Dr. Michelle Smith, who holds a C. Ann Merrifield Professorship in Life Science Education in the School of Biology and Ecology, will spearhead a project to improve first-year students’ transition from high school classes to college courses in the same subjects. Nation-wide data indicate that less than 50% of first-year undergraduates who start in science, technology, read more Smith’s project will connect college, high school instructors to improve success of STEM students