David Stroupe Named Director of the U Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME)

The University of Utah College of Education and College of Science have announced David Stroupe’s appointment as director of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME), a program based in the College of Science that works to enhance K-12 math and science instruction, undergraduate support and increase access that promotes success in science and mathematics for K-12 and undergraduate students.

Stroupe, interim associate dean for research and professor of educational psychology in the College of Education, will lead the center under this inter-college partnership, with a focus on improving graduation and job placement. The center also aims to support positive outcomes at the U and in classrooms across the state.  

Stroupe's appointment is enthusiastically and jointly supported by College of Science Interim Dean Pearl Sandick and College of Education Dean Frankie Santos Laanan.

"In partnership with the College of Education, I’m very happy to bring David Stroupe on board as Director of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education," said College of Science Interim Dean Pearl Sandick. "David’s leadership arrives at a pivotal moment, as STEM education undergoes rapid transformation to meet shifting societal demands and address the evolving technological landscape. I look forward to fruitful collaboration as we work together, with partners on campus and beyond, to promote student success in science and mathematics from K-12 through college."

“The CSME has long stood at the intersection of research, teaching, and public engagement—where ideas meet action,” said Dean Laanan. “Dr. Stroupe brings a mix of scholarly rigor and visionary leadership. His recent election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science is a testament to his national impact in science education. The College of Education and the College of Science are poised to impact AI literacy across the state, and Dr. Stroupe’s appointment signals a bold step forward in how we prepare educators, empower instructors, and inspire the next generation of STEM learners across Utah.”

As director, Stroupe will focus on growing and supporting STEM education research across campus, including facilitating interdisciplinary grant proposals and connecting collaborators from various academic units. He will also lead efforts to support K–12 STEM education in Utah by working with internal and external stakeholders to develop programming, maintain a portfolio of initiatives for science and mathematics teachers, and implement new programs that address local and statewide needs.

During the 2025-2026 academic year, the CSME, under Stroupe’s leadership, will place special emphasis on examining AI in STEM education. This initiative will leverage existing programs such as the Hugo Rossi Lecture Series and CSME Exchanges to bring national experts to campus and to engage faculty in meaningful dialogue. The CSME will play a key role in supporting science and mathematics instructors across campus in identifying and adopting effective practices in the age of AI.

“I am thrilled to build on the rich history of CSME and to foster strong relationships between STEM faculty and educators,” Stroupe said. “We have a unique opportunity to work across colleges and provide students with outstanding learning opportunities, to support K-12 teachers across the state to enact ambitious instruction, and to advocate for the importance of STEM education with policymakers. The inter-college partnership showcases how the University of Utah is a leader of interdisciplinary collaborations aimed at supporting the success of all learners.”

Stroupe will kick off his first CSME Exchange on September 22 with Rebekah Cummings, Digital Matters Director for the U, with a faculty presentation on AI in the classroom.