The Place-based speakers for the SABER 2025 Annual Meeting are distinguished educators Dr. Gillian Roehrig, Professor of STEM Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota, and Dr. Tom Meagher, Science Instructor and STEAM Coordinator for the Owatonna Public School system in Owatonna, MN.

Dr. Roehrig holds degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics, and Teaching and Teacher Education (Science Education). A former President of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, she has led numerous federally funded projects focused on STEM curriculum development and the impacts of professional learning experiences on teacher knowledge, beliefs, and instructional practices.

Dr. Meagher holds degrees in Biology and Biology Education, and completed graduate work in Science Education at the University of Minnesota. He has taught science in Arizona, Montana, and Minnesota, including at the Navajo Reservation Tribal School and Nay Ah Shing Tribal School. In his current role as STEAM Coordinator, he provides professional learning opportunities, instructional coaching, and curricular support for K–8 educators, with a particular interest in mentoring early-career teachers in the design and implementation of inquiry-based curricula.

During this interactive panel discussion, Drs. Roehrig and Meagher will share their experiences working with local STEM students and teachers and begin a dialogue about how the SABER community might forge beneficial connections with STEM educators in the communities where we work (or visit for meetings?).

Read more about SABER's Place-Based Initiative here...