Professor Kevin Clark speaks Wednesday, Oct. 26, as part of the Suter Science Seminar series on the topic of digital media and diverse student populations. He is founding director of the Center for Digital Media Innovation and Diversity in the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, (Courtesy photo)

Digital media expert from George Mason University to speak on educational needs of diverse populations

Professor Kevin Clark, founding director of the Center for Digital Media Innovation and Diversity in the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, speaks Wednesday, Oct. 26, as part of the Suter Science Seminar series.

The lecture will be at 4 p.m. in Room 106 of the Suter Science Center.

Clark will discuss the role and impact of digital media in addressing the educational needs of diverse populations. Research findings and lessons learned will be discussed on topics related to educational video game design, children’s television, broadening participation in STEM, entrepreneurship in educational technology, and technology usage among diverse communities.

Clark’s research focuses on issues of diversity and interactivity in educational digital media and in broadening participation in STEM careers and disciplines. This is an area of particular interest to EMU STEM faculty involved in a National Science Foundation research grant around the development of pedagogical strategies to increase retention in STEM programs among minority students.

Clark has more than 20 years’ experience as a designer, advisor and consultant to media organizations. In 2014, he was honored by the White House as a Champion of Change for his work in supporting and accelerating STEM opportunities for African American students, schools, and communities. He was selected as a Fellow for the Television Academy Foundation (Emmy).

Both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree are in computer science from North Carolina State University. His PhD is in instructional systems from Pennsylvania State University.

The lecture is co-sponsored by the MA in Education program.