Dr. Katie Stofer is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication (AEC) with UF IFAS. She focuses her research on STEM education, especially on free-choice or informal education and outreach settings, with an emphasis on making STEM evident in agricultural education. Dr. Stofer’s primary interests center on how the public gathers, makes meaning from and uses current scientific research findings, and how that use relates to their science identities. Dr. Stofer collaborates with scientists doing basic research to help them design innovative outreach projects around their work. She turns her research into practice by helping scientists and formal and informal educators improve their public engagement. She has mentored numerous undergraduate researchers – including one who presented her research poster at a national conference. She also continuously uses the CUR Database to advertise research opportunities for undergraduates. 

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