Ian Beatty

Ian Beatty is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Massachusetts and has taught courses such as Introduction to Modern Physics, Classical Mechanics, and Intro to Computational Physics.

His research initially focused on physics education, particularly interactive pedagogical methods and classroom communication technology like "clickers." Currently, he applies machine learning and neural networks to computational physics and climate change. His work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, integrating psychology, technology, and science to improve pedagogy and learning outcomes.

Beatty has authored publications on topics including STEM self-efficacy, game-inspired computational courses, and formative assessment strategies. He emphasizes growth mindset, cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT), and technology-enhanced learning in his interventions. His research explores innovative approaches to student collaboration, grading systems, and classroom engagement.