Jennifer Docktor

Jennifer Docktor is a Professor of Physics at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, serving as a STEP/Physics Advisor. Her work focuses on physics teacher education and cognitive science applications in STEM instruction. She collaborates nationally through PhysTEC (Physics Teacher Education Coalition) to address teacher shortages and leads professional development for K-12 educators. Docktor holds a PhD in Physics Education Research from the University of Minnesota (2009), an MS in Experimental High Energy Particle Physics (2006), and a BS in Physics and Education (2004).

Her research integrates eye-tracking studies of multiple physics representations with strategies to improve problem-solving skills. She designs evidence-based instructional materials and studies recruitment/retention of physics teachers. Docktor teaches courses like Physical Science for Educators and The Learner and Learning in Science.

Publications emphasize rubrics for assessing student problem-solving, conceptual development in physics, and teacher education program design. She co-authored The Science of Learning Physics (2020), advancing cognitive strategies for STEM instruction. Research also explores interventions to enhance novice problem categorization and teacher education program efficacy.

Professional highlights include a 2022 article on preservice teachers' scientific explanations (co-authored with Heidi Masters) and a 2020 book on physics learning science. Her work bridges cognitive science and education, emphasizing practical applications for STEM teaching.