MaryKay Orgill

MaryKay Orgill is a Professor and Chair of Chemical Education in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her work focuses on improving undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry education through qualitative research techniques, examining student conceptual understanding, problem-solving strategies, and visualization of abstract concepts.

• Research specialties in systems thinking pedagogy
• Expertise in chemistry education research (CER)
• Focus on assessment accessibility for multilingual learners
• Developer of the ChEMIST table instructional tool

Orgill's recent publications emphasize systems thinking applications in chemistry education, equity in assessment design, and effective use of analogies. She leads professional development initiatives for faculty and K-12 teachers through projects like ACELL (Advancing Chemistry by Enhancing Learning in the Laboratory) and ChANgE Chem, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary collaborations and inclusive teaching practices.

Her research group has developed innovative frameworks for connecting chemistry concepts to societal and environmental contexts, particularly through lithium's role in green energy transition studies. She also investigates how external representations shape student learning and instructor decision-making processes in chemistry education.

• Key projects: ACELL, ChANgE Chem, ASELL Schools
• Leadership in Nevada GEAR UP STEM professional development
• Focus on science identity formation in underrepresented groups