Alexis Riley

Alexis Riley is an adjunct assistant professor and teacher-educator currently completing her Ph.D. in Science Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is affiliated with Barnard College via her email and works within the Department of Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Her academic work bridges research and practice in equity-focused science education.

Education:

• B.A., University of California, Santa Barbara
• M.S.Ed., Fordham University
• Ph.D. (Candidate), Teachers College, Columbia University, Science Education

Her research centers on critical race theory, Black feminist thought, and racial literacy in science teacher education. She investigates how race, gender, and identity shape the experiences of Black science teachers, advocating for pedagogies that center marginalized voices and challenge systemic inequities in STEM education.

Her publications and presentations reflect a strong thematic focus on race and racism in science education, particularly through the lens of Black women educators. She emphasizes historically grounded, phenomenological, and narrative approaches to understanding teacher identity and resilience.

Scientific Awards:

• National Association for Research in Science Teaching, Jhumki Basu Scholars Program, Ethics & Equity Committee, Spring 2019
• Wanninkhof Scholarship Award, STEMTeachersNYC, Physics Modeling, Summer 2016
• Health Equity Champion Award, The Center for Health Equity of the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, May 2015

Alexis Riley advises and mentors early-career science teachers through her role as an adjunct professor. While no formal grant funding is mentioned, her scholarship is supported through competitive awards and institutional affiliations focused on equity in education. She actively contributes to professional organizations such as NARST and ASTE.

Though no formal lab or research team is described, her work is deeply embedded in networks advancing racial justice in STEM education, including collaborations with STEMTeachersNYC, Howard University, and NYU’s Center for K12 STEM Education.