Hillary Swanson

Dr. Hillary Swanson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences at the University of Utah State University, affiliated with the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Her work bridges science education, technology integration, and cognitive development. She holds a PhD in Science and Mathematics Education from UC Berkeley and a BA in Physics from Colorado College.

Her research focuses on how students refine everyday thinking into scientific understanding through theory-building practices, computational modeling, and collaborative learning. Key projects include developing computational microworlds for physics education and co-designing instructional tools with teachers to support responsive teaching strategies. She directs the Learning Dynamics Lab, exploring how technology can scaffold student reasoning and teacher pedagogy.

Her publications emphasize theory-building mechanisms, formative assessment integration, and the role of intuitive resources in learning. She has collaborated with institutions like Northwestern University’s CCL and TIDAL labs. Current work includes applying generative AI in qualitative research and designing embodied artifacts for mathematical reasoning.