RUSTON, La. (KNOE) – Louisiana Tech University’s Diane Madden has been awarded more than half a million dollars to expand environmental education for students in grades K-8.

Madden is associate director of the Science and Technology Education Center (SciTEC) at LA Tech.

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine awarded $5.1 million to 12 projects.

Madden’s Project, Understanding Place: Students and Faculty Researching and Engaging Authentically (UP:STREAM), is an initiative that gives educators and students the tools to develop environmental skills and address issues in their communities.

“As an experienced earth and environmental science teacher, I have always emphasized the importance of caring for our environment and recognizing our interconnectedness,” Madden said. “My work with GEAR UP students during summer camps at Louisiana Tech reinforced this focus as we explored local environments through hands-on scientific investigations.”

The project hopes to have a lasting impact on students, teachers and the community as a whole.

“We aim to inspire schools and communities to become more environmentally friendly and aware of how their actions affect the environment,” said Madden. “Ideally, this will create a ripple effect, encouraging neighboring communities to adopt similar practices.”

UP:STREAM is also a collaborative effort, with Dr. George Noflin of Grambling State University leading environmental camps for local fifth graders.

“Partnering with other universities promises to make a significant difference in the lives of students, faculty and communities,” Madden added.

For more information about UP:STREAM and its initiatives, contact Diane Madden at [email protected].

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