PUAN and KUM host masterclass on critical thinking via STEM

ISLAMABAD: Through the support of the US Mission Pakistan, the Pakistan-US Alumni Network (PUAN) and Kohsar University Murree (KUM) joined hands to organise a transformative five-day Masterclass focused on “Promoting Critical Thinking through STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics” in Murree.

The event, spanning from August 21 to 25, provided a dynamic forum that congregated 39 US government exchange alumni hailing from across Pakistan.

Among the attendees were luminaries from IT firms, think-tanks, incubators, academic institutions, and government leaders.

The Masterclass proved to be an immersive platform for intensive learning and the exchange of knowledge, fostering inspiration among budding leaders to traverse the interwoven realms of science, technology, and education.

Addressing the gathering, Grace Carroll, Deputy Cultural Affairs Officer at the US Embassy Islamabad, emphasised the pivotal role of exchange alumni in shaping sound policies and robust institutions.

“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 colleagues, schools, universities, and communities,” said Carroll.

She expressed her aspiration that the exceptional dedication, work, and passion for critical thinking and STEM demonstrated by participants would reverberate through their careers, education institutions, and local communities.

Dr Habib Bokhari, Vice-Chancellor of Kohsar University Murree, articulated that the master class aimed to endow exchange alumni not merely with a collection of facts and formulas but with a mindset rooted in critical thinking. He urged the participants to perpetuate the torch of critical thinking in their academic, professional, and personal pursuits.

The Masterclass seamlessly interwove lectures and discussions facilitated by erudite scholars and experts with interactive sessions led by STEM trainers. These hands-on modules encompassed a rich tapestry of subjects, ranging from unraveling the mysteries of DNA and proteins to exploring the realms of bioinformatics and the dynamics that underpin successful science startups. The objective was to nurture a profound comprehension of scientific concepts and their real-world applications.

Speakers, including Prof Dr Arshad Saleem Bhatti, Rector of Virtual University; Dr. Zafer Alvi, Project Director of Digi Skills; and Pervaiz Abbasi, Project Director of the National Incubation Centre, Islamabad, underscored the pivotal role of interdisciplinary approaches in confronting global challenges.

The interactive sessions not only celebrated participants’ ingenuity but also forged a collaborative ambiance vital for the advancement of science and technology education.

The U.S. government’s commitment to nurturing ties with Pakistan is exemplified by its annual investment of over $40 million in exchange programs. These programs facilitate Pakistani citizens’ visits to and studies in the United States, with over 1,000 individuals participating annually in high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional U.S.-sponsored exchanges. Since the inception of the alumni network in 2008, American partners have generously provided more than 18,000 college scholarships for Pakistani students.

The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) orchestrates an array of events across Pakistan through its 14 regional chapters. Activities encompass community service projects, leadership training, roundtable discussions, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

The collaborative efforts of the U.S. Mission Pakistan, PUAN, and Kohsar University Murree have yielded a profound educational endeavor that seeks to shape the future by igniting critical thinking and propelling STEM education to new horizons.