Through his work, Dr. Mhamilawa focuses on introducing a child-centred, project-based learning approach to STEM education for primary and secondary students in Tanzania. He has launched two major science centers and served as the Next Einstein Forum Ambassador (2017/2019). Recognized with the Point of Light Award in 2020, Dr. Mhamilawa is also a seasoned academic and medical scientist specializing in malaria research.
October 3 – Closing Plenary Panel
James Cybulski (PhD), CEO, Foldscope
James co-founded Foldscope Instruments to create and distribute low-cost tools for scientific inquiry, including the Foldscope, an ultra-low-cost paper microscope designed for malaria diagnosis. He developed an automated assembly line at Stanford University, producing over 50,000 units distributed globally. James holds a BS in Physics and Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University, an MS from MIT, and paused his PhD at Stanford to co-found medical device startups. He has field-tested Foldscope in countries like India, Uganda, and Kenya and holds over a dozen patents. James continues to lead Foldscope Instruments as CEO, driving innovation to democratize access to scientific tools. His work is highly relevant to STEM education and global health initiatives.
