CONNECTED CURRENTS
Navigating Uncertainty Together
STAN 2026 • Virtual Conference • February 24-26, 2026
Join us in February for three days of
professional development and networking opportunities.
In a world where change is the only constant, science educators and non-profit leaders are being called to adapt, innovate, and connect like never before. This year’s conference will focus on empowering the STEAM community to build resilient networks, share adaptive strategies, and foster meaningful collaboration in the face of uncertainty—grounded in the principles of change management to navigate transitions effectively and sustainably.
Connected Currents will bring together educators, program directors, community organizers, and advocates from across the STEAM landscape. Through interactive sessions and collaborative workshops, we’ll explore how to sustain engagement, promote equity, and maximize impact in a rapidly evolving world.
Join us online to exchange ideas, spark partnerships, and strengthen the collective current that drives science outreach forward.
Registration Information
Individual - $50.00
Group of 3 - $105
Student - $25
Group of 5 - $175
Questions? Contact us
Group of 10 - $295
Session Highlights
Practical Steps to Indigenize STEM Education
This session explores practical approaches to Indigenizing STEM education by blending Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to support relevance, equity, and engagement, drawing on global and local examples.
Speakers: Abiodun Ezekiel Adesina • Ifeoma Blessing Okafor • Glory Ure Nwankwo
Bridging the STEM Education Continuum
Equity through Work-Integrated Learning Experiences
This interactive panel explores how work-integrated learning can support career readiness while addressing systemic inequities faced by youth from equity-deserving groups. Speakers share practical models, partnership approaches, and lessons learned across education and community settings.
Speakers: Stephanie MacQuarrie • Sarah Afrouzi • Lisa Cole • Kevin Hewitt
Showing Change Clearly
A Beginner’s Guide to Data Visualization and Communicating Uncertainty
This hands-on workshop equips participants with practical tools to visualize change, explain uncertainty, and build trust. Designed for non-specialists, the session focuses on clarity, accessibility, and real-world application.
Speakers: Michelle Campbell Mekarski • Renée-Claude Goulet • Cassandra Marion
Breaking Barriers, Building Opportunities
Advancing South Asian Women in STEMM
This closing session blends national data with lived experience to examine systemic barriers facing South Asian women in STEMM—and to identify pathways toward meaningful, sustainable change.
Speakers: Roopali Chaudhary • Gayathri Shukla • Anjali Barak
Creating a Culture of Care in Non-Formal Learning Environments
This panel shares how botanical gardens function as living classrooms, connecting STEAM learning, biodiversity, and community action through collaborative, place-based design.
Speakers: Chantal Martin • Poh Tan • Dennis Chen • Hannah Dyck-Chan • Sangeeta Thomas
Do → Reflect → Explain → Connect
A Framework for Culturally Responsive STEM Learning
Participants will experience the DREC framework through an interactive activity that demonstrates how “doing first” strengthens engagement, reflection, and meaning-making. Developed through classroom practice in a northern First Nations school, this model is adaptable across disciplines and grade levels.
Speaker: Cameron A. Straughan
Thank you to our 2026 Conference Supporters
Call for Proposals - closed
Submission Deadline: October 27, 2025
Conference to be held on February 24-26, 2026
We’re now accepting proposals for interactive, engaging, and thought-provoking sessions for the 2026 STAN Virtual Conference.
🔍 What We’re Looking For - We welcome proposals that:
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Align with our conference theme and sub-themes
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Center equity, collaboration, and action
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Share practical tools or strategies
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Represent a range of voices and sectors
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Offer interactive or creative formats
Whether you’re proposing a panel, roundtable, workshop, fireside chat—or something new—we’d love to hear from you!
Submission Deadline: October 27, 2025
Review the full details, session themes, technical support, and proposal requirement by downloading the submission guidelines.
📩 How to Submit
Send your completed proposal to stanrsst@gmail.com by end-of-day October 27, 2025.
❓ Questions?
We’re here to help! Contact us at stanrsst@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to chat about your idea before submitting.
