aerial view of Western's campus at night facing northwest, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

The 2026 Slesnick STEM Education Symposium set for Friday, May 8

Western Washington University students, staff, and faculty are invited to attend the 2026 Irwin L. Slesnick STEM Education Symposium on Friday, May 8 for a day of learning, reflection, and connection centered on this year’s theme: Belonging in STEM. The event welcomes participants to drop into individual sessions or stay for the full day of programming.

This year’s event will feature a keynote address and interactive workshop sessions led by guest facilitators, including Dr. Zakiya S. Wilson-Kennedy, who will guide participants through strategies for designing learning environments that foster belonging.  Additional featured speakers include Matteo Tamburini, Mathematician from Northwest Indian College, and Kayshish Pichette-Cline, an enrolled member of the Lummi Nation and Western student, whose work centers community, identity, and access in STEM learning.

The symposium will also include a student panel, offering firsthand perspectives on belonging in STEM at WWU, as well as faculty talks highlighting current efforts, challenges, and successes in creating more inclusive classrooms and programs. Attendees can expect engaging conversations, practical tools, and opportunities to connect across disciplines.

The annual symposium honors the legacy of Dr. Irwin L. Slesnick, a longtime biology faculty member whose 33-year career at Western left a lasting impact on science education and teacher preparation. His vision helped shape the Science Education Building and led to the creation of the SMATE program, which continues his commitment to improving STEM teaching and learning. This symposium carries that work forward by bringing the campus community together to explore how inclusive practices can strengthen STEM education.

Whether you attend for a single session or the entire day, all are encouraged to participate and contribute to this important dialogue.

Please RSVP and view the full schedule here:
Register for the 2026 Slesnick Symposium today!

Join us in continuing Dr. Slesnick’s legacy by building a more inclusive and supportive STEM community at WWU.