January 15, 2026Indiana STEM Education Conference
Please join us for the eleventh annual Indiana STEM Education Conference at Purdue University!
Thursday, January 15, 2026
8:30 am – 3:30 pm (EST)
Beck Agricultural Center
4550 US-52, West Lafayette, IN 47906
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The theme for the 2026 conference will be announced this summer. Presentations will include resources and strategies to promote the advancement of student learning of STEM academic standards. The conference will also include:
- Over 50 presentations on STEM curriculum, STEM instruction, STEM careers, and STEM research
- Networking with STEM education vendors
- Professional Growth Points for teachers
For questions or additional information about the Indiana STEM Education Conference, contact Bill Walker at wswalker@purdue.edu.
Keynote Speakers
Jerry Ross and Amy Ross
Jerry Ross (BSME ’70, MSME ’72) is a retired U. S. Air Force Colonel and former NASA Astronaut. A veteran of seven space flights, Jerry has more than 1,393 hours in space, including 58 hours and 18 minutes on nine spacewalks. Both his number of spacewalks and time on spacewalks are among the highest of all time. He is also the author of three books including the children’s book “Becoming a Spacewalker, My Journey to the Stars”.
Amy Ross (BSME ’94, MSME ’96) has been with NASA for over 30 years. The majority of her career she served as a space suit pressure garment engineer for planetary walking suits. These pressure garments set the expectations for space suits for Lunar and Mars missions. Continuing her focus on future exploration, Amy is now on the Mars Architecture Team working to define the strategy for human exploration on Mars.
Both Jerry and Amy are passionate about STEM education. They will share their experiences, how STEM education impacted their lives, and thoughts about the importance of engaging students in STEM.
REGISTRATION FEES
Before December 11, 2025:
The cost for individual early registration is $90.
After December 11, 2025:
The cost for individual early registration is $110.
SPEAKER PROPOSALS
Interested in PRESENTING at the conference? Have a research poster or research brief to share? A link to submit your presentation and research proposals will be posted in the spring. Proposals are due on October 9, 2025.
Research briefs will be published as proceedings through Purdue e-Pubs. Visit the conference proceedings page to learn more.
SPONSORSHIP
Interested in being a conference sponsor? Contact Bill Walker (wswalker@purdue.edu). Sponsor packages can be customized.
Possible benefits include:
- Conference admission
- Ability to interact with conference attendees during designated exhibit times
- Listing in conference program
- Presentations during the conference
SCHEDULE
8:00 a.m.
Registration opens – Stewart Center foyer under the mural (outside of Loeb Playhouse)
8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Welcome, keynote speaker
10:10 – 11:00 a.m.
Session one
11:00 – 11:40 a.m.
Break, Exhibit Hall
11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Session two
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch, Exhibit Hall
1:30 – 2:20 p.m.
Session three
2:30 – 3:20 p.m.
Session four