Charlene Griesner and Jared Savage

Griesner’s and Savage’s innovative teaching idea, “AG-STEM Learning Lab,” is focused on helping enhance educational opportunities for students by combining agriculture and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) principles. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there is a growing demand for high-skilled, agriculture-related jobs. This program will provide a working environment where students can learn in formal and informal settings — integrating the outside farm with the Ag-STEM Learning Lab. Students will have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to learn how to meet the demands of the global economy. Specifically, students will use digital tools like graphing and analysis software, digital microscopes and 3D printers to design, construct, manage and maintain the outside farm.