Submitted by Jennifer Stark

The 38th annual meeting of the Southeast region was held at Florida International University in Miami, Florida on October 6-8, 2023. Dr. Joshua Ellis, currently at Louisiana State University, organized and hosted the meeting. This year’s conference theme, “Science Education: Learning at the Crossroads of Science, Society, and Students,” was chosen to reflect the challenges and opportunities faced by science teacher educators as educational issues move toward the center of the national spotlight, particularly for members of our region. Participants shared their research and advice from the trenches in 28 virtual and in-person presentations.

Dr. Malcolm Butler (University of North Carolina-Charlotte) delivered a very timely keynote address, “Navigating Food Deserts in Science Teacher Education: Finding Nourishment for Our
Family, Profession, and Souls.” Following the meeting, one of our members wrote, “Thank you for your words of wisdom. As a graduate student and an individual who wears multiple hats, I find it challenging to navigate through life’s ‘food desert.’ I am grateful for your acknowledgment of self-care.”

During the business meeting, Dr. Natalie King (Georgia State University) was selected as the President-Elect. Additionally, Dr. Shana Lee (Mississippi State University) was recognized for her service to the organization with the Past-President award.

Dr. Rachel Gisewhite, incoming President, will host next year’s meeting at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. We hope to see you there!

Dr. Malcolm Butler delivering the keynote address

Dr. Shana Lee receiving the Past-President Award from Dr. Joshua Ellis