5-Day Masterclass To Promote Critical Thinking Mindset Via STEM

News Desk

Islamabad: A five-day masterclass on ‘Promoting Critical Thinking through STEM– Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics’ provided a unique platform for immersive learning and knowledge exchange, inspiring young leaders to explore the intersections of science, technology and education.

The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) and Kohsar University Murree (KUM) organised the event with the support of the U.S. Mission Pakistan in Murree. The event was held on August 21–25 and gathered 39 U.S. government exchange alumni from throughout Pakistan.

“Good policy and strong institutions are driven by exchange alumni like you. My hope is that you will take this incredible level of work, dedication and passion for critical thinking and STEM into your careers and share what you’ve learned with your communities,” stated U.S. Embassy Islamabad Deputy Cultural Affairs Officer Grace Carroll.

KUM Vice Chancellor Dr Habib Bokhari further said that the goal of this master class was to empower exchange alumni with a critical thinking mindset.

Dr Habib underscored the importance of carrying this torch of critical thinking forward in your academic, professional and personal pursuits.

The masterclass combined lectures and discussion by scholars and experts with interactive sessions led by STEM trainers. These hands-on modules covered a diverse array of topics, ranging from DNA and protein discovery to bioinformatics and the dynamics of successful science startups, with the aim of fostering a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and their practical applications.

Speakers highlighted the pivotal role of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling global challenges.

These sessions celebrated participants’ ingenuity and also nurtured a collaborative atmosphere vital for advancing science and technology education.

The U.S. government invests more than $40 million annually in exchange programs for Pakistani citizens to visit and study in the United States.

Over 1,000 Pakistanis participate each year in high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional U.S.-sponsored exchanges.

Since the alumni network began in 2008, Americans have provided more than 18,000 college scholarships for Pakistani students.