Current Doctoral Students

Ellen Barnett (Entered 2011)
After earning a B.S. in pre-professional zoology and an M.S.Ed. in secondary science education from Northwest Missouri State University, I taught for eight years. I enjoyed every day from my first nervous moments teaching seventh grade science to my last years teaching high school biology. I particularly enjoyed working with pre-service teachers as a mentor teacher with MU’s SMAR2T program, and entered the doctoral program with plans to become a science methods professor. I love to read, swim, try new foods, travel, and spend time with my wonderful husband, and two beautiful children by whom I am so blessed!

Shannon Burcks (Entered 2010)
I earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and a M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology from Missouri State University. During my Master’s program I taught Introduction to Biomedical Science labs and Physiology labs. After completing my Masters I worked at the University of Missouri in a research lab for five years. During that time I began teaching online and hybrid biology courses. In this format, I have taught Environmental Science, Introduction to Biology and Human Anatomy. I am interested in how students make decisions on socio-scientific issues, and how technology can be used to address these issues. I enjoy baking, reading, watching movies, and spending time with my husband, Chris and two daughters, Alyssa and Hailey.

Gina Ceylan (Entered 2010)
Hello! I’m a blind doctoral student here at MUSEC, and I aspire to teach geoscience at the university level, and communicate it to the public through outreach. I earned my BS in Geology at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, and have an MS in marine geophysics from Mizzou. I have a fascination for Earth Science, and a strong commitment to expanding scientific and educational frontiers through non-visual, adaptive approaches to pursue and share my knowledge. I love appreciating life through a unique perspective, traveling, exploring, listening to music (preferably live, or on vinyl), audiobooks, running, camping. I try to come indoors only when its absolutely necessary.

Ya-Wen Cheng (Entered 2007)
I earned my BA degree in Management Information System in Taiwan. In the last two years of my undergraduate studies, I designed and participated in a computer-based learning system which was focused on elementary science. It was a turning point when I decided to change my major from business to education. I received my MEd in Educational Technology from MU. I am interested in applying educational technology in science education to help teachers and students to learn science more effectively. I love traveling, finding fossil, reading and cooking in my free time.

Suleyman Cite (Entered 2011)
I earned my B. A. in Elementary Science Education (specifically for 6-8 grades) from Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey in 2007. After graduation, I was awarded a scholarship to pursue my graduate education in the US. Then, I earned my masters in Science Education from University of Missouri in 2011. My interests include problem solving, argumentation, technology in science education, and nature of science. My long-term goal is to get a faculty position emphasizing on research in science education. In my free time, I like watching historical films and hanging out with my friends.

Kemal Izci (Entered 2009)
I graduated in 2006 from a chemistry teaching program at Selcuk University in Konya, Turkey with a dual degree: Bachelor of Science and Master of Education (B.Sc. & M.Ed.). Afterwards, I started my M.Sc. degree in organic chemistry at Selcuk University. I did not complete this program because the Turkish Ministry of Education awarded me a scholarship to attend MU to earn a doctoral degree in science education. I received one year of English education at the University of Philadelphia before attending. I’ve also taught one year of high school chemistry. I am thus interested in the professional development of high school teachers, as well as the use of educational technologies in science education. In my free time, I like to travel, play soccer and table tennis, read science related books, and spend time with my friends and family.

Dominike Merle Johnson (Entered 2006)
¡Hola! I am a doctoral student interested in teaching Geosciences at the College level. I have a BS and MS degree in Geology from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. Before becoming a MU student, I was a full-time instructor of geology for majors and non-majors in Puerto Rico. I served as a moderator in various workshops to increase minority enrollment in science, engineering and math. I also taught physical sciences at the high school level. All these great experiences lead me to start the PhD at MU. I am looking forward to become an excellent professor, by expanding my skills and knowledge in Science Education.

Eun Lee (Entered 2010)
I received my BA and MA in Psychology from Yonsei University in Korea. I worked as an elementary teacher for several years in Korea. After I earned M.Ed in Elementary Education from MU, I entered the doctoral program in Science Education. My interests include pre- and in-service elementary teacher education, curriculum development for exceptional students, and assessment development for the Nature of Science. I am also a managing editor for the Journal of Elementary Science Education. When not busy with school, I enjoy spending time with my four wonderful children.

Michele Lee (Entered 2004)
I am a doctoral student minoring in educational policy who came to MU with teaching experience at the elementary and high school levels. I also was an instructor in the Department of Teacher Preparation at The Johns Hopkins University and a professional developer for Project 2061, the science, mathematics, and technology education reform initiative of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). I hold an Ed.M. in Learning and Teaching from Harvard University and a B.A. in Biological Sciences and English from Wellesley College. My reseach interest is science teacher education policies. I was drawn to the numerous research, teaching, and learning opportunities that the MU science education department affords to graduate students and am delighted to be a part of its learning community.

Deepika Menon (Entered 2008)
I graduated from my undergraduate program with a dual degree: Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (B.Sc. & B.Ed.) from the Regional Institute of Education in Bhubaneswar, India. I then completed an MS in physics at Guru Nanak Dev University. I was lucky to be selected by a public school committee in Punjab India where I taught science in grades K-5 (general science) and 6-12 (physics). During five years of K-12 teaching, I realized that students held a quantitative view of learning science. This analysis prompted me to complete my MS in education at Punjab University. I am proud to be a doctoral student in science education at MU, which is like a dream come true.

Jay Meyers (Entered 2008)
I have been the secondary science coordinator for the St. Joseph school district since 1999. In this position I coordinate secondary science curriculum writing and revision projects, develop and administer professional development opportunities for secondary science teachers, direct the Jr. High Mid America Regional Science and Engineering Fair, and supervise benchmark test development for all science courses in grades 7-12. My professional interest is to work with pre-service science teachers at a university as well as teach undergraduate biology classes. My research interests are in the areas of inquiry and instructional strategies related to inquiry. My hobbies include hunting, fishing, and camping with the family. I especially enjoy watching my daughters compete in gymnastics and my son compete in football and baseball.

Chris Murakami (Entered 2010)
I was born and raised in Castro Valley, CA, a suburb in the East San Francisco bay area. I earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California, where I was fortunate enough to study at the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies on Catalina Island. After graduation, I joined Teach For America and taught 8th grade science for three years at the California Academy for Liberal Studies in North East Los Angeles. I am interested in finding ways to use science education to address food insecurity, childhood obesity, climate change, peak oil, fresh water shortages, and the achievement gap. In my free time I enjoy gardening, cooking, playing guitar and reading.

Nilay Muslu (Entered 2011)
Merhaba! I'm from Turkey. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree integrated from the Master's Program Secondary School Science and Mathematics Education (Physics Education) from Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey. I was supported with a full time scholarship from Ministry of National Education in Turkey, for my Master's degree at University of Missouri, Science Education Center. My interests are formative assessment, science teacher learning and development and physics education. In my spare time, I enjoy watching movies and spending time with friends.

Enrique Manuel Pareja (Entered 2004)
I'm a Biology graduate and have been working in Science Education for the past ten years in Peru. My work has been in three areas: Middle School and High School Science (IGCSE), Higher Level Chemistry and Biology (International Baccalaureate), and High School Curriculum Development and Teacher Training, my research interest is science teacher learning. My personal interests are reading, traveling and cooking.

Morgan Presley (Entered 2011)
I received a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Lyon College in Arkansas and a Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. During graduate school, I taught Biology for Education majors and enjoyed teaching so much that I decided to pursue it as a career. After graduating from MSU, I taught Anatomy & Physiology and Human Nutrition online at a community college full-time for 3 years. I decided to come to MU because I wanted to learn more about teaching science at the college level. Along with teaching and learning, I enjoy drawing and painting as well as outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking and diving. I also enjoy swing, ballroom and Latin dancing.

Carina Rebello (Entered 2009)
I received my B.S in physics from Kansas State University and my M.S. in physics, with an emphasis in biophysics, from Ball State University. I spent a year prior to coming to MU at IUPUI studying x-ray diffraction of lipid membranes for drug delivery purposes. Initially I came to MU to join the Physics Department’s biophysics program, and shortly thereafter I decided to pursue my interests in the MU Science Education program. My interests include but are not limited to physics education, assessment development, use of technology in the classroom, student’s epistemologies and problem solving. My professional objective is a university faculty position focusing on research in science education. My personal interests include horse riding, golf, travel, and cooking.

Tina M. Roberts (Entered 2006)
I received both my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and M.S. degree in Physiology from MU. I am currently a Senior Research Specialist in Medical Pharmacology and Physiology and I co-teach an annual Advanced Placement Biology Summer Institute for Truman State University. I have over 10 years experience training undergraduates in a biomedical research laboratory setting. My interests include professional development for high school biology teachers, undergraduate research, and problem based learning. I share my free time with a husband, two children, two cats, and a chocolate lab.

Will Romine (Entered 2008)
I come to the Science Education doctoral program with a BA in Physics and an MA in Science Education from Truman State University, an MS in Geology from the University of Missouri, and experience teaching high school science and ESL to college science students in China. I also served as a TA in the MU Department of Geology for two years. In my doctoral research I hope to assess strategies teachers can use to motivate college students and adults to learn science and apply it to their daily lives. In my spare time, I try to keep up with friends and family and spend lots of time outdoors doing activities like running, hiking, archery, and photography.

D Schaffer (Entered 2008)
I recently retired after teaching science for over 25 years at the secondary level. I have a BPE from Purdue University and MEd from Indiana State University with an emphasis in Science Education. My research interests include science teacher development in the Earth Sciences and the development of scientific misconceptions. After graduation, I plan to continue my research, write a textbook for high school Earth Science, and teach science methods at the university level. In my free time, I like to be with my family and to garden.

Aaron Sickel (Entered 2008)
I am originally from St. Marys, KS, and completed my B.S. in Biology Education and M.S. degree in Science Education at Northwest Missouri State University. I have three years of experience as a high school science teacher in Missouri. I have also had the unique experience of teaching for the Upward Bound Math and Science Program at Northwest Missouri State University. I feel fortunate to be a part of the science education community at MU and the opportunities to engage with a community of learners in research projects and science teacher education activities. In my free time, I enjoy playing piano and guitar, as well as spending time with friends.

Somnath Sinha (Entered 2009)
I am from the northeastern state of Jharkhand in India. I completed my master’s degree both in science and education. I am still undecided on what I want to do in the future, but am considering either a faculty position at an institution of higher education or a research and service position with an educational foundation. I appreciate the friendly and supportive faculty, staff, and positive learning environment in the MU Science Ed department. In my free time, I enjoy movies and music.

Rena Smith (Entered 2007)
I have a B.S. in Elementary Education with a Middle School emphasis from Missouri State University and earned my MS in Science Education from Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU) in 2003. I have taught for 11 years, grades 3 - 8 before experiencing professional development through the State of Missouri’s STARR teacher program and the PRISM professional development project out of NWMSU. I share my free time with a husband, two children and my scrapbooks.

Parker Stuart (Entered 2010)
I earned a B.S. in Biology with a biomedical emphasis from the University of Northern Iowa in 2003. I came to the realization that Medical school was not something I wanted to pursue, so I spent two years at a community college in the Student Success Center and discovered that I wanted to be a teacher. To do this, I received my M.A. in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2008. I investigated the Intelligent Design Movement’s faulty claims that it is scientific and should be taught in high school science classrooms. During my master’s work I served as a T.A. in multiple labs such as Anatomy and Physiology and Vertebrate Anatomy. I also spent three years at UNI as an adjunct professor teaching major and non-major classes in the biology department. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy watching movies and have the ability to name a movie after seeing only a minute or two of it. I also love traveling with my girlfriend to foreign countries.

Nai-En Tang (Entered 2007)
I received my undergraduate degree in Physics from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan and my master’s degree in Electrophysics from National Chiao Tung University. During my university time, I also attended the teacher training program and learned Education. I have experience teaching physics in senior high school in Taiwan. I am very glad that I have the opportunity to study science education at MU and want to expand my knowledge in order to help science students in Taiwan.

Bina Vanmali (Entered 2005)
I received my BA in Biology from Westminster College (in Fulton, MO) and an MA in Biological Sciences (emphasis in neuroscience) from MU. Although my background is mostly research-related, I joined the staff at the Learning Center at MU last fall as a Learning Resource Specialist. Essentially, I am responsible for hiring, training, and supervising the science tutoring staff. I love my job, and I'd like to expand my knowledge in science education, which would enable me to better serve students. I'm very excited to be a part of the program here at MU!

Emily Walter (Entered 2008)
I have a B.S. in Biology from Iowa State University and an M.S. in Biology from Western Illinois University. My Master’s research was on elephant cognition using a match-to-sample methodology. I am now shifting my focus to human learning, with an interest in teaching college level biology, especially for non-majors. I am also interested in the use of technology in the classroom and techniques for inspiring effective learning in young adults. Eventually I would like a faculty position teaching biology at a small liberal arts college. I enjoy playing video games and board games, anime, animals, and spending time with my husband, Clint and daughter, Lily.

Heather Worsham (Entered 2009)
My emphasis in middle/secondary science teaching. My background includes an MA in Library Science from MU and an MED in Curriculum & Instruction--Science Education, also from MU (in the SMAR2T program). My work history includes five years teaching high school biology and math, and one year working as a teaching assistant in Library Science at MU. I also have experience working as a reference librarian. I am interested in investigating how science teachers might utilize library resources in inquiry learning. My personal interests include spending time with family, reading, and collecting rocks and fossils.

Steve Witzig (Entered 2007)
I completed my undergraduate education in a dual-degree program between Salisbury University in Maryland and the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, receiving B.S. degrees in Biology (with a chemistry minor) and Environmental Marine Science. My M.S. is in Biochemistry from MU, where I had the opportunity to mentor several talented undergraduates in the lab. I have experience teaching both college lecture and laboratory courses for majors and non-majors. For my GRA, I am working on the NSF-funded CUES project: Connecting Undergraduates to the Enterprise of Science. Our purpose is to develop inquiry-based science education materials for undergraduate laboratory courses so that undergraduates can learn science the way that scientists do science. I enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my wife and daughter.

Off Campus Ph.D. Students 

Bobby Hughes      Laura Zinzser      Linda Lacy      Gerard Ritzka