Michael Dowding

Michael Dowding is Senior Lecturer in Physics at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. With BS and MS degrees from SDSMT, his academic focus centers on physics education research, particularly assessment methodologies for tracking student learning outcomes and retention strategies in STEM programs.

Dowding's work emphasizes: 1) Learning Outcome Assessment through data-informed teaching practices; 2) Student Retention Strategies for STEM disciplines; and 3) Pedagogical Innovation in introductory physics and astronomy. As undergraduate advisor for physics majors, he coordinates academic planning and community-building initiatives.

His teaching philosophy prioritizes relational pedagogy, creating classroom environments where students develop trust through informal interaction. Dowding integrates personal passion for science communication into astronomy and physics instruction, emphasizing real-world connections.