Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

Odil Dilmurodov wanted to find a sense of community at Central Michigan University. The freshman tried club sports in the fall semester but wanted something just a little more.

He found it after attending a talk by Wiline Pangle, director of CMU’s Integration of Science, Technology and Engineering program. InSciTE teaches students that diversity is a strength in STEM fields because it focuses different, unique perspectives on a problem.

Dilmurodov joined InSciTE and was placed in a four-person team of other freshmen from different STEM majors.

It was difficult at first, Dilmurodov said. By the end, and with the close mentorship of InSciTE faculty, they learned to draw strength from each member’s unique talents on a research project about roadkill on roads in and near CMU’s Mount Pleasant campus.

“Having that diversity and making it work was exceptional,” he said. In addition to applying his own abilities to analyze data, Dilmurodov discovered that he possesses leadership talent.

The program was recently recognized for its approach to teaching by Insight into Diversity, higher education’s biggest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication, with its Inspiring Programs in STEM award.

“InSciTE is a cornerstone of our commitment to experiential learning in the College of Science and Engineering,” Pangle, InSciTE’s director, said. “The program’s emphasis on collaboration, communication, critical thinking and real-world problem solving prepares our students to be leaders in their fields.”

Collaborating and communicating were skills Dilmurodov said he learned in his first semester. An aspiring computer scientist, he said he tends to look at problems straightforwardly.

InSciTE taught him the value of listening to people who might approach a question from a different perspective.

“There are creative people who excite me,” he said. “I just don’t always understand their philosophy.”

The program, which officially launched with its first class in 2023, fits into CMU’s strategic plan for the future of how its students will learn, said Provost Nancy Mathews.

“InSciTE has established a novel model for teaching and learning that all of CMU’s colleges will emulate,” she said. “Not only does it invoke a collaborative, student-centered STEM learning environment, it creates a sense of belonging for students and builds a trusting environment rarely achieved at a research university.”

Building trust between students and faculty was crucial in making Dilmurodov’s experience a success.

“(InSciTE) created the space where we were able to talk through all the feelings with the professor,” he said.

Faculty support is also a core part of the program’s teaching philosophy.

“I’ve been incredibly proud to witness our program’s growth and the remarkable accomplishments of our team,” Pangle said. “Faculty members from not only our college’s departments by also across colleges have come together, bringing their expertise and supporting our students with such willingness and dedication.”

InSciTE was one of several nationwide programs named as part of the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM award by Insight into Diversity. Programs like it are undervalued in what they can provide to students, the magazine’s publisher said.

“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students,” said Lenore Pearlstein, the magazine’s owner and publisher. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM.