Blom, Strachan Join Scholars from 43 Countries to Highlight HBCU Programs

Two Alabama A&M University professors – Dr. Nathan Blom and Dr. Samantha Strachan – represented the University and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on a global stage this fall when they presented at the 2025 STAR Global Conference in Istanbul, Turkey.

The event, held Oct. 9–12 at Istanbul Aydın University under the auspices of UNESCO, convened educators and researchers from across the globe to discuss “Advancing Local Knowledge for a Brighter and Sustainable Future.”

Blom and Strachan presented their research, “Addressing STEM Teacher Shortages: The Promise of AAMUTeach and HBCU Educator Preparation Programs.” Their work explores how HBCUs, including Alabama A&M, are preparing the next generation of STEM educators amid a nationwide teacher shortage.

Their presentation stemmed from a peer-reviewed article published in the American Journal of STEM Education (AJSE): Evidence-Based Innovations in STEM Teacher Preparation. The paper drew international attention and led conference organizers to invite them to apply for participation. Their proposal was selected from more than 200 submissions representing 43 nations.

“To have our work recognized on a global stage was both humbling and affirming,” said Blom. “It reinforces that HBCUs are not only producing outstanding teachers but also shaping global conversations about equity and innovation in education.”

Blom, co-director of the AAMUTeach Program, has published extensively on multimodality and arts-based instruction. Blom earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature and piano pedagogy from Michigan State University. After teaching middle school English and mathematics, he served two years in the Peace Corps in Nepal before earning his master’s and doctoral degrees in English education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

At AAMU, Blom specializes in culturally relevent educational practices and is a founding developer of Literacy Unbound at Columbia University.

“Conferences like STAR remind us that education is a global dialogue,” said Blom. “It was inspiring to exchange ideas with faculty from around the world who are all facing similar challenges in teacher recruitment and retention, especially in STEM fields.”

Strachan serves as associate dean for student success and associate professor of secondary education (science) in the College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences. The alumna and 10-year member of the AAMU faculty earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Mount Allison University in Canada, a master’s degree in secondary education (biology) from Alabama A&M, and a doctorate in science education from Morgan State University.

Her research focuses on the experiences of students in teacher preparation programs, and she directs the Legacy Teacher Scholarship Program, which provides financial support to students pursuing teaching degrees and certifications. Strachan has presented her work internationally in Canada, the Netherlands and now Turkey.

“Every conversation – from classrooms in Huntsville to conference halls in Istanbul – adds to our understanding of how to prepare teachers for a changing world,” Strachan said, highlighting AAMU’s global impact. “Representing the University and HBCUs internationally underscores the power of collaboration.”

The STAR Global Conference combined academic exchange with cultural exploration, featuring panel discussions, workshops and international networking events. Participants also experienced Turkish culture through a Bosphorus dinner cruise, a Whirling Dervish performance and a post-conference visit to Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Blom was able to take a hot air balloon ride through the valleys of Cappadocia, where people have been dwelling in caves for more than 2,400 years. Both say they were proud represent Alabama A&M on such a global stage, seeing firsthand out these experiences extend the University’s influence beyond the classroom.

 “Our participation in this dialogue shows the strength of Alabama A&M’s teacher education programs,” Blom added. “When AAMU scholars speak on the global stage, we’re not just sharing research – we’re sharing the legacy of an institution committed to knowledge, access, and transformation.”