معرفی
Kara Sue Harris serves as Professor in the Applied Engineering & Technology Management department at Indiana State University's Bailey College of Engineering & Technology. She currently holds multiple leadership roles including NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative (2025-present) and Faculty Fellow (2022-present), following previous administrative positions as Associate Dean (2013-2019) and Interim Dean (2017-2018).
Education:
- Ed.D. in Career and Technical Education, Clemson University (2004)
- M.S. in Technology Education, Indiana State University (2000)
- B.S. in Graphics and Industrial Supervision, Indiana State University (1996)
Her research focuses on STEM education equity, particularly addressing gender disparities through mentoring programs and recruitment strategies for female students. Harris investigates barriers in technology education pathways while developing frameworks for integrating engineering competencies into teacher preparation curricula. Her work bridges academic theory with practical interventions to enhance student success and faculty development in technical fields.
Publication trends reveal consistent scholarship since 2006, evolving from foundational studies on teacher perceptions of laboratory environments toward contemporary research on structured mentoring systems for underrepresented STEM populations. Recent work emphasizes longitudinal impact assessment of intervention programs.
Selected Awards:
- Bailey College Faculty Outreach Award (2025)
- CTE Legendary Leader (Indiana ACTE, 2016)
- Professional Contributions Award (ITEEA, 2013)
- Silvius-Wolansky Outstanding Young Educator Award (2007-2008)
Harris has secured over $3 million in research funding, including two major US Department of Education grants totaling $5 million for the 'Strengthening Institutions Program' supporting student success initiatives. Her community engagement spans university committees (University Athletics Council, Teacher Education Council) and local STEM organizations including Sullivan County's STEM Youth Advisory Board and Northeast School Corporation's Strategic Planning Committee.
She coordinates annual STEM Day @ State events and serves as Indiana BETA State Judge/Coordinator for Engineering Competitions, fostering K-12 university partnerships through hands-on learning experiences.
