J Adam Scribner

Dr. J. Adam Scribner bridges theory to practice to develop transformative STEM teaching and learning experiences designed to foster the next generation of scientists, engineers, creators, and innovators. In his current role, over the last seven years, he has served as principal investigator or co-principal investigator of 33 grant-funded projects totaling more than $4.9M to advance STEM education in Indiana and beyond. This includes projects pertaining to cancer research, artificial intelligence, underwater robotics, and climate engineering as well as international collaborative projects in Ankara, Bangkok, Berlin, and the Galapagos Islands.

Dr. Scribner currently serves as principal investigator of: (1) Educating for Environmental Change, a project that helps educators teach the science and policy of climate change; (2) Synergy in Science: Bridging Classrooms and Laboratories, a project that partners IU scientists and high school science teachers to co-design STEM lessons; and (3) Initiative for Mentoring, Professional Advancement and Career Tenure (IMPACT), an AmeriCorps project that places IU undergraduate and graduate students in informal learning environments to facilitate STEM education programs. In addition, Dr. Scribner serves as key personnel on the Medical Research Education Project in partnership with the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as the Pathways to Chemistry project, in partnership with the IU Chemistry Department.

Dr. Scribner’s previous projects include serving as co-principal investigator of PrimaryAI, a National Science Foundation (NSF) project aimed at teaching students about artificial intelligence and computer science through problem-based science lessons (NSF grant number 1934128). He also helped develop a curriculum for middle and high school students to design, build, and program underwater robots (NSF grant number 0929674) and provided professional development and coaching for science teachers to improve their physical science content and pedagogical knowledge (NSF grant number 0962772). Other previous projects include ISTEAM, Integrating Art into STEM, a project that brought together art and STEM teachers to explore connections and engage students in creative and innovative pursuits, and the Baxter Online STEM Student Challenges, a program that tasked high school students with solving Baxter Biopharma Solutions’ most vexing challenges.

He has presented at numerous national and regional conferences including ASEE, NSTA, and ITEEA and serves on the Board of Directors for the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Inc. (HASTI). Before joining IU, Dr. Scribner was the Manager of STEM Outreach for the Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) at Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ). A certified biology teacher, he taught in Montclair, NJ for 13 years prior to joining CIESE.