Advancing Interdisciplinary Undergraduate STEM Education for Increased Workforce Preparation

Dr. Galina Reitz is the Faculty Program Director for the BSIS at the Universities at Shady Grove. Dr. Reitz joined the iSchool after 12 years as a faculty member and administrator at UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County).  Dr. Reitz has presented her research at venues around the country and internationally, as well as consulted with technology companies on the design of new devices for older persons. Dr. Reitz has published on various topics including Voice Technology in Supporting Older persons with cognitive impairments, Person-Centered Technology and Quality of Life, Narratives of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Supporting Caregivers and Care Recipients after the Onset of Cognitive Impairment with Home Based Technology.  Most recently Dr. Reitz was awarded a three-year NSF Grant to explore Negotiating Cyber Systems Access for Older Adults with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder. In addition to research Dr. Reitz is focused on the development and continuous enhancement of all aspects of academic programming and continuing to establish community partnerships that support career pathways for students.

Lola Rodríguez-Vargas, Ph.D., is a Boricua from Jayuya, Puerto Rico and scholar-practitioner of Higher Education. Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Microbiology a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University. As a practitioner her work focuses on Latinx student success, STEM student success, community college success practices, community outreach, and academic affairs and research. As a scholar her work includes expanding the knowledge on power hierarchies and the influence of coloniality in Boricua higher education.