Varma, colleagues awarded NSF grant to understand the formation and evolution of the Lake Superior basin
Keisha Varma, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Educational Psychology’s psychological foundations of education program, is part of an interdisciplinary team of experts who have been awarded a $2.8 million dollar National Science Foundation (NSF) Frontier Research in Earth Sciences grant to understand the formation and evolution of the Lake Superior basin.
Dr. Varma, co-principal investigator on the grant, will bring a learning sciences lens to the project as she studies the researchers at work in the field. She will also focus on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) issues and culturally responsive approaches to STEM research.
The geosciences are one of the least racially diverse STEM fields. While geoscientists often credit their experiences and friendships in the field as foundational to their vocation and success, these experiences can also close the door to individuals who have not had the opportunity, money, or equipment to explore nature.
Dr. Varma will take a critical look at field work, building recommendations to include and engage a broader community of researchers and to help educators to provide positive experiences for the full and diverse community of students.