As chief scientist for the New York Hall of Science and adjunct professor at New York Tech, Stephen Uzzo develops and leads large-scale initiatives to integrate cutting-edge science and technology into teaching and learning, and teaches courses in STEM learning at New York Tech. He currently leads initiatives to build communities of practice and improve literacy of the public in complexity and data driven science and engineering. His dissemination activities include organizing international conferences and symposia and speaking at six to 10 major conferences per year. His background includes over 20 years of professional experience in teaching, learning, and research in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and prior to that, 10 years in video and computer graphics systems engineering. Uzzo’s research interests include complex networks, teaching and learning of data-driven STEM, and the impact of big data on teaching and learning; his research has been funded by the National Science Foundation and a variety of private foundations and corporations. He holds a terminal degree in network theory and environmental studies from the Union Institute and serves on a number of advisory boards for institutions related to his interests. Having never lived very far from the ocean in New York and California, Uzzo has also been a lifelong advocate for marine conservation.
Recent Projects/Research
- Connected Worlds, large-scale immersive exhibition on systems thinking and sustainability science. In collaboration with Columbia University and Design I-O.
- Computational Thinking in Environments, an open world simulation that introduces players to computational thinking and ecosystems ecology.
- Math and Science Teacher Education Residency Program. A large-scale project to study the impact of Pedagogical Content Knowledge on secondary STEM instruction. In collaboration with Hunter College, New Visions for Public Schools, and NYC Department of Education.
- Network Science in Education: global Initiative to build capacity for lifelong learning of complex networks. In collaboration with Binghamton University, USMA West Point, Oxford University and the Network Science Society.
- Hudson River Estuarium: a new cultural institution on the ecology of the Hudson River Estuary. In collaboration with Clarkson University and the Hudson River Park Trust.
Publications
- STEM Integration and 21st Century Learning: Bringing Authenticity to K-12 Teaching and Learning. Proceedings, Challenges for STEM Education in Brazil symposium, Brazilian Academy of Sciences, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In press.
- A Common Vision for Undergraduate Mathematical Sciences Programs in 2025. 2015. Washington, DC: Mathematical Association of America Press.
- What are essential concepts about networks? Journal of Complex Networks. 2015 Vol. 3 No. 4 Oxford: Oxford University Press. With: Cramer, C., Porter, M., Sayama, H., Sheetz, L.
- Complex Networks VI: Proceedings of the 6th Workshop on Complex Networks CompleNet 2015. In Series: Studies in Computational Intelligence, Vol. 597. With Mangioni, G., Simini, F., Wang, D. (Eds.)
- Report of a Workshop of Pedagogical Aspects of Computational Thinking. Washington, DC: Computer Science and Telecommunications Board, National Academies Press. 2011.
Honors and Awards
- 2011 Summit International Creative Award: NYSCI/New York City Dept. of Cultural Affairs: Photovoltaic Exhibit.
- 2016 Jackson Hole Science Media Award, Interactive Category: Connected Worlds.
Courses Taught at New York Tech
- EDSC 626 Math, Science and Technology in Education II.
- EDPC 664 Institute in Education: Art Integration to Deepen Interdisciplinary Learning.