X-Labs Team

Joi Walker – Primary PI

Picture of Dr. Joi Walker

Joi P. Walker, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry Education in the Chemistry Department at East Carolina University. Her research centers on the broad question of how to integrate science practices into the teaching and learning of undergraduate chemistry. Her current research projects include: 1) cross-disciplinary practice focused undergraduate laboratory transformation (X-Labs), 2) increased access to authentic undergraduate Research (ChemCUREs), 3) assessment design and validation, 4) undergraduate teaching assistant preparation. In addition, she is active in the chemistry education research community, presenting research at national and international conferences.

Contact: joiwalker15@ecu.edu

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Heather Vance-Chalcraft – Co-PI

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Heather Vance-Chalcraft, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Biology Education in the Biology Department at East Carolina University. Her research focuses on strategies to improve student engagement, scientific literacy, and the development of research and team science competencies. She also has long standing interests in effective professional development for faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate teaching assistants on effective instruction

Contact: vancechalcrafth@ecu.edu

Website: vancechalcraftlab.com

Steven Wolf – Co-PI

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Steven F. Wolf, PhD., is an Assistant Professor of Physics Education in the Physics Department at East Carolina University. His research interests broadly involve the development of scientific expertise. He likes to answer questions like, “How can we get students to do science?” and “How do student relationships form and change over the course of the semester?” He uses novel statistical methods and visualizations to describe collaboration in the classroom. He has also been studying the ways that students answer scientific questions in laboratory settings, and developed curriculum and assessments specific to physics labs. Dr. Wolf is also the Director of ECU’s Learning Assistant (LA) program. In this capacity, he studies the impact that the LA program has on persistence in STEM and success at the university.  The LA program is part of an internationally recognized model supporting students at colleges and universities. Faculty work with experienced undergraduate students to support interventions that have been shown to be highly effective at increasing student performance across the spectrum. LAs take a course about how people learn, and gain understanding about why these interventions are effective and what elements make them effective.

Contact: wolfs15@ecu.edu

Mark Sprague – Implementation Team

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Mark Sprague, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Physics and Assistant Chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Physics Department at East Carolina University.

Contact: spraguem@ecu.edu

Rosa Alvarez-Bell – Implementation Team

Rosa M. Alvarez Bell, Ph.D., is Teaching Associate Professor of Chemistry and Director of the General Chemistry laboratories in the Chemistry Department at East Carolina University.

Contact: alvarezr@ecu.edu

Taria Crenshaw – Implementation Team

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Taria Crenshaw is the Intro Biology Teaching Lab Manager in the Biology Department at East Carolina University.

Contact: crenshawt@ecu.edu

Katy Hosbein – Postdoctoral Scholar

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Kathryn N. Hosbein, Ph.D., is a post-doctoral scholar in Chemistry Education, working with Joi Walker, in the Chemistry Department at East Carolina University. Her research focuses on measurement tools that provide valid and reliable data. Her research interests include chemistry identity, science practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in chemistry education.

Contact: hosbeink19@ecu.edu

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Kristine Callis-Duehl – Former Co-PI

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Kristine Callis-Duehl, Ph.D. is the Driemeyer Director of Education Research and Outreach at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.