Science for All Summit
From IDEA to Action
April 5-6, 2023
Friday Conference Center Chapel Hill, NC
On April 5-6, 2023, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will host the inaugural Science for All Summit at the Friday Conference Center in Chapel Hill, NC. The Summit is a community convening to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The theme of this year’s Summit is From IDEA to Action.
The purpose of the Summit is to engage educators, practitioners, researchers, thought leaders, and other change agents in conversation and knowledge building around emerging issues and innovative strategies related to advancing IDEA in STEM. Putting these ideals into practice requires an intentional focus on creating authentic and adaptive environments while simultaneously cultivating a community that collaborates, innovates, and implements promising practices shown to effect sustainable change. At the Summit, we will provide opportunities to share new research findings, exchange resources, discuss strategies, and demonstrate effective practices and interventions. Our ultimate goal is to move From IDEA to Action as a community in the coming year.
The program will include keynote addresses by Christopher Emdin, PhD, Chelsey Juarez, PhD, and Damilola Awofisayo as well as a private screening of Tales of the American South in Morehead’s fulldome theater. You can view the agenda here.
Dr. Christopher Emdin is the Robert A. Naslund Endowed Chair in Curriculum Theory and Professor of Education at the University of Southern California where he also serves as Director of Youth Engagement and Community Partnerships at the USC Race and Equity Center.
Dr. Chelsey Juarez is an associate professor in the Department of Anthropology at California State University Fresno. She is PI of the Fresno State Forensic Anthropology Laboratory and Director of the Central California Missing and Unidentified Cold Case Initiative.
Damilola Awofisayo is a student at Duke University, a Princeton Prize winner, and a 2021 Apple WWDC scholarship winner. As a first year Roberston Scholar, she plans to double major in computer science and public policy with a certificate in digital intelligence.
We regret that the Science for All Summit conflicts with the beginning of Passover. We recognize that this is a sacred time for some members of our community. We commit to scheduling future events with greater inclusivity and sensitivity to people of various faith traditions. Please contact Crystal Harden if you would like to share feedback with us.
We are grateful to the following individuals who are volunteering their time to serve on the Steering Committee.
Ashley Boyette
Learning Engagement Coordinator, Marbles Kids Museum
Rene Daughtry
President/Founder, Aisymmetry
Linda Dion, NBCT
High School Science Teacher, Holly Springs High School
Ariana Eily, PhD
Lecturer, Elon University
Sierra Gibbs
Program Administrator, we are
Atrayus Goode
President and CEO, Youth Mentoring Collaborative
Crystal Harden, EdD
Director of Program and Inclusion Initiatives, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Trudie Henninger
Education Outreach Manager, The North Carolina Arboretum
Tiffany Hinton, EdD
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer, Elizabeth City State University
Jamie Lathan, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Extended Learning, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Connie Locklear, EdD
Director of Indian Education, Public Schools of Robeson County
Priscilla Maynor, EdD
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, imaginED Partners LLC
Alfred Mays
Chief Diversity Officer and Strategist, Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Stephani Page, PhD
Director of Strategic Initiatives, WEPAN – Women in Engineering ProActive Network
Josmell Perez
Director, Carolina Latinx Center
Stephanie Ridley
Director of Advancement, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Keaundra Robinson
Equity Leadership and Strategy Coordinator, Durham Public Schools
Mark Townley
Assistant Director of Programs, Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership
Deanna Townsend-Smith, EdD
Senior Director, Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity
Megan Vinh, PhD
Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
Greear Webb
Class of 2023 Morehead-Cain Scholar, UNC-Chapel Hill
This two-day Summit will incorporate keynote presentations, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities to encourage conversation and knowledge building. You can view the agenda here and view a full list of speakers here. Please note the final schedule is subject to change.
Daily Schedule:
Wednesday, April 5, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Friday Conference Center
Wednesday, April 5, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Thursday, April 6, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm, Friday Conference Center
The registration fee includes 2 continental breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner as well as digital access to Summit resources including presenter slides and handouts. CEUs may be available for qualifying participants.
Registration Rates:
$75 student rate
$95 educator rate
$195 nonprofit and college/university rate
$295 corporate rate
You can request scholarship assistance by completing our brief scholarship application here prior to registering. You will be notified about your scholarship status within 2 business days.
Accommodations are the responsibility of individual participants.
A block of rooms has been held at the following properties:
Courtyard by Marriott
100 Marriott Way
Chapel Hill NC 27517
Conference rate: $169/night
Hampton Inn & Suites
6121 Farrington Road
Chapel Hill NC 27517
Conference rate: $139/night
The cutoff for reservations using the group discount is 5:00 pm on March 5, 2023.
Please download our flyer to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Presenting Sponsor
Summit Champions
Summit Allies
Summit Exhibitors
I am interested in submitting a proposal. How long will the sessions last and how many people will participate? Plenary sessions will be 45 minutes with approximately 20-40 participants depending on the level of interest in the topic.
Are there scholarships available to ensure the Summit is accessible and inclusive? Yes! Please complete our brief scholarship application here prior to registering. You will be notified about your scholarship status within 2 business days.
Please contact scienceforallsummit@unc.edu with general inquiries.
Please contact Stephanie Ridley to discuss sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.