Gay Stewart

Gay Stewart is the Eberly Professor of STEM Education and Director of the WVU Center for Excellence in STEM Education at West Virginia University. Her career spans transformative roles in physics education, including leadership at the University of Arkansas (1994–2014), where she increased physics graduates tenfold and pioneered initiatives like the PhysTEC program. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1994) and a B.S. from the University of Arizona (1988).

Her research focuses on improving introductory STEM courses, teacher preparation, and inclusive education. Notable contributions include the College Ready Mathematics and Physics Partnership ($7.3M NSF grant), NSF INCLUDES Alliance, and leadership roles in APS and AAPT. Awards include the AAPT’s Oersted Medal (2019) and APS/AAPT Fellowships.

Key initiatives include:

• Developing evidence-based physics education tools and assessments
• Pioneering strategies to close gender and racial achievement gaps
• Leading national efforts to increase qualified physics teachers
• Fostering interdisciplinary STEM partnerships

Her work emphasizes equity, with a focus on ensuring all students—regardless of background—have pathways to STEM success. Current efforts include directing WVU’s STEM education initiatives and advancing policy-driven educational reforms.