Spring 2026 Events Schedule
Unbound Research Collaborative & Obermann Lit Review Group
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Past Events
Unbound Panel on Informal Learning Environments
(February 27, 2026)
In this event, Unbound hosted a panel discussion featuring representatives from several informal learning organizations across the Iowa City community. Panelists included Fred Meyer (Earth Mind), Darrell Currington (College of Education Makerspace), Andrew Sherburne (Film Scene), Kirk Cheyney (Iowa City Fab Lab), Breanna Shea (Iowa Flood Center), Karen Allen (UI WILD), Tony Branch (United Action for Youth), and Jared McGovern (Wanderwood Gardens).
The panel explored how different community organizations design and support learning experiences outside of traditional classrooms. Following brief introductions, panelists engaged in a moderated discussion about their work and perspectives on informal learning, followed by audience questions and a reception where attendees could continue conversations and connect with the organizations represented.
Guest Speaker Event With Dr. Flavio Azevedo
(April 11, 2025)
In this event we had Dr. Flavio Azevedo from South Methodist University- a leading scholar in the study of interest-driven participation, learning in- and out-of-schools, society and discourse and the lead PI of the Learning Everywhere Lab at SMU. He gave an hour long talk titled- "Reflections on a changing field, a shifting research practice, and the prospects for justice-centered STEM learning spaces", followed by an hour long reception.
Information Unveiled & Research Revealed
(November 8, 2024)
The purpose of this event was to reintroduce Unbound Research Collaborative and Data Repository to potential members. The new created Unbound website was introduced and two members, Dr. Kay Ramey and Dr. Kathy Schuh presented two independent research projects conducted within informal learning environments.
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Unbound - Lunch, Learn, Discuss
(March 1, 2024)
The purpose of the Unbound- Lunch, Learn, Discuss was to introduce the Unbound research collaborative to faculty and graduate students at the college of education.
Unbound Potential Partner Event
(May 6, 2024)
The purpose of the event was to introduce the Unbound to potential partners. Partners would be organizations with some type of educational activity in informal spaces. The goal was to introduce Unbound: our mission, values, our purpose, and how they could benefit from becoming our partners.
Exploring the Wild: Adjusting Your Lens
(October 14, 2023)
This presentation at the Learning Sciences Graduate Student Conference at the University of Iowa aimed to expose graduate students from across the country to the excitement and challenges of gathering data in natural settings. Unbound members Kathy Schuh and Jay Gorsh led the session, with assistance from Unbound graduate students.