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Other resources

You may also find relevant experts at the American Evaluation Association list of evaluators, the Informal science educator directory, and the AAPT’s list of external program reviewers.

Mentors/mentees

If you are a new consultant seeking mentorship, or an experienced consultant willing to help onboard new consultants (by giving advice, or offering subcontracts), you can filter by “Mentors” below, to find potential mentors/mentees.

List of Physics Education Consultants

Primary services are listed in bold.

Filter By (include all): - Services - Expertise - Research Methods

Services
 External Evaluation
 Workshops
 Research
 Interviews
 Assessment
 Advising Departments
 Proposal writing
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 Multimedia Production
 Writing and Editing
 Program external review
 Instructional material design
 Advisory board
 Informal science programs
OK
Expertise
Student Learning
 Engineering education
 Student ideas
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 Active learning strategies
 Student attitudes
 Student engagement
Course Design
 Implementing instructional strategies
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 Interdisciplinary courses
 Recitations
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 Physics for life sciences
Faculty Development
 Faculty mentoring
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 Preparing future teachers
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 Teaching Assistants (TAs)
 Learning Assistants (LAs)
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Assessment
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Other Specialties
 Cognitive science
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 Diversity, equity and inclusion
 STEM education beyond physics
 Informal Science Education
 K12 education
 K12 teacher
OK
Research Methods
 Survey design & analysis
 Interviews & focus groups
 Ethnographic methods
 Network analysis
 Statistical analysis
 Theory development
 Video analysis of learners
 Case studies
OK

Or search by keyword:

Joyce Achampong, MS     ‐     Programme development and evaluation to support institutions

Pivot Global Education Consulting Group

Website
London, UK
Experienced, Full-time consultant

Services:

External Evaluation, Workshops, Research, Interviews, Assessment, Proposal writing, Dissemination, Writing and Editing, Program external review, Advising Departments, Website design/development, Advisory board

Areas of expertise:

Undergraduate research, Student feedback, Course design, Learning goals, Communication and negotiation, Preparing future teachers, Faculty development around teaching, External evaluation, Assessment of student learning, Program assessment
Pivot Global Education started in 2016 to provide consulting, project management and evaluation services in all aspects of skills, education and development; with a focus on developing and supporting institutions for the future. Having worked within development agencies, foundations, NGOs, research and international education institutions, the organisation started to expand the work of the team from its higher education support focus to a wider remit of providing insights for institutions looking to assess the impact of their work against organisational or wider objectives. It is our ongoing mission to support, manage and build institutions ready to respond their stakeholders to future needs as well as drive change around education globally. Our experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning means we are able to develop frameworks, tools and processes tailored to the specific need of our clients. We have provided programme development in addition to our evaluation services to small and larger organisations requiring critical evaluation of the various initiatives across numerous programme sites. We bring a wealth of expertise in programme design, evaluation, monitoring and analysis. Over the course of the past few years, our team of consultants has engaged with and developed effective methods of data collection and dissemination into practical use. These methods are contextually relevant and appropriate and are designed and implemented in order to achieve maximum explanatory power and give voice to individual narratives and capture stories of change and impact. The team employs document analysis, contextual evaluation and seeks to ensure comprehensive evidence is gathered. Narrative and qualitative data balance document analysis and quantitative statistics. We have expertise in in pedagogical training and teacher professional development. Our team has designed and delivered pedagogical training courses (curriculum development, student engagement, active learning, classroom management, learning outcome alignment) in higher education globally.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Statistical analysis, Theory development, Case studies
Programming languages: HTML
Past clients: Talloires Network, British Council Sub Sahara Africa, Universities South Africa, MasterCard Foundation, Global Development Network
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Rhett Allain, PhD     ‐     science communication, numerical calculations in introductory physics

Website
Hammond, LA
Associate Professor of Physics, Southeastern Louisiana University
Senior, Part-time consultant

Services:

Workshops, Writing and Editing, Instructional material design, Advisory board, Informal science programs

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Computation, Implementing instructional strategies, Preparing future teachers, Informal Science Education
My areas of expertise include science communication and using numerical calculations (computational physics) in introductory physics courses as well as using video analysis in physics. I have a wide range of experiences including 20 years of teaching at the undergraduate level, science communication (blogging, videos, science advising for television).
Research methods: Writing
Software: Tracker Video Analysis
Programming languages: Python
Past clients: MythBusters (Science Channel), Wired Magazine, MacGyver (CBS), National Geographic
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Jessica Alzen, PhD     ‐     Program Evaluation, Quasi-experimental Design, Mixed-Methods Research

Website
Westminster, CO
Research Associate, University of Colorado Boulder
New, Part-time consultant
Download CV

Services:

External Evaluation, Research, Assessment, Writing and Editing, Program external review, Workshops, Interviews, Advising Departments, Proposal writing

Areas of expertise:

Learning goals, Learning Assistants (LAs), External evaluation, Assessment of student learning, Program assessment, K12 teacher
My expertise is in research and evaluation methodology with an emphasis on mixed methods research and quasi-experimental design. My direct experience with the physics education community focuses on the relationship between the Learning Assistant Model and student outcomes such as course failure, year 2 persistence, and persistence to graduation. In each project, I aim to clearly convey results from methodologically sound work that beneficially informs education policy. I have worked directly with K-12 teachers and administrators, district leaders, and program directors at institutes of higher education. An important element of all of my evaluation work is that the needs of various stakeholders always directs the work and that both quantitative and qualitative data are used whenever possible to gain full understanding of program effectiveness. I have worked both as a middle school math teacher and a college statistics professor, so I am well-suited to work with researchers, educators, and students. I am qualified to assist in any quantitative work from assessment/survey design to external evaluation, but my specialty is in mixed-methods program evaluation.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Statistical analysis
Software: R, SPSS, Stata
Past clients: University of Colorado Boulder (Valerie Otero); University of Colorado Boulder (Laurie Langdon)
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Ken Brandt Brandt, MS     ‐     Curriculum development and design, evaluating curriculum.

Robeson Planetarium and Science Center

Website
Lumberton, NC
Director/Lecturer, USC Beaufort
Senior, Occasional consultant
Download CV

Services:

Writing and Editing, Instructional material design, Informal science programs, Assessment

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Student engagement, Implementing instructional strategies, Course design, Curricular issues, Assessment of student learning, K12 education, Informal Science Education, STEM education beyond physics
Lorrie and I write curriculum in support of larger projects.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups
Past clients: Mirage 3d, E&S
 +more

Stephanie Chasteen, PhD     ‐     Faculty development and higher education reform

Chasteen Educational Consulting

Website
Louisville, CO
Senior, Full-time consultant
Download CV

Services:

External Evaluation, Writing and Editing, Workshops, Interviews, Advising Departments

Areas of expertise:

Course design, Learning goals, Preparing future teachers, Faculty development around teaching, Faculty change, Institutional change, Program strategic planning, External evaluation, STEM education beyond physics, Public science communication
I am an experienced, full-time consultant focused on STEM education reform, with a focus on effective faculty development, transforming courses to use active learning, and spreading educational innovations within departments. I primarily provide evaluation and writing services to NSF-funded projects and I am well-connected to the broader STEM education community. I am particularly adept at helping people develop goals at many different levels -- course learning goals, program goals, and project goals and theories of change. "What would success look like for you?" is my favorite question. I am also experienced in survey development and analysis, focus groups, interviews, and communicating with different audiences. I have worked on several long-term, large projects (including the AAPT New Faculty Workshop and the APS PhysTEC project and regularly manage subcontractors to address the needs of these larger projects. I typically require 6-12 months lead time on new work, but am particularly interested in conducting qualitative case studies, and advising departments in leading internal education reform.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Theory of Change
Past clients: AAPT New Faculty Workshop (Bob Hilborn), APS PhysTEC (Monica Plisch), APS EP3 (Ted Hodapp), Get the Facts Out (Wendy Adams), Seattle Pacific University (Rachel Scherr), PhysPort (Sam McKagan)
 +more

Melissa Dancy, PhD

Website
Boulder, CO
Research Faculty, University of Colorado - Boulder
Senior, Occasional consultant

Services:

External Evaluation, Workshops, Research, Interviews, Program external review, Assessment, Advising Departments, Proposal writing, Writing and Editing

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Communication and negotiation, Faculty development around teaching, Faculty change, Persistence & retention, Institutional change, External evaluation, Diversity, equity and inclusion
I have been working in physics education for 20+ years. During that time I have held varied positions including teaching positions at research universities, regional universities, a small elite liberal arts college and an HBCU. The majority of my research has focused either on faculty development and educational transformation or issues of inclusion and diversity and has been largely qualitative in nature though not exclusively. I have consulted on projects ranging from faculty development, equity and inclusion, REU experiences, proposal writing and workshop evaluation. I am also interested in conflict resolution and am a certified meditator and volunteer as both a mediator and as a restorative justice facilitator.
Research methods: Interviews & focus groups, Theory development, Case studies
Past clients: Scott Franklin, Kate Wright, Ed Price, Fred Goldberg, Joshua Faber
 +more

Deepa Deshpande, MS

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, TN
Graduate Teaching Associate, University of Tennessee Knoxville
New, Part-time consultant

Services:

Research, Assessment, Writing and Editing, Workshops, Multimedia Production

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Problem solving, Student engagement, Student attitudes, Implementing instructional strategies, Assessment of student learning, Diversity, equity and inclusion
I have hands on research and teaching experience in designing tools and instruments for assessment of student learning in physics, and I am interested in collaborating and working on studies which seek to assess development of complex thinking through technology enhanced active learning environments in high school and undergraduate physics. Issues of gender equity in physics and comparative international studies are two other areas in which I can offer expert knowledge.
Research methods: Network analysis, Statistical analysis
 +more

Remy Dou, PhD     ‐     Affect in formal and informal learning

Website
Miami, Fl
Assistant Professor, Florida International University
Experienced, Occasional consultant
Download CV

Services:

External Evaluation, Informal science programs, Research, Writing and Editing, Advisory board

Areas of expertise:

identity, interest, self-efficacy, informal science learning, STEM career choice, science talk, physics education, social network analysis, ethnic studies in science
My collaborative interests lie in the affective dimension of student experiences in both formal and informal learning environments. I am particularly interested in work that contributes to our understanding of STEM career decision-making, retention, and persistence of individuals from statistically underrepresented groups. This includes explorations of participants' STEM interests, self-efficacy, and identity. I am also deeply interested in and familiar with a variety of statistical and analytical tools, including social network analysis, structural equation modeling, hierarchical linear modeling, and longitudinal analysis of network data.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Network analysis, Statistical analysis
Software: R, SPSS, MPlus, HLM
Programming languages: R
Past clients: American Physical Society, Adrienne Arsht Center, Brainworx, Ohio State University Dept. Teaching and Learning
 +more

Electra Eleftheriadou, PhD     ‐     Faculty Development and Inclusive Teaching

Electra Eleftheriadou PhD - Coaching for greater Inclusion and Equity

Website
Toronto, CAN
Independent Consultant
New, Full-time consultant

Services:

Workshops, Interviews, Website design/development, Informal science programs, External Evaluation

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Implementing instructional strategies, Course design, Faculty mentoring, Faculty development around teaching, Faculty change, Institutional change, Program strategic planning, Diversity, equity and inclusion, Public science com
My passion and specialization is in instructor professional development. My work is guided by my commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, which includes the pursuit of decolonization, indigenization and reconciliation.
Research methods: Interviews & focus groups
Programming languages: Python, Mathematica
Past clients: American Physical Society (I am a Facilitator for APS-IDEA)
 +more

Bernardo Ferdman, PhD     ‐     Supporting leaders and organizations in bringing inclusion to life.

Ferdman Consulting

Website
San Diego, CA
Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Alliant International University
Senior, Full-time consultant
Download CV

Services:

Workshops, Diversity, equity, & inclusion, Assessment, Advising Departments

Areas of expertise:

Communication and negotiation, Diversity, equity and inclusion
I work with leaders and organizations to bring inclusion to life via consulting, education, coaching, and assessment in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); development and implementation of effective strategic DEI initiatives; leadership development and coaching; inclusive leadership; inclusion assessment & measurement; cross-cultural & intergroup communication; conflict management; integration & empowerment of Latino/Latina/Latinx staff and students.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Ethnographic methods, Statistical analysis
Software: SPSS
Past clients: Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh (Radisav Vidic)
 +more

Brian Foley, PhD     ‐     Computer Supported Collaborative Learning, Computer modeling

Website
Los Angeles, CA
Professor, Cal State Univ. Northridge
Senior, Occasional consultant

Services:

Research, Advising Departments, Proposal writing, Instructional material design, Advisory board

Areas of expertise:

Student ideas, Computation, Science inquiry, Communication and negotiation, Preparing future teachers, Program assessment, K12 teacher, K12 education, Cognitive science
We know a lot about how to teach physics well. We know the value of synchronizing lectures and labs. We know how to integrate discussions and labs to support students' learning. We know how We know how to make lectures more engaging and effective. We know how group work boosts students who are struggling. We know how online tools enable formative assessment and student accountability. Schools that are not already using these ideas in their instruction need to take a new look at their instruction.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Ethnographic methods, Theory development
Software: SPSS, Google Apps,
Programming languages: Scratch, NetLogo, AppInventor
Past clients: California Science Project, Concord Consortium, RAND Corp. Metiri Group
 +more

Claudia Fracchiolla, PhD     ‐     Designed Based Implementation research in Informal Learning spaces

CO
Research Associate, Michigan State University
New, Part-time consultant
Download CV

Services:

External Evaluation, Research, Program external review, Advisory board, Informal science programs, Workshops, Interviews, Assessment, Proposal writing, Writing and Editing

Areas of expertise:

Identity, Diversity, equity, and inclusion,Teacher preparation, Community of Practice, Informal Science Education, External evaluation, Program assessment
I am interested in creating democratic educational spaces, foregrounded in inclusion, diversity and access. Informal science programs are portals to these spaces. As a consultant, I use different research methodologies to investigate informal learning, develop new and innovative programs and research methods appropriate for informal environments, and to inform and complement research on formal learning environments. I have worked with PIs as external evaluator of projects and in the development of outreach programs to fulfill the grants’ broader impact criteria. I have broad experience with informal science programs, nationally and internationally, from curriculum design and training to evaluation and research on the impacts of the programs on participants. I have worked with all sorts of programs, from after-school to demo shows, to science variety nights. Informal science are not only a tool for engaging people with science, but is also our channel as scientist to engage in conversations with the communities.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Statistical analysis, Theory development, Video analysis of learners, Case studies
Software: SPSS, SPSSTextAnalytic, Rapidminer, Nvivo, MaxQDA
Programming languages: Python (intermediate), C++(basic), Bash (intermediate).
Past clients: Bright Club Dublin, Science Apprentice, Learning 101 podcast, PhysTEC, Kathleen Hinko at MSU, Shane Bergin at University College Dublin, Noah Finkelstein University of Colorado Boulder
 +more

Agueda Gras Velazquez, PhD     ‐     Programme management and engagement, online teaching and events

Brussels, BE
New, Occasional consultant
Download CV

Services:

External Evaluation, Workshops, Research, Interviews, Advising Departments, Proposal writing, Dissemination, Writing and Editing, Program external review, Advisory board, Informal science programs, Management and coordination

Areas of expertise:

Interdisciplinary courses, Communication and negotiation, External evaluation, Program assessment, K12 education, STEM education beyond physics, Public science communication
I offer advise and/or support in: Organising face to face and online STEM education teaching and events (to make them more efficient, interesting, and professional); European STEM education topics; Staff management. Area of specialisation: Built the Science Education Department at European Schoolnet from one to 15 full-time staff; Involved in 44 European Commission funded projects (FP7, H2020, LLP, KA2, KA3) and 15 private funded, including: 15 as lead coordinator (with up to 30 external organizations as partners), 25 as supervisor of the project managers, six as Advisory Board member. Organised: Face to face: four conferences (250 – 600 participants from teachers to researchers and policy makers), four summer schools (100 – 180 participants), 40+ workshops (20 – 80 participants). Online: numerous webinars, a co-creation workshop with 40 people and a conference with 800 participants (over two days); 60+ presentations to different audiences (up to 600 attendees); Led the design of 13 portals and co-author of 20+ publications, most on Science Education research and evaluation. Contact me if you do not know where to start with online events or education in Europe; want to make your online events more effective and professional; want to improve processes and professionalisation of activities
Research methods: Survey design & analysis
 +more

Charles Henderson, PhD     ‐     Creating meaningful change in higher education

Western Michigan University

Website
Kalamazoo, MI
Professor, Director, Western Michigan University
Senior, Occasional consultant

Services:

External Evaluation, Workshops, Advising Departments, Program external review, Advisory board, Research

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Problem solving, Implementing instructional strategies, Faculty development around teaching, Faculty change, Institutional change, STEM education beyond physics
I enjoy consulting with departments and institutions interested in creating meaningful changes that improve student learning and retention. I take a systemic approach to helping organizations think about and manage change successfully. I have a good understanding of college/university decision-making structures, the national landscape for STEM education, successful models for creating change, as well as issues related to funding.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Network analysis, Theory development, Case studies
 +more

Zdeslav Hrepic, PhD

Columbus State University

Website
Columbus, GA
Professor, Columbus State University
Senior, Occasional consultant

Services:

Workshops, Research, Assessment, External Evaluation, Interviews

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Problem solving, Student engagement, Interdisciplinary courses, Physics for life sciences, Preparing future teachers, Curricular issues, Assessment of student learning
Effective Application of Pen-based Computing Technology in Classroom Settings; Students’ Understanding of Introductory Physics Topics; Development of Formative Assessment of Students’ Understanding; Issues in Student Understanding of Lectures; Mental models, Conceptual Blending and Cognitive Change.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Ethnographic methods, Case studies
 +more

Mike Hull, PhD     ‐     English proofing for researchers who are not native English speakers

Website
Vienna, AUS
Research Associate, University of Vienna
New, Occasional consultant
Download CV

Services:

English proof-reading of manuscripts

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Student ideas, Student engagement, Student attitudes, Recitations, Labs, Course design, Preparing future teachers, Assessment of student learning
Are you hoping to publish in English but finding yourself intimidated by the journal's high standards for written language? I have experience in English proof-reading for research colleagues in both Japan and Austria. Especially if your paper has come back to you "revise and resubmit" with "English needs improving" included in the reviewer comments, I encourage you to contact me for timely assistance.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Video analysis of learners, Case studies
Past clients: New service as of 2020
 +more

Calvin S. Kalman, PhD     ‐     PhD (many teaching awards)‐ helping students become expert-like

Website
Montreal, CAN
Pofessor and Principal Science College, Concordia University
Senior, Occasional consultant
Download CV

Services:

External Evaluation, Workshops, Advising Departments, Program external review, Research, Interviews, Assessment, Proposal writing, Advisory board

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Undergraduate research, Science inquiry, Interdisciplinary courses, Faculty mentoring, Institutional change, External evaluation, Assessment of student learning, STEM education beyond physics, Cognitive science
Students' epistemological beliefs, conceptual change, finding a class of techniques that is effective in helping students become more like expert thinkers, Reflective Writing & Labatorials at secondary and all university levels. Author of second editions of two major books on Successful Science and Engineering Teaching. I have often helped departments and institutions interested in creating meaningful changes that improve student learning and retention. Having served as departmental chair, principal of a college, graduate and undergraduate program director,. I have a good understanding of college/university decision-making structures, the national landscape for STEM education, successful models for creating change.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Theory development, Case studies
 +more

Debora Katz, PhD

Annapolis, MD
Professor, United States Naval Academy
New, Occasional consultant
Download CV

Services:

External Evaluation, Writing and Editing, Program external review

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Recitations, Learning goals, Course design, Admissions
1. I've written a calculus-based university-level physics textbook. As such I've advice on creating a set of complementary videos. 2. I've written scripts and appeared in a series of videos (August, 2017), which are currently in post production. 3. I've provided technical advice to a science fiction writer. 4. I've been an outside reviewer for promotion package.
Research methods: Interviews & focus groups
Past clients: 1. Katie Toulmin (katie@cabin3media.com) Video director; 2. Dan Jaffe (djaffe@uw.edu) asked for external review; 3. Justin Landers (justin.landers@comcast.net) Science fiction writer.
 +more

Alexis Knaub, PhD

Website
MI
Experienced, Part-time consultant

Services:

External Evaluation, Research, Interviews, Assessment, Workshops

Areas of expertise:

Learning Assistants (LAs), Teaching Assistants (TAs), Faculty change, Student community, Institutional change, External evaluation, Diversity, equity and inclusion
My work has primarily focused on evaluating postsecondary education projects created to support undergraduate STEM students. The evaluation work I do is formative so that PIs can improve and adapt their projects before the grant period ends. My work in past has involved surveys, interviews, focus groups, and analyzing already existing data with the goals of not only thinking about whether the project will achieve the desired outcomes but also whether the project will be sustained. I also have experience in designing, organizing, and facilitating events particularly for students of color as well as serving on committees related to diversity and equity.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Network analysis, Statistical analysis, Case studies
Past clients: Manher Jariwala (Boston University), Craig Ogilvie (Iowa State)
 +more

Jerome Licini, PhD

Bethlehem, PA
Associate Professor, Lehigh University
Senior, Occasional consultant
Download CV

Services:

Research, Advising Departments

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Undergraduate research, Engineering education, Preparing future teachers, Teaching Assistants (TAs), Persistence & retention, Assessment of student learning
My pedagogical experience covers all aspects of course design for small-group, large-lecture, and online courses. My Physics Education Research experience covers multiple university and high-school level educational research projects. I deliver this expertise via consulting skills honed with multiple organizations.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Case studies
 +more

Angie Little, PhD

Angela Little LLC

Website
Chicago, IL
Visiting Assistant Research Scientist, University of Maryland and Michigan State University
Senior, Part-time consultant

Services:

External Evaluation, Workshops, Research, Interviews, Multimedia Production

Areas of expertise:

Student feedback, Teaching Assistants (TAs), Student community, Persistence & retention, External evaluation, Diversity, equity and inclusion, STEM education beyond physics
I’m interested in how we can create supportive educational spaces where people from all backgrounds can be successful. As a consultant, I typically perform workshops, give feedback and advice, support the articulation of project goals, develop project assessment tools, and work on grants. I primarily work with grant PIs in two capacities: (1) Performing targeted research projects (e.g. interviews and analysis) for grants that are starting off slowly or ending with some extra funding; (2) evaluation. I bring key expertise to my work as a consultant. I am a national leader in physics education and equity. This includes co-founding The Access Network, a national network of equity-focused STEM education programs, as well as serving on APS committees. My research background includes a wide array of qualitative methodologies and theoretical frameworks. My research spans Physics Education Research, Learning Sciences, Psychology, Linguistics, Education, and Physics. I have served as an evaluator on programs and research projects, including conference evaluation. In addition, I have background in podcasting and video production.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Theory development, Video analysis of learners, Case studies
Past clients: Chasteen Educational Consulting (Stephanie Chasteen); University of Maryland (Andrew Elby)
 +more

Ramon Lopez, PhD

Website
Arlington, TX
Professor, University of Texas at Arlington
Senior, Occasional consultant
Download CV

Services:

Advising Departments, Program external review

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Undergraduate research, Preparing future teachers, Faculty mentoring, Admissions, Diversity, equity and inclusion
I have considerable expertise in K-12 education, having been on the the writers for the College Board Standards and one the the leaders of the writing team for the Next Generation Science Standards, as well as having worked of various curriculum and teacher preservice education projects. I also have considerable experience in issues related to diversity in physics. As a former Co-PI of a Science and Technology Center funded by the NSF, I have particular insights into how such centers are expected to work, and the role of education and diversity in center activities. Finally, I have served as an external reviewer for various departments and projects.
Research methods: Interviews & focus groups
Past clients: Donna Yudkin, NSTA Press Book Acquisitions Manager; Andrea R. Boldon, The Implementation Group, Inc.; Erica Meehan Meehan Media Consulting;
 +more

Mojgan Matloob Haghanikar, PhD     ‐     Ed Tech solutions, inquiry strategies, assessment design

Website
Chicago, IL
Physics Lecturer-Parttime, Chicago State University, City colleges of Chicago
Experienced, Full-time consultant
Download CV

Services:

Workshops, Research, Assessment, Advising Departments, Proposal writing, Dissemination, Multimedia Production, Instructional material design, Advisory board, Informal science programs, External Evaluation, Workshops, Interviews, Proposal writing, Website design/development, Writing and Editing, Program external review

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Engineering education, Science inquiry, Interdisciplinary courses, Course design, Preparing future teachers, Faculty mentoring, Assessment of student learning, Informal Science Education, Cognitive science
Most of my previous work was on creating pedagical sound online courses for semiconductors, physics, chemistry and adding inetractivity and gamification. I am a published author targeting instrudctional designers and edtech developers. Here are summary of my interests: 1-consultant on grant writing 2. creating tangible labs for quantum education 3- My PhD research was on developing assessment tools for measuring meaningful understanding, so inetrested in developing assessment tools 4-Gamification 5- Curriculum development
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Ethnographic methods, Statistical analysis, Theory development, Case studies
Software: SPSS
Programming languages: Python
Past clients: NYU astronomy professors, CNSE for semiconductors,
 +more

Karen Jo Matsler

Education Assessment & Training, Inc

Website
Arlington, TX
Professor, University of Texas Arlington
Senior, Part-time consultant
Download CV

Services:

External Evaluation, Workshops, Interviews, Assessment, Program external review, Dissemination, Writing and Editing

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Engineering education, Interdisciplinary courses, Implementing instructional strategies, Preparing future teachers, Assessment of student learning, External evaluation, STEM education beyond physics
I have been in education for over 35 years as a secondary teacher, faculty member, adjunct, and K-12 administrator. My broad teaching experiences coupled with my evaluation experience for programs and schools allows me to see the big education picture in ways most cannot. I have nearly 20 years of experience working with practicing and pre-service teachers/faculty by providing PD that is research based, relevant, and engaging. I have been a long term consultant, nationally and internationally, for several curriculum projects that focus on inquiry, STEM, or curriculum content. As a supervisor for student teachers, I am aware of current classroom culture and understand challenges in education. Evaluation expertise is in professional development, impact on teachers and students, and program sustainability.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Case studies, Impact of PD on student achievement
Past clients: University of West Georgia (Bob Powell), Idaho State University (Steve Shropshire), Lee College (Tom O'Kuma), University of Texas Dallas
 +more

Laura McCullough, PhD     ‐     Diversity and equity issues, particularly gender issues

Website
Menomonie, WI
Professor of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Experienced, Part-time consultant
Download CV

Services:

External Evaluation, Research, Advising Departments, Program external review, Advisory board

Areas of expertise:

Student community, Persistence & retention, External evaluation, Program assessment, Diversity, equity and inclusion
Dr. McCullough is an expert in women and physics issues and women's leadership in STEM in the areas of classroom, curriculum, and culture. She offers support and advice to departments, faculty, parents, and administrators on how to create welcoming environments for women and other disadvantaged populations in physics and other STEM fields.
Research methods: Evaluation
 +more

Sam McKagan, PhD     ‐     User-centered design of web resources for physics education

Alder Science Education Association

Website
Seattle, WA
Director, PhysPort, Living Physics Portal, Energy and Equity Portal
Senior, Full-time consultant
Download CV

Services:

Advising Departments, Dissemination, Website design/development, Workshops, Research, Interviews, Writing and Editing, Advisory board

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Implementing instructional strategies, Faculty development around teaching, Faculty change, Institutional change, Program strategic planning, Assessment of student learning, Program assessment, Diversity, equity and inclusion
I am the creator and director of PhysPort.org, a website that supports physics faculty in using research-based teaching and assessment in their classes and departments. I am also the design and development director of the Living Physics Portal (livingphysicsportal.org) and the Energy and Equity Portal (energyandequity.org), online environments for physics instructors to share and discuss free curricular materials, and the editorial director for the Effective Practices for Physics Programs initiative (ep3guide.org). I have observed classrooms, interviewed developers and adopters of research-based instructional practices, and developed expertise in a wide variety of research-based teaching and assessment methods. I can help you design and develop websites for physics educators, disseminate research-based teaching and assessments or analyze assessment data through PhysPort, and/or conduct research on physics instructors' needs and practices.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Video analysis of learners
Past clients: Seattle Pacific University (Rachel Scherr), University of Colorado - Boulder (Kathy Perkins, Stephanie Chasteen), American Physical Society (Ted Hodapp, Michael Wittmann
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Kizito NDIHOKUBWAYO, MS     ‐     Physics education research

Kayonza, N/A
PhD candidate, University of Rwanda
Experienced, Occasional consultant
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Services:

Research, External Evaluation, Workshops, Research, Interviews, Assessment, Proposal writing, Writing and Editing, Instructional material design

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Student engagement, Labs, Implementing instructional strategies, Teaching Assistants (TAs), Curricular issues, External evaluation, Assessment of student learning, K12 education
I train teachers to implement newly introduced curriculum (competence-based curriculum) in Rwanda. I train postgraduate students in research design, data analysis, and writing for publication.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Statistical analysis, Video analysis of learners
Software: SPSS, MS Excel
Past clients: Rwandan Teachers
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Mary Nyaema, PhD

N/A

Miami, FL
Post doctoral associate, Florida International University
New, Part-time consultant

Services:

External Evaluation, Workshops, Research, Interviews, Assessment, Advising Departments, Proposal writing, Dissemination, External Evaluation, Workshops, Research, Interviews, Assessment, Advising Departments, Proposal writing

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Student engagement, Interdisciplinary courses, Learning Assistants (LAs), Faculty change, External evaluation, Diversity, equity and inclusion, STEM education beyond physics
I offer my clients expertise in consulting on trending issues related to science education and best practices for instructors to use in the classroom. I also have a background in statistical analysis and would contribute greatly to projects related to quantitative and qualitative methods. I am also competitive in STEM education and interdisciplinary learning. I would be useful as an external evaluator and would offer useful advice related to my field of study in science education
Research methods: Interviews & focus groups, Statistical analysis, Video analysis of learners, Case studies
Past clients: N/A
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Matthew Perkins Coppola, PhD

Fort Wayne, IN
Assistant Professor of Science Education, Purdue University Fort Wayne
Experienced, Occasional consultant

Services:

Workshops, Interviews, Assessment, HS physics teaching

Areas of expertise:

Undergraduate research, Labs, Learning goals, Learning Assistants (LAs), Teaching Assistants (TAs), Curricular issues
I am a former high school physics teacher of ten years with extensive experience in teaching HS physics to high ability and challenged learners. My research background is in qualitative research and scientific research experiences for teachers. I currently direct the regional science and engineering fair in addition to my professorial duties.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Video analysis of learners, Case studies
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Susan Ramlo, PhD     ‐     attitudes, Q methodology, perspectives, mixed methods

Website
Hudson, OH
Professor, The University of Akron
Senior, Occasional consultant
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Services:

External Evaluation, Workshops, Research, Assessment, Program external review, Informal science programs

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Student attitudes, Engineering education, Preparing future teachers, Faculty development around teaching, External evaluation, Program assessment, K12 teacher, STEM education beyond physics
I am a former industrial physicist with expertise in physics education research and over 24 years of experience as a university faculty member & researcher. My primary focus is on investigating the divergent viewpoints and consensus among target populations on topics as diverse as online course offerings, caregiving of aging adults, and speech on university campuses. In this regard, I am an internationally recognized Q methodologist. Q offers the ability to scientifically study subjectivity. I have over 40 refereed journal publications & 4 book chapters (3 in process / press) related to my Q research.
Research methods: Q methodology, mixed methods
Software: PQMethod, Ken-Q
Past clients: Randy Mitchell, David McConnell
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Lori Rebenitsch, PhD     ‐     student paced learning, computer science, K-12 STEM

The Study, LLC

Website
Rapid City, SD
Experienced, Part-time consultant
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Services:

Research, Assessment, Proposal writing, Writing and Editing, Advisory board, External Evaluation, Workshops, Website design/development, Instructional material design, Informal science programs

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Recitations, Labs, K12 education, STEM education beyond physics, Online Education,
The consultant runs her own consulting practice, called The Study, LLC, which specializes in STEM product development in start-up and educational organizations. Expertise includes experience with every stage of the product development cycle, advanced data analysis, and technical writing. Customer focus is with those who are developing emerging tech from labs, such as AI or quantum computing, or need assistance in updating/expanding STEM educational resources.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Statistical analysis
Software: Microsoft Office, Libre Office, ROOT
Programming languages: Python, Java, C/C++
Past clients: Excellence in Computer Programming (nonprofit)
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Robertson and Scherr Reviewing, PhD     ‐     Constructive, timely reviews of journal manuscripts and NSF grants

Website
Seattle, WA
Senior, Part-time consultant

Services:

Reviewing manuscripts

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Student ideas, Science inquiry, Preparing future teachers, Learning Assistants (LAs), Teaching Assistants (TAs), Admissions, K12 teacher, Diversity, equity and inclusion, Cognitive science
You know that feeling you get when you submit a grant narrative or journal manuscript that you know is good, or to which you really gave your all? We think such experiences are worth investing in, and we’re here to help. We offer constructive, timely reviews of journal manuscripts and NSF grants to physics education researchers. Amy D. Robertson is a Research Associate Professor of Physics at Seattle Pacific University; she is passionate about giving voice to important stories in the context of physics, and about supporting others in finding their voice through writing. Rachel E. Scherr is a senior physics education researcher and highly experienced consultant, currently a Senior Research Scientist at Seattle Pacific University. She has written about her approach to reviewing in the Newsletter of the Physics Education Research Consortium of Graduate Students (PERCoGS).
Research methods: Interviews & focus groups, Ethnographic methods, Theory development, Video analysis of learners, Case studies
Past clients: New business as of 2018
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Philip Sadler     ‐     Research Design, Psychometrics, Assessment

Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Website
Cambridge, MA
Senior Lecturer, Harvard University
Senior, Occasional consultant
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Services:

Research, Assessment, Advisory board

Areas of expertise:

Student ideas, Engineering education, Preparing future teachers, Assessment of student learning, K12 education, STEM education beyond physics
Philip Sadler is the Director of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics' Science Education Department and F.W. Wright Senior Lecturer in Astronomy. He holds a B.S. in Physics from MIT and an Ed.D. from Harvard. He co-authored the first integrated computer and laboratory introductory calculus course in 1975. He has taught middle school mathematics, science, and engineering, undergraduate astronomy, and graduate teaching courses. He has founded three companies and holds five patents. His research interests include assessment of students' misconceptions and how they change with instruction, the transition to college of students who wish to purse STEM careers, and the professional development of teachers. Dr. Sadler won the Journal of Research in Science Teaching Award, the AIP's Computers in Physics Prize, the American Astronomical Society Education Prize, and the American Association of Physics Teachers' Millikan Medal. Curricula and materials developed by Dr. Sadler are used by an estimated fifteen million students every year.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Statistical analysis
Software: DataDesk, Excel, ExcelStat, MSWord
Past clients: American Mathematical Society, Past-President David Bressoud
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Linda Strubbe, PhD     ‐     Instructor teaching development -- and I love international work!

Strubbe Educational Consulting

Website
Vancouver, CAN
New, Full-time consultant

Services:

Workshops, Research, External Evaluation, Interviews, Instructional material design, Create professional development programs, Dissemination, Writing and Editing

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Science inquiry, Course design, Teaching Assistants (TAs), Faculty mentoring, Faculty development around teaching, Institutional change, Diversity, equity and inclusion, Astronomy, Transition to online teaching
I offer professional development (PD) in teaching for instructors, faculty and teaching assistants, including teaching workshops, creating instructor learning communities for ongoing PD, and research around PD. I especially love working in international contexts, and have experience working with faculty in West Africa and Central Asia. Areas of expertise include transition to online teaching, course transformation and curriculum development in astronomy and physics, inquiry-based teaching, equity and inclusion, and multi-cultural collaboration.
Research methods: Interviews & focus groups, Case studies
Past clients: University of Central Asia (Dean Diana Pauna), Chasteen Educational Consulting
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Joseph Taylor, PhD     ‐     Intervention Impact Analysis

Taylor Statistical Consulting

CO
Principal ScientistSenior, Occasional consultant

Services:

External Evaluation, Research, Proposal writing, Program external review, Advisory board

Areas of expertise:

Student engagement, Engineering education, Science inquiry, Implementing instructional strategies, Course design, External evaluation, K12 teacher
My specialty is designing and conducting effectiveness studies of physics education and other social science interventions. I hold a certification in What Works Clearinghouse Standards 3.0.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Statistical analysis
Software: SPSS, Stata, HLM, MPlus
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James Tisel, PhD     ‐     Inquiry methods, Mentoring, Program Design

St. Paul, MN
New, Occasional consultant
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Services:

Workshops, Interviews, Instructional material design, Informal science programs, Inquiry Activities, Curriculum Design

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Student ideas, Science inquiry, Labs, Preparing future teachers, Faculty mentoring, Program assessment, K12 education
I am passionate about inquiry in STEM instruction at three different levels: 1. Designing effective learning activities that facilitate student inquiry. 2. Helping schools develop programs that facilitate student inquiry. 3. Helping researchers to investigate student inquiry. I have over 40 years of experience teaching physics and mathematics in grades 6-12 in public and private settings in the U.S. and abroad. I have taught IB, AP, German Abitur and regular and accelerated classes in US schools. I have been a member of several visiting teams for program accreditation. I am an assistant examiner for IB physics paper 3 (SL). My PhD dissertation directly focused on student questions in the science lab.
Research methods: Ethnographic methods, Video analysis of learners, Case studies
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Sarah Vandermeer, PhD     ‐     Design instructional material including hands-on labs and activities,

Gahanna, OH
New, Part-time consultant
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Services:

Workshops, Assessment, Instructional material design, External Evaluation, Advising Departments, Informal science programs

Areas of expertise:

Active learning strategies, Student engagement, Labs, Implementing instructional strategies, Course design, Faculty mentoring, Faculty development around teaching, Curricular issues, Assessment of student learning
As a consultant, I design individualized curricula and instructional strategies for high school physics teachers. The materials I develop accompany textbooks and offer program-specific, hands-on labs and activities to enhance student understanding. With 26 years of teaching honors physics as a required course at an all-boys Catholic college preparatory high school, I have a wealth of experience designing and writing materials for students with various learning and comprehension abilities. I have designed and taught all four AP Physics courses as well as written laboratory workbooks for both Honors and AP Physics, including labs specific to both AP Physics C-E&M and C-Mechanics as well as AP Physics I and II. Moreover, I have designed labs for the nanoscience program offered from 2008-2010 at The Ohio State University and co-authored laboratory workbooks and classroom demonstrations for natural science courses for non-science majors at Columbus State Community College. I also have experience evaluating and remediating classroom management strategies for new or struggling teachers. For elementary and non-science teachers, I offer workshops to help implement hands-on science activities in their classrooms.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Case studies
Past clients: St. Charles Preparatory School
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Kathryn Williamson, PhD     ‐     Outreach, Climate Change Teacher PD, Student Ambassador Support

Kathryn Williamson Consulting LLC

Website
Huntsville, AL
New, Part-time consultant
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Services:

Assessment, Advisory board, Informal science programs, Earth and Space Science Education, External Evaluation, Interviews

Areas of expertise:

Student attitudes, Communication and negotiation, Preparing future teachers, Program assessment, External evaluation, Public science communication, STEM education beyond physics, Informal Science Education, K12 education, K12 teacher
I have over a decade of experience in astronomy and Earth science education and outreach, including a variety of interdisciplinary projects that span art, climate action, and more. Expertise includes: Communication of a variety of astronomy and physics concepts, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, eclipses, gravity and gravitational waves, expansion of the Universe, etc., as well as the nature of science; Climate change presentations, activities, and professional development for teachers and students, including communication and civic action. (ex: the West Virginia Climate Change Professional Development Project); Astronomy accessibility, including tactile learning and data sonification; Systemic and cross-disciplinary, creative thinking for how to engage non-traditional audiences and underrepresented groups.
Research methods: Interviews & focus groups
Past clients: Alabama Space Grant Consortium (Dale Thomas); Astronomers for Planet Earth (Adrienne Cool)
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Justyna Zwolak, PhD

Website
MD
Assistant Research Scientist, NIST Applied and Computational Mathematics Division and QuICS
New, Occasional consultant

Services:

External Evaluation, Research, Assessment, Website design/development, Writing and Editing

Areas of expertise:

Student engagement, Student attitudes, Student community, Persistence & retention, Assessment of student learning, External evaluation
My research interests range from mathematics and physics education to network analysis to quantum information theory. Within education research, I am seeking to understand what factors affect student retention and persistence in pursuing science degrees. I have experience using social network analysis combined with information theoretic tools to investigate students’ persistence and performance. From developing the network survey to collecting and digitizing data to conducting the analysis, I was involved at every step of the research. In addition to investigating persistence, I also initiated and lead a study on students' attitudes toward collaborative learning in the context of active engagement and group-work, including designing an assessment tool and a semi-structured interview protocol, as well as conducting interviews. Finally, I was also involved in research examining active learning curriculum using conceptual assessments. While the main focus of my research is now moving away from education research I think of consulting as a way of staying involved in the PER world.
Research methods: Survey design & analysis, Interviews & focus groups, Network analysis, Statistical analysis
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