Student Success & Undergraduate Affairs Update
Don’t Ghost Your Mental Health
On October 28, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics hosted the “Don’t Ghost Your Mental Health” event in SR1, led by the NSM Embedded CAPS Counselor. This interactive outreach initiative promoted mental health awareness among students through a tabling session where participants completed a depression screener, met the college’s embedded clinician, and received festive “Boo Bags” filled with mental health resources, CAPS contact information, and grounding tools for mood management.
More than 100 students engaged with the clinician, learned about CAPS services, and discussed strategies for supporting their mental health. The event successfully combined seasonal fun with education and connection—reinforcing the message: “Know Science, No Stigma!”
Summer Scholars Academy and Scholar Enrichment Program Attend Compudopt Impact of a Million Luncheon
On November 6, staff from the NSM Summer Scholars Academy and the Scholar Enrichment Program (SEP) attended the Compudopt Impact of a Million Luncheon as guests of TC Energy. Compudopt, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding technology access and education for underserved youth, celebrated its milestone of transforming one million lives through its programs.
Ashley Askew, Eduardo Cerna, and Lauryn Rutherford represented NSM at the event, where they heard powerful stories about the life-changing impact of digital access and literacy.
NSM STEM Living Learning Community Hosts Financial Literacy Event
On November 5, the NSM STEM Living Learning Community participated in a Financial Literacy Session featuring Daniel Garza from TDECU and Dr. Donna Pattison, Associate Dean for Curriculum, Instruction, and Career Development. Garza discussed topics such as savings and checking accounts, credit use, and budgeting, while Pattison provided insight into long-term savings and investment plans. The session helped students build a stronger understanding of financial literacy and its importance for future planning.
NSM Staff and Faculty Attend Texas Conference on Student Success
From October 29–31, NSM faculty and staff attended the Texas Conference on Student Success at the University of Texas at Austin. The conference provided higher education professionals with opportunities to share best practices, network, and collaborate on strategies to enhance student achievement.
Eduardo Cerna, Director of the Scholar Enrichment Program, and Dr. Donna Pattison, Associate Dean for Curriculum, Instruction, and Career Development, presented “Peer Facilitators: Comparison of Two Different Models in STEM,” highlighting the structure and outcomes of the SEP and PEERS recitation programs. Their presentation generated thoughtful discussion on mandatory attendance policies and their positive impact on student success.
Other NSM attendees included Ashley Askew, Director of the Summer Scholars Academy, and Dr. Donna Stokes, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs and Student Success.
Special Programs Update
Day of Discovery with Grantham Academy
On October 17, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics hosted 40 eighth graders from Grantham Academy for a Day of Discovery on campus. Students participated in hands-on STEM activities, including strawberry DNA extraction with Judith Segovia Esparza and members of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), explored superconductivity at the Texas Center for Superconductivity at UH (TcSUH) with Dr. Karoline Muellner, and learned about astronomy at the UH Observatory with the UH Astronomy Society.
The event provided middle school students with an engaging introduction to scientific exploration and the academic opportunities available within NSM.
Office of First Year Programs Update
Recruitment, Transition and Retention
TACRAO College Fairs
On October 7, OFYP professional staff and three Student Leadership Team members represented the College at the Lamar CISD College, Career, and Military Readiness Night.
On October 8, OFYP professional staff and three Student Leadership Team members participated in the Katy ISD College & Career Fair, connecting with prospective students and families interested in NSM programs and opportunities.
Cougar Preview
On Saturday, October 11, one OFYP professional and 13 Student Leadership Team members represented NSM at the UH Cougar Preview open house for prospective students and guests. The College hosted an academic information session highlighting NSM’s mission, departments, student resources, and signature experiences, followed by a tour of college facilities.
Student Engagement Data
OFYP is currently reviewing preliminary FTIC 2025 Cohort engagement data to support a retention campaign in collaboration with the UH Retention, Graduation, and Initiatives Office. This analysis will help guide targeted outreach to strengthen student engagement and persistence within NSM.
Student Leadership Team (SLT) Update
Study Nights
On October 15, an OFYP professional staff member, a Scholar Enrichment Program (SEP) embedded tutor, and 10 Student Leadership Team members facilitated a Calculus I Study Night attended by approximately 50 students. The session provided collaborative support and study strategies to help students strengthen their academic skills.
Volunteering at Cougar Cupboard
On October 10, an OFYP professional, six SLT members, and four first-year students volunteered at Cougar Cupboard. The event gave first-year and first-year-transfer students in NSM an opportunity to connect with peers and build community through service. Participation also fulfills a requirement for students pursuing the Dean’s First-Year Excellence Award.
Peer Mentorship Program Social
On October 16, the SLT hosted its second Peer Mentorship Social, themed “Slime & Karaoke.” An OFYP professional, SLT members, and 19 first-year students attended the fun-filled event, which encouraged social connection and community among mentors and mentees.
teachHOUSTON Updates
Awards and Recognition
In October, teachHOUSTON received a $100,000 grant from CenterPoint Energy to support next summer’s New Teacher Academy + Professional Development Conference. This three-day experience is designed to empower early-career educators as they transition into the classroom. Through interactive workshops, participants engage in sessions focused on classroom management, inquiry-based lesson planning, educational technology, and developing content-rich instructional strategies.
Pre-Service and In-Service Teacher Professional Development
October 4 - Monthly Professional Development Day
teachHOUSTON hosted its monthly professional development session with Dr. Roxanne Moore from Georgia Tech University. The session provided follow-up on the Engineering Design Process lessons developed by STEM-Lead Master Teacher Fellows (MTFs). The STEM-Lead program, funded by a $2.99 million National Science Foundation grant, supports 15 MTFs over five years in culturally responsive classroom management, induction, and mentoring. The program is led by Dr. Paige Evans (PI), with Drs. Jerrod Henderson, Virginia Snodgrass-Rangel, Karen McIntush, and Ramona Mateer, and Amanda Campos as co-investigators.
October 16 - Mock Interviews for Pre-Service Teachers
Students in the teachHOUSTON Seminar course participated in mock interviews with human resources professionals, principals, and assistant principals from partner school districts across Greater Houston. The experience helped students strengthen professional communication skills, gain feedback, and prepare for upcoming district career fairs and future STEM teaching positions.
October 17 - Teacher Interest Group (TIG) Session
teachHOUSTON hosted a Teacher Interest Group (TIG) facilitated by Dr. Karla Adelina Garza as part of the UH-ACCESS NSF grant program. The session featured Mrs. Johnnie Brow from Prairie View A&M University, who led “First Year, First Impact: Building on Family Partnerships from Day One.” The interactive workshop focused on family engagement strategies for new teachers. The UH-ACCESS program, supported by a $1.2 million NSF grant, is in its fifth year and led by Drs. Paige Evans, Donna Stokes, Jaspal Subhlok, and Weihang Zhu.
October 24 - Induction Social
teachHOUSTON hosted an Induction Social celebrating STEM-Lead Master Teacher Fellows, Induction Specialists, and classroom educators across the Greater Houston area. The event fostered networking, collaboration, and community building among new and experienced teachers. Attendees enjoyed refreshments and classroom door prizes in recognition of their continued dedication to STEM education.