UT Tyler partners with Argentina University on climate research

Tyler—The University of Texas at Tyler and the National University of Comahue in Neuquén, Argentina are partners in climate research through a U.S. Department of State 100K Strong in the Americas grant. The initiative aims to strengthen climate education through an interdisciplinary approach, exchange visits and a learning model based on open science projects.

UT Tyler hosted the Argentine delegation this week with several activities including a reception and panel discussion for UT Tyler STEM-focused faculty and students. The visit concludes with a field day involving University Academy – Tyler students and a tour of the UA – Tyler campus. UT Tyler’s delegation recently visited Argentina as part of the program.

“We are delighted to host our partner in this endeavor and to be a part of such a prestigious grant and research project,” said Dr. Pradeep “Max” Dass, UT Tyler College of Education and Psychology dean. “Our lead and co-lead investigators from the School of Education, Dr. Teresa Kennedy and Dr. Michael Odell, represent the college well, and we are thankful for their services.”

Kennedy and Odell, UT Tyler professors of STEM education, have served the university since 2009 and 2006, respectively. While their primary appointments are in the College of Education and Psychology, both collaborate with the College of Engineering on STEM education initiatives and teach content courses in the College of Arts and Sciences—Kennedy in oceanography and Odell in geology. Kennedy’s research and professional interests include biological and geological oceanography in relation to climate change, international comparative education, and brain research in relation to second language acquisition and bilingualism. Odell’s expertise includes STEM and engineering education, school improvement and education policy.

The funded project between the institutions leverages existing collaborations in climate education using NASA’s International GLOBE Program to develop Climate Action Projects, or CAPs, to better understand climate science. Professors and undergraduate and graduate students who participate in the in-person exchange program will develop a CAP using a learning model based on open science projects. Students will share their results at the Virtual International Science Symposium, the GLOBE Research and Education Repository, and online and in-person conferences and seminars.

The 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund is the public-private sector collaboration between the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassies, Partners of the Americas, corporations and foundations working together to stimulate new higher education partnerships between the United States and the rest of the Western Hemisphere.

Both institutions have been partners in science education since Kennedy visited the university in Argentina as a U.S. Fulbright Specialist in 2014. Kennedy has also collaborated on various environmental education projects with Professor Ana B. Prieto from the National University of Comahue since 2003, while serving as deputy director of the GLOBE Program at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) for NASA prior to joining UT Tyler.

“We are thrilled to deepen our collaboration with the National University of Comahue through this important climate initiative,” said Kennedy. “By engaging students and faculty across borders in meaningful research and climate action projects, we are fostering a global learning community that embraces open science. Together, we are not only enhancing climate literacy but also equipping the next generation to tackle environmental challenges with innovative solutions.”

The GLOBE Program is a hands-on, science and education program that unites students, teachers and scientists from around the world in study and research about the dynamics of the Earth's environment. Both Kennedy and Odell manage the university’s GLOBE program. The UT Tyler GLOBE Partnership trains GLOBE teachers across the state and facilitates GLOBE student research activities in Texas schools. For more information, visit uttyler.edu/academics/colleges-schools/education-psychology/departments/education/globe.php.

The mission of Partners of the Americas is to connect people and organizations across and within borders to serve and change lives through lasting partnerships. These partnerships create opportunity, foster understanding and solve real-life problems. For additional information, visit 100kstrongamericas.org.

SOURCE UT Tyler