David Cole

David Cole is a Teaching Professor at the Department of Applied Physics and Materials Science at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Holding a Ph.D. in Physics and an M.Ed. in Secondary Science Education, he has dedicated his career to enhancing science education through professional development workshops for K-14 teachers and innovative outreach programs.

• Education: M.Ed. (NAU), Ph.D. (Texas A&M University), M.S./B.S. in Engineering Physics (Colorado School of Mines)
• Research Focus: Science education pedagogy, teacher training, and STEM curriculum development for diverse populations.
• Awards:
  • Louie Award for Teaching (NAU's highest student-nominated teaching honor)

Cole created a NASA-partnered workshop for Native American high school students, whose patch flew on Space Shuttle STS-88. He has served as PI/co-PI for 30+ teacher development programs and contributed to Arizona's educator proficiency standards via the AEPA Advisory Committee.