University of North Texas 
Research at SERC Lab
Research at SERC Lab
SERC Lab has two major research projects, the ENGINE Project and the CoSTEAM Project.
The CoSTEAM ProjectThe CoSTEAM Project focuses on exploring how community‑based and informal STEM environments, such as libraries and nonprofit organizations, can support elementary and middle grades students’ development of computational thinking, geometric reasoning, and problem‑solving skills. Through unplugged activities, hands‑on construction tasks, and robotics‑based coding experiences, the project aims to create accessible, engaging opportunities for students to explore STEM ideas and build foundational thinking skills.
The related publications examine the project’s impact from multiple angles:
- Kudaisi (2025) investigates how unplugged LEGO activities in a STEM camp influence middle grades students’ computational thinking dispositions, highlighting the power of hands‑on, low‑tech learning experiences.
- Work under review examines how elementary students demonstrate van Hiele levels of geometric thinking through robotics‑based coding tasks using the TI Rover.
- Work under review analyzes the functioning of a research‑practice partnership in informal STEM settings, identifying factors that support or hinder effective collaboration.
Together, this work demonstrates how thoughtfully designed STEAM activities and strong community partnerships can expand access to meaningful STEM learning and foster students’ confidence and competence in informal learning settings.
Related Publications
Kudaisi, Q. J. (2025). The Influence of Unplugged LEGO Activities on Middle Grades Students’ Computational Thinking Dispositions in a STEM Camp. Education Sciences, 15(2), 143. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020143
Related News Stories
University of North Texas News. University News. (2025, December 8).UNT STEM tour sparks curiosity in middle-school students. https://www.untsystem.edu/news/unt-stem-tour-sparks-curiosity-in-middle-school-students.php
The ENGINE ProjectThe EnGine Project focuses on designing and studying integrated STEM learning experiences that strengthen middle school students’ interest, enjoyment, and identity in STEM fields. Through immersive camp-based activities combining science, engineering, and mathematics, the project aims to create meaningful opportunities for students to explore real-world problems and develop confidence in their STEM abilities.
The related publications examine the project’s impact from multiple angles:
- Kudaisi et al. (2025) investigate how participation in an integrated STEM camp influences students’ enjoyment of STEM, their understanding of STEM careers, and their interest in pursuing STEM pathways.
- Kudaisi & Leonas‑Cabrera (2025) use conjecture mapping to analyze how the camp’s design elements support the development of STEM identity and continued interest, offering insights into how such programs can be structured to be more effective and inclusive.
Together, this work demonstrates how well-designed integrated STEM experiences can spark students’ interest in STEM, develop more robbost STEM identities, and broaden their visions of future possibilities.
Related Publications
Kudaisi, Q. J., Krutka, D., Long, C., & Leonas-Cabrera, M.J.** (2025). The Impact of an Integrated steM Camp on Middle School Students’ Enjoyment, Career Knowledge, and Career Interest. School Science and Mathematics. https://doi.org/10.1111/ssm.18385
Kudaisi, Q. J., & Leonas-Cabrera, M. J.** (2025). Conjecture Mapping an Integrated steM Camp to Support Middle School Students' STEM Identity and STEM Interest. Education Sciences, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020159
Related News Stories
University of North Texas News. College of Education News. (2024, May 29).Dr. Queshonda Kudaisi receives VPRI SEED Grant. https://coe.unt.edu/news/dr-queshonda-kudaisi-receives-vpri-seed-grant.html
Want to learn about other exciting research in the college of education?