Science Education Program
Faculty & Staff
Housed within the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, UTD’s Science Education Program provides a unique opportunity for students to merge theory and practice. Building on fundamental coursework in mathematics, science, society and technology, students benefit from direct interaction with renowned experts and specialists in biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics, science/mathematics education, as well as other related schools and departments. It's hard to provide a true list of science educators at UTD because it would possibly duplicate the university faculty directory! Your advisor will help you determine who the best people are to help you throughout your MAT-SE program. For example, among others, you might end up working with:
- Dr. Homer Montgomery, a paleontologist and assistant professor of science education at UTD, who took teachers to uncover bones of enormous flying reptile in Big Bend National Park;
- Dr. Mary Urquhart, assistant professor in the Department of Science/Mathematics Education, affiliate faculty in the Department of Physics, and member of the William B. Hanson Center for Space Sciences, who presented a colloquium on "Lunar Thermal Emission, Rock Abundance, and Landing Hazards" at the Florida Institute of Technology;
- Dr. Cynthia Ledbetter, a associate professor in the Department of Science/Mathematics Education and adjunct professor at Curtin University of Technology, and the recipient of the 2006 Unsung Shero of the Year award; or
- Dr. Russell Hulse, 1993 Nobel Laureate and Princeton Physicist who joined UTD as Visiting Professor to focus on Science and Mathematics Education.
Somewhere along the way, you'll meet Ralph and Tosca, our online Research Assistants (RA).
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Hi, I'm Tosca. That energetic guy spinning around over there is my friend Ralph. We're your RAs! It's our job to help you get the most out of your studies - and to contribute the most from your research. We may not always know the answers or be exactly 'right', but we're here to continue our learning. Besides that, things do change quickly in this exciting field! |
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You'll also work with the Science Education Program staff on occasion. In fact, you may know them well already! Check the website for their current contact details as they are very busy - but don't hesitate to contact them directly as needed. They know how to get the job done!
Through a UTTC award, the 9 core courses for the MAT-SE Online! program were authored by three UTD instructors who have been intimately involved in the Science Education program.
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Dr. Fred L. Fifer is a Professor and the former (first) Department Head of Science/Mathematics Education. He teaches science and science education courses in the MAT program. A graduate of The George Peabody College/Vanderbilt University, his research interests are in classroom instructional/behavioral management, science activities for minimal science settings/equipment, and alternative assessment in science. |
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Dr. Cynthia E. Ledbetter is an Associate Professor and the second Department Head of Science/Mathematics Education. She teaches science and science education courses in the MAT program. A student of Dr. Fifer and graduate of Texas A&M University, her research interests are in alternative assessment, utilization of field trips as an extension of the classroom, and using inquiry science to teach teachers as well as children. |
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Dr. Rebekah K. Nix is a Senior Lecturer in the School of General Studies. She teaches educational technology courses in the Teacher Development Center’s certification program and other educator workshops. A student of Drs. Fifer and Ledbetter and graduate of Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia, her research interests focus on the learning environment, specifically with regard to information technology integration and professional development. |
And more courses are on the way, being developed by UTD faculty and instructional design staff!
Literally hundreds of MAT-SE graduates are actively engaged in leading the way for science and education around the globe!. You'll surely meet several and/or hear about their work as you are involved with participating in professional conferences, applying cutting-edge research, and building your own lasting network in science education.
