Cottrell Scholars Collaborative
The Cottrell Scholars Collaborative, begun in 2011, is a cross-disciplinary network of members of the Cottrell Scholar community (Cottrell Scholars, Holland Award recipients, and Fulbright-Cottrell Scholars) who work in teams on projects with potential high impact to promote, develop, and implement the integration of transformative scientific discovery with teaching of science at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Through teamwork and in partnership with national initiatives, the CSC develops creative approaches to overcome traditional bottlenecks to excellence in science education.
Projects
New ideas for collaborative projects emerge from of discussions and collaborations formed at the annual Cottrell Scholar Conference. Each year, up to four teams receive CSC Awards of $25,000 for projects to change the culture of departments or institutions, or to connect teams with a national initiative related to improving science education. Only members of the Cottrell Scholar community attending the conference are eligible to apply for CSC Awards.
Awards
The lead Cottrell Scholar on each project is listed.
2025
A Cottrell Scholars Workshop: Teaching Critical Thinking (for STEM) in an AI World
- Lead: Claire Till, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
Re-imagining Community, Relationality, and Belonging for RCSA Scholars
- Lead: Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz, University of California, Santa Cruz
Introductory STEM the Cottrell Way
- Lead: Michael Dennin, University of California, Irvine
Connecting Science and People through Storytelling: A CS Writing Community to Develop, Preserve, and Broadcast Scientist Narratives
- Lead: Aurora Pribram-Jones, University of California, Merced
2024
Cottrell Lectureships: Seeding Speaker-Sharing Between R1s and Local PUIs
- Lead Cottrell Scholar: Matthew Caplan, Illinois State University
AI Research Coach – Cottrell Scholars Collaborative (ARC-CSC): Partnering with AI to Scale Up Access to Research Experience for Science Majors
- Lead Cottrell Scholar: Vera Gluscevic, University of Southern California
CottreLLM: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Student Learning in Computational Science Courses
- Lead Cottrell Scholar: Matthew Caplan, Illinois State University
2023
Academic Leadership Training (ALT) 2.0
- Rigoberto Hernandez, Johns Hopkins University
CONTOUR-A: Cross-Organizational Network for Tools to Optimize Undergraduate Research in Astronomy
- Rachel Bezanson, University of Pittsburgh
Hidden Figures in Physics and Astronomy: Highlighting Scientists from Marginalized Backgrounds in Course Lectures
- Javier Duarte, University of California, San Diego
Lead Better, Disrupt Barriers, and Have an Impact
- Jennifer Ross, Syracuse University
2022
Supporting Making to Align Research and Teaching (SMART): A Cottrell Collaborative
- Tim Atherton, Tufts University
Infusing Computational Science Concepts into STEM Courses through Multidisciplinary Instructor Collaborative Networks
- Davit Potoyan, Iowa State University
Lowering Activation Barriers to Success in PChem (LAB-SIP): Towards Better Access to Creative Practice for Students in a Re-envisioned and Re-invigorated Physical Chemistry Curriculum
- Casey Londergan, Haverford College
The Cottrell Astronomy Network: Collecting and Distributing Resources to Support Undergraduate Astronomy Student Success
- Jessica Werk, University of Washington
2021
Cottrell Scholar Collaborative as Bridge for National DEI Efforts
- Rory Waterman, University of Vermont
Art and the Creative STEM Classroom
- Elisabetta Matsumoto, Georgia Tech
A Cottrell Scholars Workshop on Authentic Grading in STEM and Holistic Evaluation of Students’ Performance
- Mario Affatigato, Coe College
2020
Moving the Dial: A Network for Systematic Change
- Rory Waterman, University of Vermont
Seeing is Believing: Enhancing the Visualization of Atoms, Molecules, and Materials Using Augmented and Virtual Reality
- Katherine Mirica, Dartmouth College
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Age of COVID-19: A New STEM Pipeline Model that Grows Undergraduate Research at Minority-serving Institutions via Collaboration, Personnel Exchange and Online Training
- Shane Ardo, University of California, Irvine
2019
Communicating Science: 12 Profound Scientific Breakthroughs
- Kathryn Haas, Saint Mary’s College
Establishing a Network for Effective Interventions in STEM Classrooms: Fanning the FLAMEs
- Tom Solomon, Bucknell University
The Cottrell Emerging Scholars Program: Enhancing the Successful Transition of Underrepresented Postdoctoral Scholars into the Professoriate
- Keivan Stassun, Vanderbilt University
Development of the “Enhancing Science Courses by Integrating Python (ESCIP)” Network
- Grace Stokes, Santa Clara University
2018
Development of a Faculty Empowerment Network for Tenure Track Faculty in Chemistry and Physics
- Amanda Wolfe, University of North Carolina at Asheville
Cottrell Scholars Collaborative (CSC) for a Science Communication Enabled Community
- Scott Shaw, University of Iowa
Catalyzing Joint Research Between Predominantly Undergraduate (PUI) and Research (R1) Institutions Through the Cottrell Scholars Collaborative
- Mario Affatigato, Coe College
Partnering with CUREnet and Professional Societies for Dissemination of CURE Curricula
- Rory Waterman, University of Vermont
2017
Teach Better Update
- Penny Beuning, Northeastern University
Training Faculty to Assist Students in Career Planning
- Adam Urbach, Trinity University
Learning to Build Authentic MSI/PWI Partnerships
- Lisa M. Manning, Syracuse University
Development of Practical Tools for an Inclusive STEM Learning Environment Based on Student Views and Recommendations
- Linda Columbus, University of Virginia
2016
Promoting Adoption of Research and Inquiry-Based Lab Curricula
- Rory Waterman, University of Vermont
Bridges to Germany: Junior Faculty Professional Development Workshop
- Carla Fröhlich, North Carolina State University
Teacher Scholar Ambassadors for PUI-R1 Partnerships
- Zach Schultz, Ohio State University
Academic Leadership Training
- Rigoberto Hernandez, Johns Hopkins University
2015
Diversity Survey and Policy
- Adam Leibovich, University of Pittsburgh
Getting a Job at a Research Intensive Primarily Undergraduate Institution
- Gina MacDonald, James Madison University
National Collegiate Scholastic Association, a Cottrell Scholars Collaborative
- Jeff Byers, Boston College
Implementing Effective Evaluation of Teaching and Learning in STEM
- Mike Dennin, University of California, Irvine
Mobilizing the Forgotten Army: Equipping TAs with Inquiry-Based Instruction Methods
- Jordan Gerton, University of Utah
Cottrell Scholar Collaborative New Faculty Workshop
- Rory Waterman, University of Vermont
2014
The Quantum Flip
- Andriy Nevidomskyy, Rice University
Academic Leadership Training
- Rigoberto Hernandez, Georgia Institute of Technology
3D-MoChI: Three-Dimensional Models for Chemistry Instruction
- Ognjen Miljanic, University of Houston
Cottrell Scholar Collaborative New Faculty Workshop
- Rory Waterman, University of Vermont
2012
Mobilizing the Forgotten Army: Equipping TAs with Inquiry-Based Instruction Methods
- Jordan Gerton, University of Utah
Effective Evaluation of Teaching and Learning (EETL) – Searching for New Approaches to R1 STEM Teaching Evaluation
- Stephen Bradforth, University of Southern California
Cottrell Comic Challenge Project (CCCP): A Pilot Program for Attracting and Developing Graphic Talent for a Novel Outreach Project
- Snezana Stanimirovic, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Cottrell Repository for Effective Science Teaching (CREST)
- Geoffrey Hutchison, University of Pittsburgh
2011
New Faculty Orientations to Support the Development of Research Scholars
- Rory Waterman, University of Vermont
Effective Practices in Learning and Pedagogy from Cottrell Scholars: A High Impact Text for Educational Leadership in the 21st Century
- Penny Beuning, Northeastern University
Cottrell Scholars Collaborative Think and Do Tank
- James D. Martin, North Carolina State University
Resources
Books, Articles and Resources
Hidden Figures in Physics and Astronomy Database
Inclusivity in Introductory STEM Courses: A Guide to Improving Student (and Instructor!) Mindsets. Lou Charkoudian, Carla Fröhlich, Mike Hildreth, Kerstin Perez, Shahir Rizk, Jennifer Ross, Tom Solomon, Kana Takematsu. With Mica Estrada, Chandralekha Singh, and Terrell Morton. Published by RCSA.
Teach Better, Save Time and Have Fun: A Guide to Teaching and Mentoring in Science. 2nd Edition. Penny J. Beuning, Dave Z. Besson, Scott A. Snyder, Nicola L.B. Pohl. Published by RCSA.
Galaxy Scouts comics and activity books for kids.
COMPASS Career Mentoring for Students
Expanding the CURE Model: Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience, edited by Jen Heemstra. Published by RCSA.
3D-Models for Chemistry Instruction can be found here:
Metals in Biological Systems (Libretext)
Collaborating with Undergraduates to Contribute to Biochemistry Community Resources, Kathryn L. Haas, Jennifer M. Heemstra, M.H. Medema, Louise K. Charkoudian, Biochemistry 2018, 57 (4), 383.
Searching for Better Approaches: Effective Evaluation of Teaching and Learning in STEM. Published by Research Corporation for Science Advancement. (In collaboration with AAU)
Aligning Practices to Policies: Changing the Culture to Recognize and Reward Teaching at Research Universities. Published by Research Corporation for Science Advancement. (In collaboration with AAU)
Meeting in the Middle to Achieve Sustained Change in the Quality of Undergraduate STEM Education, Stephen E. Bradforth, William R. Dichtel, Adam K. Leibovich, Andrew L. Feig, James D. Martin, Karen S. Bjorkman, Zachary Schultz, Emily R. Miller, and Tobin L. Smith, Nature 2015, 523, 282-284.
Aligning Practice to Policies: Changing the Culture to Recognize and Reward Teaching at Research Universities, M. Dennin, Z.D. Schultz, A. Feig, N. Finkelstein, A.F. Greenhoot, M. Hildreth, A.K. Leibovich, J.D. Martin, M.B. Moldwin, D.K. O’Dowd, L.A. Posey, T.L. Smith, and E.R. Miller. CBE Life Sci. Educ. 2017, 16:es5
Educational and Outreach Projects from the Cottrell Scholars Collaborative: Undergraduate and Graduate Education, edited by Rory Waterman and Andrew Feig, Volume 1, 2017, ACS Symposium Series 1248. Published by the ACS and Oxford University Press.
Educational and Outreach Projects from the Cottrell Scholars Collaborative: Professional Development and Outreach, Volume 2, 2017, edited by Rory Waterman and Andrew Feig, ACS Symposium Series 1259. Published by the ACS and Oxford University Press.
Cottrell Scholars Collaborative New Faculty Workshop: Professional Development for New Chemistry Faculty and Initial Assessment of its Efficacy, Lane A. Baker, Devasmita Chakraverty, Linda Columbus, Andrew L. Feig, William Jenks, Matthew Pilarz, Maryline Stains, Rory Waterman, and Jodi L. Wesemann, J.Chem.Educ. 2014, 91 (11), 1874-1881.
Boot Camp for Professors: Workshop for starting chemistry faculty focuses on developing teaching skills, Celia Henry Arnaud, Chemical and Engineering News 2012, 90 (36), 76.
ACS Hosts Academic Leadership Training Workshop, Linda Wang, Chemical and Engineering News 2017, 95 (13), 35.
Networks
Faculty Empowerment Network (FEN) for Tenure-Track Faculty in Chemistry and Physics
Lead Cottrell Scholars: Tim Kowalczyk, Michael Rose and Amanda Wolfe
FEN is aimed at connecting pre-tenured faculty with mentors outside of their institutions to increase both productivity and retention of young and underrepresented faculty. To join the network, contact Amanda Wolfe (University of North Carolina, Asheville).
Partnerships
Teacher Scholar Ambassadors for PUI-R1 and MSI-R1 Partnerships
Lead Cottrell Scholars: Mario Affatigato and Kathryn Haas
On-going program that gives small research grants to start collaborations. Each team must have at least one Cottrell Scholar, and the collaboration must be between a research university and either a primarily undergraduate institution or a minority serving institution. To apply for a partnership, go here. To see the directory of involved Cottrell Scholars, click here. To add your name to the directory (only Cottrell Scholars), fill out the directory form.
Learning to Build Authentic MSI/PWI Partnerships
Lead Cottrell Scholars: M. Lisa Manning and Jordan Gerton
Small research awards to promote collaborations between faculty at minority serving institution and primarily white institutions. Partnerships were formed after a MSI-PWI Partnerships Workshop. Co-sponsored with NSF.
