KALAMAZOO, Mich.—For two decades, the Mallinson Institute for Science Education at Western Michigan University has championed interdisciplinary knowledge, fostering a legacy of research, education and inquiry. The institute marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, a testament to its dedication in shaping the future of scientific fields worldwide.
“Whenever you get to those round numbers, it’s a nice time to reflect and think about things,” says the Institute’s Director Dr. Charles Henderson. “It’s good to think about our past and future.”
The institute's mission revolves around advancing global scientific literacy. Through comprehensive education for aspiring science educators at the highest standards, the institute has not only met but exceeded this vision. Embracing an interdisciplinary approach, the faculty members, dual-appointed, specialize across multiple scientific disciplines within the University. Dr. David Rudge, a professor of both science education and biological sciences, embraces this dual role. “It’s really interesting to teach both in biology and within the institute,” he shares.
Most science education programs are located in colleges of education. The institute’s science education program is located in the WMU College of Arts and Sciences, representing the strong grounding of the work of the institute in the science disciplines.
Originally a Teacher’s College, Western’s relationship with science education has always been strong. By the early 1950s, it formalized graduate programs in science, culminating in the approval of five Ph.D. programs in 1965, including one dedicated to science education. This evolution led to the establishment of a Graduate Science Education Department. A pivotal transformation occurred in August 2001 under Dr. Elise Jorgens, then dean of the WMU College of Arts and Sciences, as she elevated the department into Western's inaugural institute, revolutionizing the approach to science education on campus.
Forward to 2002, the institute was redesigned into its current form, named in honor of the pioneering efforts of Dr. George G. and Jacqueline Mallinson. Since its inception, more than 70 doctoral degrees have been awarded to its students.
Dr. George G. and Jacqueline Mallinson.
The Mallinsons were instrumental figures in the program's inception. George Mallinson was the dean of the School of Graduate Studies in the 1950s and an advocate for the doctoral program in science education, and Jacqueline Mallinson was an esteemed science teacher and active participant in statewide science education movements. She co-authored textbooks, edited a science journal and mentored numerous graduate students.
“Needless to say, I am very proud of all the graduates of the program, and I still stay in touch with many of the early graduates who are still living,” says Jacqueline Mallinson. “George always referred to the first group of eight graduate students in the program as our educational sons. They often spent time doing research in our home office.”
George Mallinson died in 1994 from Parkinson’s disease. Upon the creation of the Institute, it was named in his honor. Jacqueline Mallinson, in 2006, received an honorary doctorate of science from President Emeritus Diether Haenicke for her efforts in the creation of the institute.
“I am probably one of the oldest living Western retirees—both my husband and I retired in 1988—so 20 years does not seem as long to me as to most faculty and students,” says Jacqueline. “However, I am very pleased with the growth and development of the Mallinson Institute, and I am sure my late husband would also be very pleased and proud,” she says.
In addition to its 20th anniversary, the institute has much to celebrate in 2023. Henderson, director since 2017, was honored as Faculty Distinguished Scholar. Rudge's receipt of the Distinguished Teaching Award further underscores the institute's commitment to excellence.
There are also some big changes. Dr. William Cobern, serving as director for 14 years and a former Faculty Distinguished Scholar, prepares to retire in May, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and innovation.
The institute continues to innovate. In 2023, it launched a completely virtual Ph.D. program in science education, offering this high-quality experience worldwide.
“We want to keep the student experience that we have (with in-person students) with the online students. The doctoral program is flexible and intended for any student to take it up. All course offerings are the same between the in-person program and the online program. Synchronous course times are in the evening, so those in different time zones have the flexibility to join,” says Henderson.
“The point is to provide access to the Ph.D. program to students from anywhere, which is an amazing thing with modern technology,” he adds. “We're able to do that in a way that just wasn't possible before.”
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