Susan A. Yoon

Susan A. Yoon is the Graduate School of Education Presidential Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE). Her work focuses on learning sciences, particularly integrating complex systems approaches into science education and leveraging technologies like augmented reality (AR), mobile tools, and agent-based models to enhance teaching and learning. She leads research on improving scientific practices such as evidence-based decision-making and argumentation in K-12 classrooms, while also addressing systemic barriers to adopting innovative pedagogies.

Her research spans formal and informal learning environments, including collaborations with institutions like the Franklin Institute to explore AR’s role in museum learning. Yoon emphasizes equitable access to STEM through projects like BioGraph and Professional Development Supports for Bioinformatics, which aim to democratize science education through scalable teacher training and community engagement.

Yoon has received the 2009 Jan Hawkins Award and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Learning Sciences. Her funded projects include NSF grants for curricula development and teacher professionalization. She actively contributes to educational policy through roles in the International Society for the Learning Sciences (ISLS) and initiatives like NAPLES.

Her work bridges theory and practice, advocating for epistemic agency, data literacy, and social justice in education. Current research explores how teacher-student collaboration and adaptive expertise can foster resilient, inquiry-driven learning environments.