Alison Riley Miller

Alison Riley Miller is an Associate Professor of Education and Chair of the Education Department at Bowdoin College. Her research focuses on pre-K–12 STEM education, emphasizing scientific and engineering practices in play-based early elementary environments and secondary classrooms. She studies teacher professional learning strategies, nature-based education, and modeling in Earth and Environmental Science.

• PhD, Columbia University
• MA, Arcadia University
• BA, Ithaca College

Her research explores:

• Play-based learning in STEM
• Teacher pedagogy for modeling and visualizations
• Equity in early learning environments
• Professional development for science educators

Recent projects include the SciEPlay initiative (NSF-funded) and Developing a Modeling Orientation to Science (NSF #2010155). Publications highlight trends in:

• Integrating STEM into recess
• Assessment protocols for play-based learning (e.g., SciEPOP app)
• Mentorship challenges in teacher preparation
• Modeling variability in ecosystems education

Scientific awards:

• Andrew W. Mellon Award (2018–2019)
• Multiple NSF grants (DRK-12, ITEST)

She collaborates with the Maine Math and Science Alliance, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and Vanderbilt University, while her teaching integrates preservice teacher education and pedagogical innovation.