Dr. Kate Follette is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology at Stanford University and is the Principal Investigator of the QuaRCS study, which was begun as part of her dissertation work at the University of Arizona. She is a former K12 math/science educator, and believes strongly that the purpose of introductory science courses for nonmajors extends beyond simple “science appreciation” (as interesting as science is!) to the instillation of real world skills. These include the ability to tell science from pseudoscience, to reason numerically, estimate, and analyze quantitative information. Kate taught general education astronomy courses as an adjunct instructor at Pima Community College from 2009-2014. Her science research focuses on the discovery and characterization of extrasolar planets and the disks of gas and dust from which they form.
Dr. Don McCarthy is a research astronomer and Distinguished Outreach Professor at The University of Arizona where he teaches science to undergraduates in the general education program and also astronomy courses for undergraduate astrophysics majors and minors. His research expertise in infrared astronomy focuses on the development and application of techniques for high angular resolution from large ground- and spaced-based telescopes with an emphasis on exoplanets and Solar System objects. He received the 2012 Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society.
Dr. Erin Dokter is an associate professor of practice in the Office of Instruction and Assessment at the University of Arizona, where she serves as the Coordinator for the Certificate in College Teaching program, and as adjunct faculty in the Agricultural Education department. She has taught general education astronomy courses as adjunct faculty at San Diego State University, Grossmont College, Southwestern College, and Pima Community College. Her research and teaching interests revolve around educational development, cross- disciplinary learner-centered pedagogies, and active learning spaces.
Dr. Sanlyn Buxner is an assistant research professor in the department of Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural Studies at the University of Arizona. She teaches introductory science and research methods courses and supports institutional assessment of graduate and undergraduate programs. Her research includes examining science literacy and quantitative literacy in undergraduate science students and studying the impact of research and industry experiences for K12 teachers on classroom practice and student outcomes.
Dr. Edward Prather is an Associate Professor in the Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona. He serves as the founder and Executive Director of the NASA-funded Center for Astronomy Education. Ed’s scholarship focuses on college-level STEM education research and faculty professional development.