Scots Science Scholars

08/26/2026

We are very excited to kick off our first STEM event of the semester with Dr. Joseph L. Goins' presentation "Relevance Is the Multiplier: Why STEM Decides Our Future." This presentation will be held on Tuesday from 12:30-1:30 in the PDR.

Dr. Joseph L. Goins began his career as a vocational educator in Tennessee, where he helped develop foundational skills programming for the Tennessee Board of Regents system. His early work included developing occupational profiles for a statewide work-readiness credential serving Tennessee’s 26 technical colleges and 14 community colleges. He also created a statewide basic skills and mathematics curriculum that connected academic learning to career pathways and was adapted across multiple technical education programs. In recognition of his teaching and leadership, Dr. Goins was nominated for Teacher of the Year within the Tennessee Board of Regents system in 1995.

His work centers on helping educators use research, technology, and labor market information to strengthen mathematics and STEM instruction, improve student engagement, and connect classroom learning with meaningful education and career opportunities.

Dr. Goins currently serves as CEO of Pathway2Careers, an education research and development company committed to bridging the gap between education and industry. Under his leadership, the organization developed a comprehensive career-connected learning model that integrates localized labor market data, career exploration, mathematics and STEM education, curriculum resources, and educator professional learning. He works with state agencies, school districts, educators, workforce organizations, government leaders, and industry partners to design solutions responsive to the unique needs of their students and communities.

Dr. Goins earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Berea College, a Master of Science in Administration and Supervision from the University of Tennessee, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University.

08/11/2026

We wrapped up an incredible summer with our Science Summer Presentations! Our Scot Science Scholars had the opportunity to share what they learned through the labs, field trips, and experiences that made this summer experience so memorable.

We are so proud of our scholars and all they accomplished this summer, and we are excited to officially welcome them into the Maryville College family!

A special thank-you to all of the professors who guided our scholars through their labs, Maryville College for making this program possible, and Dr. Coker for supporting our scholars during their presentations!

From science and discovery to teamwork and new experiences, this summer experience was one to remember. We can't wait to see where our scholars go next!!

08/11/2026

Today is the annual last day and presentations for this year's cohort! Presentations start this morning at 9:00 a.m. EST. Click the Zoom link below to watch!

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08/10/2026

Our Scots Science Scholars spent the day in the field with the Little River Project, collecting water samples to test for E. coli, practicing kick-netting, and then returning to the lab to sort for aquatic insects!

08/08/2026

Our Scots Science Scholars took probability to the next level! They explored more challenging probability concepts and learned how probabilities change over time.

08/07/2026

Our Scots Science Scholars headed into the Maryville College woods with Dr. Unger to hunt for turtles! They learned how scientists track turtles and use them to support important research.

08/07/2026

Exploring STEM in the real world! Our Scots Science Scholars enjoyed touring Beehive Industries and learning about the technology and innovation shaping the future of manufacturing. A huge thank you to Beehive Industries for providing this opportunity!

08/07/2026

A day on the water! Our Scots Science Scholars enjoyed a kayaking adventure and had the unique opportunity to travel through the lock at Fort Loudoun Dam.

08/06/2026

Our Scots Science Scholars explored the math behind invasive species through probability and bond percolation simulations! They discovered how math can help model real-world environmental challenges through coin-flipping activities and analyzing data in Excel.

08/05/2026

Our Scots Science Scholars got a closer look at the microscopic world! From learning microscope basics and reviewing the cell cycle to observing Schizosaccharomyces pombe using both light and fluorescence microscopes, they explored biology from a whole new perspective.