Colin Wallace

Colin Wallace is a Teaching Associate Professor in Physics Education at the University of North Carolina (UNC), where he also serves as Director of the UNC Summer Institute for College Teaching. Previously, he held roles including Teaching Assistant Professor at UNC (2014–2020) and Associate Astronomer at the University of Arizona (2014). His academic journey includes a B.S. in Astronomy (Case Western Reserve University, 2005), M.S. in Astrophysical, Planetary, and Atmospheric Sciences (University of Colorado Boulder, 2007), and Ph.D. in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (2011). He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in space science education at the University of Arizona (2011–2014).

• Education: B.S. Astronomy (2005), M.S. Astrophysical Sciences (2007), Ph.D. Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (2011)
• Professional Development: Postdoctoral Fellow (2011–2014), Associate Astronomer (2014)

Wallace’s research focuses on identifying student difficulties in physics and astronomy, developing active learning curricula, and professional development for educators. His work emphasizes conceptual challenges in topics like inverse-square laws, vectors, and cosmology. He has pioneered lecture-tutorials for Astro 101 courses and investigates pedagogical strategies to enhance student performance.

His recent publications explore topics such as student misconceptions about black holes, pandemic-era assessment strategies, and the efficacy of active learning. Wallace is a key contributor to the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Education Committee and advocates for evidence-based teaching practices in STEM.

• Key Roles: Director of UNC Summer Institute, AAS Education Committee
• Key Contributions: Lecture-tutorial frameworks, active learning efficacy studies.

Wallace’s work bridges education research and practice, influencing curriculum design and faculty training nationwide.