My research interests center around teacher learning, from pre-service teacher education, as students prepare for a career in teaching, continuing through to the lifelong learning of practicing teachers. Specifically I am interested in helping teachers plan curricula that will meet the demands of state and national science standards while still finding ways to keep their students actively engaged in scientific and mathematical inquiry. In addition I am an advocate for integrating Mathematics, Science, Engineering and Technology (STEM) in ways that offer students authentic problem solving and critical thinking opportunities within their science coursework. Because I began my career with 14 years teaching in a high school setting, I am always trying to find ways to cultivate meaningful partnerships with our local school systems and teachers so that the work we do here at UF can help to positively impact the STEM education opportunities for our local middle and high school students.
