The Data Science in Rural Utah with Mathematical Modeling (DRUMM) project is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (Award Number #2345194).
Primary Aim
Our primary aim is to improve and increase opportunities for secondary students in rural and Native communities in Utah to learn data science and mathematical modeling.
DRUMM Goals
DRUMM has three specific goals for working with mathematics teachers in Utah:
Select 24 Teacher Leaders
Develop 24 teacher leaders over six years (who are practicing mathematics teachers) with expertise in data science and mathematical modeling to levels requisite for strengthening modeling and data science education.
Promote Data Science and Mathematical Modeling Teaching
Develop teacher leaders with the pedagogical expertise to incorporate expert teaching in data science and mathematical modeling lessons.
Generate Community Engagement
Develop teacher leaders who will engage with their communities through research activities and mentorship of prospective and early career teachers.
Master Teaching Fellows and USU Faculty will partner to integrate data science and mathematical modeling learning opportunities into existing mathematics curricula, making use of local expertise and community resources to motivate students and ensure local relevance.
Highlights & Upcoming Opportunities
STEAM Expos, DRUMM Teacher Workshops, and Cultural Exchanges
Blanding Sept 24-26 | Uintah Basin Oct 1-3
STEAM Expos, DRUMM Teacher Workshops, and Cultural Exchanges are planned for the USU Blanding and Uintah Basin campuses on Sept 24-26 and Oct 1-3, respectively. Local school children are bused into the STEAM Expos where they participate in engaging activities and presentations with a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics flair. The teacher workshops focus on Data Science and provide opportunities for DRUMM MTFs to interact with other local teachers and USU faculty. MTFs contribute to STEAM Expos by leading activities or bringing and supervising students. The teacher workshops and other activities and excursions provide opportunities for MTFs to rub shoulders, share, and learn with and about local Native and non-Native cultures.
Local schools will receive an invitation to attend. ArtSci faculty and students are invited to register a booth or presentation/activity at the Blanding Expo. ArtSci faculty and students are also welcome to participate in the cultural exchanges planned for Blanding. Contact Eric Rowley to RSVP.
USU Noyce Fellows Showcase Their Work at the 2026 NSF Noyce Summit
The Utah State University (USU) DRUMM Program was proudly represented at the 2026 NSF Noyce Summit in Washington, D.C. by our Noyce Fellows Shaun and Adam. They delivered presentations highlighting their work and contributions as emerging leaders, engaging with fellow teachers, researchers, and STEM educators from across the nation. In addition, faculty member Eric Rowley presented a lightning talk, sharing insights and innovations from the USU DRUMM program with the broader Noyce community.
USU Blanding Campus Teacher Workshop & Cultural Exchange April 10–11, 2026
Educators, students, and faculty gathered at the USU Blanding Campus for two days of mathematical learning and deep cultural immersion in San Juan County. Participants included 15 local teachers and 8 non-local teachers, 9 of whom are DRUMM Master Teacher Fellows, 12 USU students, and 5 Faculty.
Highlights included:
- Mathematical Modeling workshops led by Utah Tech University faculty
- Live viewing of the Artemis II splashdown
- Cultural presentations on Hogans & Cradle Boards, Hispanic heritage in San Juan County, and the Blue Mountain Song
- A performance by the Albert R. Lyman Middle School Heritage Language Group
- Field excursion to Hovenweep National Monument, Montezuma Creek, and Bluff petroglyphs
Featured presenters: Vinodh Chellamuthu | Mathematical Modeling | Utah Tech University
Certificate Recipients
Congratulations to these two DRUMM Master Teaching Fellows (Julisa Gonzales and Sarah Brighton) who earned their Masters of Mathematics and Data Modeling Education Certificates!
Advisory Board
| Name | Title | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Cynthia Anhalt | Associate Research Professor of Mathematics | University of Arizona |
| Jeff Leek | Vice President and Chief Data Officer, Director |
James Hutch Cancer, DataTrail |
| James Toledo | Program Manager | Utah Division of Indian Affairs |
| Mike Spencer | Secondary Mathematics Specialist | Utah State Board of Education |
Additional Details
Questions
Contact Brynja Kohler at Brynja.Kohler@usu.edu or 435-797-2872.