LANSING — State Representative Leslie Love (D-Detroit) was appointed by Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter (R-Mt. Pleasant) to serve on the Michigan STEM Advisory Council, which provides recommendations on how to increase the state’s focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum through increased legislative dialogue.
In addition to over 20 years of experience creating interdisciplinary arts-infused education programs, and holding a Master of Fine Arts, the representative has 12 years’ experience in higher education, and spoke of her excitement about using the arts and creativity to attract underrepresented students to STEM programs.
“We can be better engineers by learning to think artistically, and we can reengage artists with science by letting them see how STEM fields can be viewed through artistic lenses,” said Rep. Love. “It is infinitely more exciting, especially in an increasingly interdisciplinary and digital world.”
The advisory council recently submitted a proposal for programs to be implemented across the state. The report, released at the beginning of March, points out Michigan’s current strengths in STEM education areas, as well as needed improvements. In addition to a briefing on the success of the MiSTEM program, the report discussed grant access, best practices, professional development and creating quality measurements for success.
“There are few better places in the country for STEM programs than right here in Michigan,” said Rep. Love. “A large portion of our country’s automotive research and technology development happens here. We have some of the best public universities in the world, including the largest public research university nationwide. It only makes sense that we would want our K-12 students focused on the future, and STEM education is going to play a large role in that.”