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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

  • Fellows will develop competence in interdisciplinary STEM Education Research

  • 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. 

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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.

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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 controversial science topics using frameworks of cultural competence and social belonging. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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