Benjamin R. Lowell

Benjamin R. Lowell is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Science Education at the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. He serves as Residency Director and Science Content Mentor in the Teacher Residency Program. His expertise focuses on how teachers learn to teach science as a process of inquiry, emphasizing student-centered approaches that honor diverse student experiences. Lowell holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College, an MA in Teaching Science from Stanford University, and an ScB in Biochemistry from Brown University.

Education:

• PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development
• MA in Teaching Science, Stanford University
• ScB in Biochemistry, Brown University

Research Interests: Lowell investigates teacher development in science education, particularly strategies to empower student voice and foster collective sensemaking in classrooms. His work bridges preservice teacher education, instructional coaching, and curriculum-based professional development. He emphasizes equitable practices that leverage students' ideas as tools for constructing scientific understanding.

Key Contributions: His research appears in journals like Journal of Research on Science Teaching and Science Education, and he co-authored The Instructional Leader’s Guide to Implementing K-8 Science Practices. His scholarship critiques commercial curriculum oversimplifications of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and proposes frameworks for effective curriculum adaptation.

Awards:

• Leonore Annenberg Teaching Fellowship (Institute of Citizens & Scholars)
• Math for America Master Teacher Fellow

Leadership & Grants: Lowell's roles include postdoctoral fellow at Boston College, instructional coach in Boston public schools, and high school science department chair. He designs professional development programs for principals and teachers to align instruction with NGSS practices. His work often addresses systemic barriers in curriculum implementation and leadership.

Labs/Teams: Active in NYU Steinhardt's science education initiatives and collaborates with the Teacher Residency Program to train future science educators. Engages in national networks advocating for evidence-based science pedagogy.