Metropolitan State University of Denver and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will renew a joint effort to enhance education and recruitment of diverse students for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers in Colorado. 

Roadrunners are invited to attend a celebration on Wednesday that includes a memorandum of understanding signing to formalize the extension of the successful STEM education partnership.

The renewed MOU will increase cooperation between MSU Denver and the EPA in areas such as enhanced research, teaching, outreach and career development. The two organizations will also focus on stewardship in environmental, physical and life sciences, as well as engineering, business, public health and communications.

The partnership will result in:

  • Student internships and employment preparation 
  • Career fairs and outreach events 
  • Support for STEM, environmental studies and other disciplines relevant to EPA’s mission 
  • Collaboration on research of joint interest 
  • Support for MSU Denver affinity group activities 

Wednesday’s event will include brief remarks by key leaders and recognition of the program’s successes. 

Signing ceremony details:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 6 
  • 8-8:45 a.m. 
  • MSU Denver, Jordan Student Success Building Patio and Square 
  • No registration necessary 

Attendees will include:

  • Marie Mora, Ph.D., MSU Denver provost ad interim 
  • John Masserini, DMA, dean of the MSU Denver College of Letters, Arts and Sciences 
  • Hsiu-Ping Liu, Ph.D., MSU Denver Biology professor and director of the Center for Advanced STEM Education  
  • KC Becker, EPA regional administrator 
  • Jesse Newland, EPA environmental scientist and MSU Denver alumnus 
  • Jason Morris, EPA student trainee and MSU Denver student 

Success to date

The two entities initially signed a commitment in 2018 to support education in STEM, environmental studies and related disciplines and to increase cooperation in research, outreach, career development and stewardship. 

Thus far, the partnership has allowed MSU Denver students to present their research to EPA scientists and staff, providing valuable learning and networking opportunities. EPA scientists and other employees have also served as visiting experts in the classroom, at summer STEM camps and at events designed to engage minority students, offering students a chance to see what it is like to work for the EPA, how to search and apply for jobs via the USA job site and what to include in a resume. Two MSU Denver students have also become trainees in the Student Pathway Program.