Christopher Emdin

Christopher Emdin serves as Professor of Science Education and Robert A. Naslund Endowed Chair at Teachers College, Columbia University, directing both the Science Education program and Urban Science Education Center. His career bridges academic scholarship with K-12 urban classroom transformation.

Research focuses on:

• Culturally responsive STEM pedagogy for marginalized communities
• Hip-hop based educational frameworks (HHBE)
• Trauma-informed science instruction
• Teacher identity development in urban contexts

Awarded the American Educational Research Association's Best Book in Curriculum Theory (2017) and NSF CAREER Award, his work redefines equity in science education through community-embedded research. Current NSF and Spencer Foundation grants support nationwide implementation of his 'Reality Pedagogy' model.

As director of the Urban Science Education Center, Emdin mentors doctoral researchers in participatory action projects that directly impact NYC public schools. His lab operates through 'cypher sessions' where hip-hop culture structures academic discourse, fostering critical consciousness among future educators.