Winning with Purpose: Using STEM Competitions to Develop Gifted Learners’ Skills and Creativity
Includes a Live Web Event on 03/09/2026 at 7:00 PM (EDT)
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Register
- Non-member - $20
- Member - Free!
- Student - Free!
STEM competitions are more than trophies—they are powerful learning ecosystems where gifted students build deep content knowledge, creativity, collaboration, and resilience. This engaging webinar explores how thoughtfully selected and well-supported STEM competitions can accelerate gifted learners’ growth while nurturing innovation and problem-solving. Designed for both educators and parents, the session highlights how competitions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics foster authentic learning, real-world application, and creative thinking. Participants will learn how to align competitions with student strengths and interests, scaffold skill development, and create inclusive pathways that support both experienced competitors and first-time participants. Webinar attendees will also learn how student participation in STEM competitions (e.g. Science Olympiad, Odyssey of the Mind, Destination Imagination, local science fairs, etc.) can foster STEM interests in children and promote STEM career interests.
Bronwyn MacFarlane
Doctoral Professor
Arkansas State University
Bronwyn MacFarlane, Ph.D., a past NAGC Early Leader, is a doctoral professor at Arkansas State University and teaches courses in gifted education, leadership, policy, and organizational development. She has chaired over 30 completed doctoral student dissertation committees advising educational leaders in schools around the world, published 5 books, and delivered hundreds of presentations. Specializing in program and curriculum design to develop talent among students and educators, Dr. MacFarlane has diverse experience planning, evaluating, delivering, consulting, and advocating for programming at school, district, university, and community levels. She advocates for children’s creative programming as president of two non-profit boards of directors; served as a board officer of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children; and volunteers from local to international levels. She earned her doctorate at the College of William and Mary where her work in gifted education and leadership was recognized for excellence.
Gregory Spiegel, Ed.D.
Gregory Spiegel, Ed.D., is a recent graduate of the Arkansas State University doctoral program. His dissertation focused on the relationship between high school Science Olympiad participation and the declaration of college STEM majors. Dr. Spiegel is the state director for the Science Olympiad program in Missouri. His work focuses on increasing participation in Science Olympiad programs, particularly in rural schools. He has coached Science Olympiad teams at regional, state, and national tournaments. He has worked with gifted learners and developed courses and programs to help maximize their potential. He teaches Advanced Placement Chemistry at the Pembroke Hill School, promotes STEM competitions statewide, and has sponsored invitational tournaments attended by thousands of students across the central United States.
Dr. Monica Meadows
Dr. Monica Meadows is an Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Research Associate of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education. She has 20+ years across K–12 and higher education in the areas of science, STEM, and gifted education. She is currently the chair of the NAGC STEM Network and the co-chair of the Preservice Teacher Standards Task Force.