Dr. Siddika Selcen Guzey receives Christian J. Foster Award

 Dr. Siddika Selcen Guzey, Associate Professor of Science Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in Purdue University’s College of Education, recently received the Christian J. Foster Award for her work providing professional development on STEM integration, using the curriculum materials developed through her research. The Christian J. Foster award is given annually to a faculty member who has contributed to K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in Indiana.

Dr. Guzey’s research on integrated STEM education focuses on design, implementation, and evaluation of engineering design-based science teaching and learning strategies. To investigate the effectiveness of integrated models of STEM education, Dr. Guzey develops curricular materials and teacher professional development programs.

Dr. Guzey is active in community engagement, including providing professional development on STEM integration using the curriculum materials she has developed. Throughout her career, Dr. Guzey has facilitated professional development opportunities to over 1250 teachers in Minnesota and 250 teachers Indiana.

Dr. Guzey and her team are currently involved in a successful four-year community project funded by the National Science Foundation. The project, Integration of Engineering Design and Life Science: Investigating the influence of an Intervention on Student Interest and Motivation in STEM Field, investigates the integration of engineering design, practices, and thinking into middle school life science curriculum while providing opportunities for students to foster knowledge of and increase interest in life and biosciences. 35 middle school science teachers and over 4500 students have involved in the project. Research findings have demonstrated the impact of the integrated science and engineering units on students’ science content knowledge and engagement.

Learn more about Dr. Siddika Selcen Guzey: https://education.purdue.edu//faculty-profiles/name/siddika-guzey/

Learn more about the National Science Foundation: https://www.nsf.gov/index.jsp

Learn more about the Christian J. Foster Award: https://www.purdue.edu/engagement/engage/awards/index.php

Source: Dr. Siddika Selcen Guzey, sguzey@purdue.edu, (765) 494-9749

Writer: Kathryn Elisabeth Cockerill, kcockeri@purdue.edu