OSEP is a service organization that supports Northwestern researchers in developing proposals and implementing research projects that incorporate K-12 educational components, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

OSEP assists faculty with the development of sound plans for education and outreach that reflect current research on learning and educational reform, and provides expertise in STEM education materials development, learning technologies, and professional development for K-12 teachers and facilitators in informal education institutions.

OSEP increases the impact of the educational activities in which science and engineering faculty and centers engage, resulting in a more competitive grant submission and a more sustained and significant benefit to the community:

• We will work closely with you to craft an education plan that is appropriate to your research program and the sponsoring agency’s goals
• We have a network of teachers, schools, local museums, and other informal education providers that we can connect with your project, saving you the legwork of recruiting partners from scratch
• We can assist in proposal development based on over a decade of successful research funding in STEM education fields
• We can provide valid evaluation and assessment of student learning and motivational outcomes
• We have staff who can assist you with professional curriculum development and teacher training, project management, graphic design, and software development

Kemi Jona, Ph.D., SESP Research Associate Professor, serves as Director of OSEP and Dean Grosshandler, Ph.D., SESP Research Assistant Professor, serves as the Associate Director.

For more information about OSEP, please contact Dean at  d-grosshandler@northwestern.edu or 847-491-4575.