Humanistic STEM (H-STEM)

Exploring innovative learning experiences that inspire creativity and critical thinking in STEM fields

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s core mission is to teach the science, practice and business of aviation and aerospace, preparing students for productive careers and leadership roles in business, government agencies and the military. While technical skills are part of this preparation, employers consistently state that value graduates who have blended technical expertise with humanities habits of mind, as this combination tends to encourage creative problem-solving and critical thinking. Industry and academia alike agree that such qualities create a STEM graduate who is better equipped to adapt to the challenges of a rapidly evolving workplace.

Originally funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, the H-STEM student success component is embedded in our general education program so that students learn early in their academic careers that multiple lenses of inquiry can help to develop these abilities. Additionally, the ability to integrate curriculum — by seeing how various academic disciplines interact and impact each other — makes the full educational experience more meaningful.

"Industry leaders are, with increasing frequency, articulating clear preferences for graduates who have competencies typically found in humanities courses, including strong writing skills, the ability to collaborate, information literacy aptitude that allows students to discern a quality source from 'fake news,' and the oft-lauded, but rarely-defined, ability to think critically." Read more about how H-STEM benefits our students.

Elements of H-STEM

The H-STEM student success component comprises the following elements:

• H-STEM Minor
• The Minor in Humanistic STEM provides opportunities to enhance critical thinking skills, improve communication expertise and develop an interdisciplinary mindset. The interdisciplinarity across the meta-disciplines of Humanities and STEM demonstrates to employers that students can think beyond academic silos, using a variety of perspectives in creative problem-solving.
• H-STEM Speaker Series
• H-STEM Annual Symposium
• H-STEM Infusion: STEM infusion of humanities classes and humanities infusion of STEM classes:
• HIST 130 - History of Aviation in America: A survey of the history of America in the 20th century, the course emphasizes the explosive growth of aviation as a major influence upon the economic, military and societal development of the United States.
• ECON 411 - International Economics: This course introduces the student to the theories of international macroeconomics. Topics include international trade, comparative advantage, tariffs, quotas, export subsidies and trade agreements. The course studies and analyzes current issues such as the U.S. trade deficit, harmonization of fiscal and monetary policies among countries, and policies toward multinational firms.
• PSYC 355 - The Psychology of Creativity and Innovation: Interdisciplinary focus highlighting creative processes in the arts and the sciences. How psychologists and scientists define, measure and conduct research on creativity and innovation; how the creative problem-solving process works; how to design and construct a creative product; and how the social environment affects the development of the creative personality from individual, group and cross-cultural perspectives.
• H-STEM Study Abroad Experience
• Example: Humanistic STEM Study Abroad Program Summer 2024: A Humanistic STEM Experience: Math, Art and Culture in Greece and Italy

Learn more about the original NSF-funded H-STEM project and its spinoffs at https://humanisticstem.com.