Research/Areas of Interest:

Physics Education Research: Scientists are professional learners who employ a range of skills and qualities to learn new things. Why should it be any different for students in how they advance in their understanding of scientific concepts? My current research focuses on how learners come to engage in the practices of science in their efforts to learn new things. To make progress on the question, I have studied how learners' views of knowledge (personal epistemologies) impact their scientific engagement in the contexts of introductory physics, quantum mechanics, and science teacher education. I have also studied the interaction of personal epistemology with emotions that come up in the doing of science (epistemic affect). Most recently, I have looked at how personal epistemology interconnects with social caring and epistemic empathy. These studies help outline some paths to progress in equity and inclusion in STEM fields, and inform my approaches to teaching.

Education

  • PhD, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States, 2017
  • MS, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 2003
  • BSE, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States, 1999