Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University recently appointed Sibrina Collins as the director of the Institute for STEM Education, Outreach, and Workforce Development in the College of Education. In her new role, Collins will collaborate with Lincoln Consolidated Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools to prepare youth for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The STEM Ed Institute at EMU was established with a $10 million investment from Toyota's Driving Possibilities initiative. This five-year project aims to enhance STEM education in southeast Michigan. The Institute integrates applied research, outreach, and curricula under EMU's leadership and serves as a resource hub for Washtenaw and surrounding communities.

"Dr. Collins brings experience in the kind of engaged outreach, scholarship, and support that the College of Education values,” said Ryan Gildersleeve, dean of the College of Education. “Combined with her expertise in STEM ED, she is well-prepared to lead the community-driven STEM Education Institute in the EMU College of Education."

Collins has a distinguished background in STEM. She previously served as executive director of STEM Education in the College of Arts and Sciences at Lawrence Technological University and is an associate professor of Practice in Chemistry. Her work includes developing innovative curricula and encouraging youth to pursue STEM careers.

“I have spent my entire career encouraging young people to pursue a career in the STEM fields,” said Collins. “As educators, we must continue to develop new strategies and approaches to reach the next generation of STEM leaders. You must work within the community to achieve that goal.”

Collins emphasizes that effective partnerships are built on trust and sees these alliances as crucial for her role.

“It is also important for me to get directly involved with the surrounding community and build trust with the leaders in the community,” said Collins. “We have many long-term goals focused on curriculum development, increasing STEM awareness among students, and allowing students to earn STEM-related stackable credentials. I am energized to work with my new EMU colleagues, the school districts, the STEM Ed Institute team, and colleagues from Toyota.”

Collins received a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry with honors from Wayne State University in May 1994 and earned a doctorate degree in inorganic chemistry from Ohio State University in March 2000. She has held appointments at Lawrence Technological University, the University of Washington, the College of Wooster, Claflin University, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. She has published numerous scholarly articles and received various awards for her contributions to STEM.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is one of Michigan's oldest public universities serving more than 13,000 students across various disciplines through its multiple colleges.