Julie A Luft
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Athletic Association Professor of Science Education & Distinguished Research Professor
Department of Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Education
Biography
I graduated from the University of Iowa in 1994, after teaching middle and high school science for 5 years. I have previously held appointments at The University of Arizona, The University of Texas at Austin, and Arizona State University.
My current work focuses on beginning secondary science teachers, and undergraduate faculty knowledge and instruction. Undergraduate education is a new and exciting area of study! My current research is funded by the National Science Foundation and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
I have served on the board and as President of ASTE, a council member for NSTA, the Director of Research of NSTA, a board member of NSTA, the NSTA representative to the NARST board, and I have served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Research in Science Teaching (10 years), Electronic Journal of Science Education, and the School Science and Mathematics journal. I was also the first scholar in residence at NSTA. As an advocate for graduate students, I have participated as a mentor (2009, 2011) and co-directed (2013) the Sandra K. Abell Institute for Doctoral Students. I have also been a mentor at the South African Association for Research in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Summer School (2010, 2013, 2016).
Areas of Expertise
- Professional Development of Science Teachers
- Science Teacher Induction
- Science Teacher Education
Interests
- Early Career Secondary Science Teachers
- Science Teacher Knowledge
- Undergraduate Science Education
Academic Affiliations
Education
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PhD in Science Education, 1994
University of Iowa -
MST in Ecology, 1990
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology -
BSEd in Life Sciences, 1985
University of New Mexico
Contact
Research Summary
As a former middle and high school science teacher, it is important that my work impact the lives of science teachers. In taking this stance, my work initially focused on professional development programs (PDP) for science teachers. My first PDP involved teachers watching each other in order to strengthen their instruction. Overtime, my work has shifted towards understanding and supporting newly qualified or newly hired science teachers: specifically through science-focused induction programs. Currently I am engaged in examinations of the content knowledge of early career science teachers, and I have begun working in the area of undergraduate science education.
I have written numerous research articles, book chapters, editorials, and co-edited books. Most recently I completed two extensive reviews of research in the areas of science teacher professional development and newly hired teachers of science. I was also on committee that wrote the 2015 National Academies Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine publication pertaining to science teacher professional learning.
Awards and Accolades
American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2010
Association of Educational Publishers, 2010
National Association for Research in Science Teaching, 2012
Association of Science Teacher Educators, 2013
Association of Science Teacher Educators, 2017
Fulbright Program, 2017
National Science Teachers Association, 2017
University of Georgia, 2017
College of Education, University of Georgia, 2019
OIBR, University of Georgia, 2020