Celebrating Eden's STEM-OPS Journey: Breaking Barriers with a Unique Perspective

Author: M. Saine II, Communication Manager,  NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Alliance STEM Opportunities in Prison Settings (STEM-OPS)

NOTE: From everyone at STEM-OPS, we’d like to start by wishing Dr. Eden Badertscher the happiest of birthdays, today November 5th. 

NOTE: Dr. Badertscher has requested to dedicate this blog post to her roommate and friend, Merrie (Meredith) Miller, Princeton Class of 1993.

In a world that often thrives on conformity, Eden Badertscher stands out as a shining example of a free thinker, a liberal spirit who has embarked on a remarkable journey in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Her path to becoming a pioneering advocate for equity and justice through STEM-OPS is nothing short of inspiring.

A Tragic Turning Point:

Eden’s story begins with a heartbreaking moment. She experienced the loss of her roommate, Merrie (Meredith) Miller, to a tragic carjacking, an event that could have left her consumed by anger and resentment. However, instead of succumbing to these negative emotions, she took a different route. Eden chose to observe the situation and understand its underlying causes.

Two men, one aged 22 and the other 36, were both convicted for a capital crime that occurred in Arlington, VA. The men were from southeast DC, an area suffering from serious underservice. Both men had previous convictions though the younger only for  a series of minor crimes. The older had also previously been incarcerated without receiving consistent education or drug misuse support. Recognizing this as a generational issue deeply rooted in a cycle that needed to be broken, Eden was inspired to bring about positive change following this tragic event. She believed that the tragedy was a direct result of the carceral system’s failure to rehabilitate, which ultimately led to more lives being lost rather than fewer. In many ways, it could be argued that Merrie’s death was as much the fault of the failing carceral and education systems as it was the responsibility of the two men who had long been victims themselves. Consequently, Eden decided that it was time for a change.

The STEM-OPS Journey Begins:

Eden’s journey continued as she pursued a career in academia. She became a principal investigator (PI) and project director for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) titled Designing for Equity by Thinking in and about Mathematics (DEbT-M). This project became a platform for vital discussions in mathematics, mathematics education, and the intersection of race and cultural studies.

In 2019, Eden’s path intersected with Dr. Jill Stockwell from Princeton University’s Prison Teaching Initiative. Both doctors were initially working on separate INCLUDES grants, but their discussions led to a  realization of a mutual  belief—the importance of access toSTEM education, research, and careers to help justice-impacted individuals break free from the cycles of poverty and incarceration. It was a moment of synergy that would set the wheels in motion for something extraordinary.

The Birth of STEM-OPS:

Eden and Jill joined forces to create a grant aimed at addressing the issues they were both passionate about. Soon, they were joined by Dr. Stanley Andrisse from From Prison Cells to PhD and Syrita Steib from Operation Restoration. Eden also introduced Dr. Richard Milner of  Vanderbilt University’s Initiative for Race Research and Justice (RRJ) to the rest. Together, they formed STEM Opportunities in Prison Settings (STEM-OPS).

STEM-OPS, an NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Alliance, is a groundbreaking initiative focused on improving access to  STEM learning and career opportunities for people within prisons and who were previously incarcerated. It recognizes and elevates the real and potential contributions of justice-impacted people to STEM fields and, in fact, asserts that STEM disciplines need their insight and contributions. The mission is clear: to break the barriers that have kept these individuals from pursuing STEM and to give them a chance to redefine their futures and the future of STEM.

Eden’s Impact and Legacy:

Eden Badertscher’s journey has not only been remarkable; it has been transformative. Her passion for justice and equity, her unique perspective on social issues, and her dedication to STEM education have culminated in the creation of STEM-OPS. This Alliance has the power to change lives, disrupt generational cycles, connect communities, and open doors to a brighter future for justice-impacted individuals.

In a historic move, she has chosen to step down as the PI of STEM-OPS, making way for a justice-impacted individual to take the reins. Her decision is a true embodiment of her commitment to equity and justice. Eden will continue to be an integral part of the project, offering guidance and mentorship to the new PI, Basia Skudrzyk.

In celebrating Eden’s STEM-OPS journey, we celebrate not only her achievements but also the power of individuals who refuse to accept the status quo. Her story is a testament to the difference one person can make when they decide to look beyond anger and focus on positive change. Eden Badertscher’s legacy will continue to inspire and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future in STEM education and beyond.

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