MTSU PROPS 4 DBER
Welcome to the programmatic information site for Middle Tennessee State University's Post-doctoral Fellows program called Preparation and Refinement of Postdoctoral Scholars in STEM for Discipline Based Education Research (PROPS 4 DBER). This program is designed to provide professional development opportunities for Post-Doctoral Fellows with Ph.D.'s in the STEM fields who are interested in Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER). Our program aims to help Post-Doctoral Fellows gain experience and skills necessary for successful careers as Discipline-Based Education Researchers
Our program is unique because it provides STEM Post-Doctoral Fellows with a customized training program that is tailored to their individual needs and interests. We offer a variety of workshops, seminars, and other professional development opportunities that cover a wide range of topics related to DBER, including research design, data analysis, grant writing, and teaching strategies. Our program also provides Post-Doctoral Fellows with opportunities to collaborate with other researchers and educators in the STEM fields, both within and outside of MTSU.
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Fellows will become autonomous interdisciplinary STEM Education Researchers
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Fellows will develop competence in interdisciplinary STEM Education Research
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Fellows will develop relatedness and a sense of belonging within a community of STEM Education Researchers
The Team
Our team of experienced researchers and educators is dedicated to helping Post-Doctoral Fellows succeed in their careers related to Discipline-Based Education Research.
Dr. Grant Gardner
Biology Education Research
Primary Investigator
Dr. Gardner is a Professor of Biology and the Director of the PROPS 4 DBER program. He has over 15 years of experience in DBER and is a recognized leader in the field. His research focuses on the professional learning of graduate students.
Dr. M. Elizabeth Barnes
Biology Education Research
Co-PI
Dr. Barnes is an Assistant Professor of Biology. Her research focuses on studying how to effectively teach and communicate about science topics with social implications.
Dr. Sarah Bleiler-Baxter
Mathematics Education Research
Co-PI
Dr. Bleiler-Baxter is a Professor of Mathematics. Her research focuses on the teaching and learning of proof and professional development for undergraduate STEM instructors.
Dr. Jennifer Kaplan
Statistics Education Research
Co-PI
Dr. Kaplan is a Professor of Mathematics and Director of the Interdisciplinary Mathematics and Sciences Education Research Ph.D. program. Her research focuses on undergraduate statistics education and professional development for undergraduate STEM instructors.
Dr. Gregory Rushton
Chemistry Education Research
Co-PI
Dr. Rushton is a Professor of Chemistry and the Director of the Tennessee STEM Education Center. His research focuses on conceptual change in chemistry and science teacher leadership.