For Competency 6 in EDCI 52002, skills for Investigating Career Interests and Professions was explored to determine relevance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields. I believe the MSEd in C&I (curriculum & instruction) Integrated STEM concentration will assist me in transitioning into chemistry and help me expand on the skill set I've acquired working in various areas of science. The field of chemistry is critical in life applications that help maintain and advance technology, medicine, food development, and other factors. Research founded on discoveries made helps to influence the impact society has on the environment and how citizens are best served. Science in general requires an inquisitive nature to answer questions, solve issues, and develop preventative methods that ensure the betterment of society. The focus of STEM education results in an educated population that is progressive and equipped to compete in future global markets.

 

The MSEd Program is beneficial in encouraging me to gain a STEM-focused mindset in terms of growth in knowledge and career advancement. The C&I major also: builds leadership skills, fosters collaborative efforts, reinforces independent studies, and inspires a higher order of thinking in terms of learning and teaching and provides the tools necessary for application. A Chemist position will enable me to provide quality services to surrounding communities and be accountable to the environment. There is a range of different branches I’m particularly interested in such as toxicology/pharmacology, forensics, and water chemistry. The study of  STEM strengthens my interest in laboratory-based research and analysis. In developing Information and Technology Literacy for EDCI 52002 Competency 6 a Screencast was created and submitted. The video shared pertinent resources for attaining knowledge on prospective professions and affiliated organizations. The sources listed provide clarity on potential careers.

 

Referencing the U.S. Department of Labor, Asunda (2012), asserts technical occupations require knowledge of scientific, engineering, and mathematical theories, principles, and techniques that enable individuals to understand how and why a specific device or system operates (p.44). Society has transitioned from an economy based on commodities and manual labor to an economy based on knowledge and highly qualified human capital (van Laar, p.1,  2020). To maintain a competitive edge workers must be proficient in skills, and capable of adapting to the needs of a technologically advancing workforce. Increasing productivity in the global marketplace results in a heightened need for information and technology advancements. Van Laar et al., (2020) presented a Theoretical Background for digital literacy skills indicated to be significant for 21st-century students and the workforce. The list includes: 1). Technical,  2). Information, 3). Communication 4). Collaboration, 5). Critical thinking, 6). Creativity and  7). Problem-solving proficiency. 

 

Chemists must exhibit mastery in multi-disciplinary knowledge. To be effective in their careers they must also be resourceful in analytical, reasoning, research, investigative, and laboratory skills. Information literacy and technology are essential to the role of a Chemist because it require experience in “computer modeling, data analysis, and digital mapping” (American Chemical Society, (2023).  Asunda (2012) acknowledges that Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs once considered the staple of  “workforce preparation” are needed because they incorporate STEM enrichment vital to a technologically progressing society (p.44).  A course of action necessitates that information literacy education focus on three key factors consisting of information literacy for citizenship, economic growth, and employability (Johnston & Webber 2005).

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Disadvantages that I believe to be relevant to working as a Water Chemist would be not realizing that the role requires possessing STEM literacy. They work in a variety of sectors including private, governmental, and/or environmental agencies. Water Chemists analyze and protect the quality of drinking water and the systems equipment used to treat and purify it. Performing benchwork and reviewing data that renders information pertinent to making engineering and technology-based decisions is also relevant to Integrated STEM practices.

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The American Chemical Society (2023) lists typical job duties of a Water Chemist including:

 

• Ensuring that water processed at filtration plants is safe.

• Evaluating ecosystems by collecting samples; and monitoring the condition of streams, lakes, and other bodies of water over time.

• Analyzing data to review trends and make projections.

• Reviewing and evaluating data and making recommendations for regulations and policy.

• Studying groundwater that has been contaminated by crude oil or gasoline leaks.

• Monitoring radioactive elements in groundwater and water flow in aquifers.

• Investigating surface, watershed, and regional water contamination (research hydrologists).

• Developing processes to remove contaminants from water (water remediation).
   

One of the most important aspects of working in the field of water chemistry enables me to participate in serving surrounding communities by becoming highly skilled and trained in the areas of water treatment, processing, and facility maintenance through continued education courses and successive certification/ licensing. This is pertinent to maintaining ethical standards related to the practice, reporting of data, and mitigating of water quality issues to prevent the disasters similar to that occurring in Flint, Michigan. The significance of possessing the ability to understand and relay information continuously in the current and future digital world is relative to the rise of productivity in the global economy. There is a growing necessity for all citizens to develop prowess in information and technology advancements. The place to begin is through tailored STEM-enriched curriculum in all k-12 classrooms (see the Natural and Urban Stormwater Cycle project listed). Taking a step in this direction inspires student interest in STEM disciplines, which may potentially advance to seeking STEM careers. 

 

To apply myself while working in this discipline of chemistry which is parallel to STEM education and competency, I am currently studying to receive my F-4 through F-2 licensing. Ultimately, I aspire to progress toward F-1 certification which is the highest level of qualification held in the State of Michigan for water treatment and distribution system operators. After attaining these credentials, my hope is to apply what I have learned in the MSEd program at Purdue University by creating an instructional training program for new hires in the industry.

 

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Reading & Resources: 

 

American Chemical Society, A. C. S. (2023). Water chemistry. American Chemical Society.https://www.acs.org/careers/chemical-sciences/fields/water-chemistry.html 

 

Asunda, P. A (2012) Standards for Technological Literacy and STEM Education Delivery Through Career and Technical Education Programs. Journal of Technology Education

 

Johnston, B., & Webber, S. (2005). As we may think: Information literacy is a discipline for the information age. Research Strategies, 20(3), 108–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resstr.2006.06.005 

 

van Laar, E., van Deursen, A. J. A. M., van Dijk, J. A. G. M., & de Haan, J. (2020). Determinants of 21st-Century Skills and 21st-Century Digital Skills for Workers: A Systematic Literature Review. SAGE Open, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019900176