Cassendra Bergstrom

Cassendra Bergstrom is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from UNC, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Math and Science Teaching Institute, focusing on geoscience education and gender equity. Her research explores motivation, learning environments, and gender issues in STEM, particularly how departmental practices affect female student retention. She teaches courses in undergraduate and graduate psychology, emphasizing lifespan development, educational psychology, and cognitive instruction.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Researcher, Math and Science Teaching Institute (UNC)
• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (UNC)
• M.S. in Experimental Psychology (Emporia State University)
• B.S. in Psychology (Baker University)

Research Interests: Dr. Bergstrom investigates transformative learning experiences, gender equity in STEM, problem-based learning (PBL), and the intersection of motivation and instructional methods. Her work highlights how classroom environments and pedagogical approaches impact student engagement, particularly for underrepresented groups. Recent projects include analyzing geoscience departmental practices to improve recruitment and retention of female students.

Grants & Advising: Though specific grants are not detailed, her NSF-funded postdoctoral work underscores her research impact. She advises students in Educational Psychology, focusing on mentorship within diverse academic settings.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Math and Science Teaching Institute and interdisciplinary teams addressing STEM equity. Her research frequently engages with geoscience departments to develop inclusive educational strategies.