Madison Fitzgerald-Russell

Dr. Madison Fitzgerald-Russell serves as a Physics Lecturer I in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Detroit Mercy's College of Engineering & Science, where she advances inclusive STEM education through research and teaching since joining in fall 2025. Her work specifically centers on creating equitable spaces for queer and trans individuals across physics and astronomy education.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Science Education: Physics from Western Michigan University (2022)
• M.A. in Physics from Western Michigan University
• B.S. in Astrophysics from Lyman Briggs College, Michigan State University
• B.A. in Women's & Gender Studies with LGBTQ and Sexuality Studies minor from Michigan State University

Dr. Fitzgerald-Russell's research integrates queer theory and intersectional analysis to examine systemic barriers in STEM education, utilizing qualitative and critical quantitative methodologies. Her dissertation explored queer and trans undergraduate science students' experiences, driving her current focus on pedagogical transformation in both K-12 and higher education settings through frameworks like the TM-PICC instructional change model.

Her scholarly recognition includes:

• QTPiE (Queer and Trans People in Education) Emerging Scholar designation
• Conference organizing roles for CUWiP @ WMU 2022, PERC 2022: Queering Physics Education, and PRIMSATIC
• LGBTQIA panel participation at CUWiP 2022 and 2023 workshops

She actively contributes to the SCIENCE Collaborative (formerly HHMI-funded Learning Community Cluster 2) and TM-PICC survey team, developing collaborative models for instructional change while maintaining teaching expertise across physics, astronomy, physical science, chemistry, and mathematics curricula.