Carlton-Mellichamp Lecture in Education
Next lecture set for February 26-27, 2026
The 2026 Carlton-Mellichamp Lecture in Education, the seventh in this sponsored series which began in 2018, returns on February 26-27. This year's professional development opportunity centers on robotics teaching and STEM, with featured guest speaker Shinho Kim, PhD, from Framingham University.
With a thematic focus on how teaching across disciplines can foster creativity and systems thinking, this year's lecture features a perspective on how robotics-based learning benefits early childhood, elementary and the broader world of teacher education.
Kim's keynote address, "Why Robotics-Based STEM Education Matters," kicks off the the two-day event on Thursday, February 26 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and is open to all. Hands-on workshops for UNI faculty, students and interested professional colleagues follow on Friday.
The event is free and on campus, but registration is encouraged. If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact coe-events@uni.edu prior to the event.
Shinho Kim, PhD
Shinho Kim earned a PhD in early childhood education, elementary education and teacher education. He previously taught kindergarten. At Framingham State University, he teaches courses in early childhood and elementary mathematics education, as well as child and family studies. His research and scholarship focus on robotics, STEM education and instructional materials and strategies for young children.
Keynote: "Why Robotics-Based STEM Education Matters"
In the keynote, Kim will address how robotics education, as a form of STEM education, helps foster problem-solving skills in both children and future teachers. He draws on both teaching and research experiences to share the background and significance of robotics-based STEM education–and its application for young students and future teachers alike.
Lecture Schedule
All times CST
Thursday, February 26
4:30 - 6 p.m., SEC 220
Keynote: Why Robotics-Based STEM Education Matters
/ Covering the background and significance of robotics-based STEM education
/ Sharing how robotics-based learning can be applied in early childhood, elementary, and teacher education
/ Showing that robotics-based STEM education fosters problem-solving skills in both children and future teachers
Friday, February 27
10 - 10:50 a.m., SEC 218
Workshop option 1
Join this engaging, hands-on workshop session to explore how to integrate robotics into your classroom, with a focus on building problem-solving skills in a fun and dynamic way.
Friday, February 27
11 - 11:50 a.m., SEC 218
Workshop option 2
Reapeating the same workshop, offering a second time. Feel free to stay and play if you're available for both options.
Noon, Schindler Second Floor Lobby
Lunch
Enjoy a networking lunch while you discuss the topics of the conference. Open to all attendees.
About the Lecture Series
The Carlton-Mellichamp Lecture in Education, sponsored by Suzanne Carlton and Duncan Mellichamp, allows the UNI College of Education to annually host a nationally-recognized scholar in the field of education, educational psychology or health and human services. The series stimulates the dissemination, public scrutiny and implementation of ideas with the potential to bring about significant improvement in professional practice and educator preparation.
This professional development series is open to faculty, students and staff at the UNI College of Education and across campus, as well as professionals in the region.
Previous speakers have included:
2025: Bianca Nightengale-Lee, PhD, Western Michigan University, focusing on teaching literacy fearlessly.
2024: Selin Akgun, PhD, Michigan State University, focusing on AI in teacher education.
2023: Ebonee T. Johnson, PhD, University of Iowa, focusing on community-engaged research to build capacity to address youth mental health.
2021: Justin Haegele, PhD, Old Dominion University, focusing on adapted physical education and inclusiveness (virtual)
2019: Natalie Tran, PhD, California State University, Fullerton, focusing on social emotional awareness and mindfulness as well as bi-literacy.
2018: Mark Wiest, PhD, University of South Carolina, focusing on meeting the behavioral needs of K-12 students