Jana Sebestik

Jana Sebestik is a Researcher at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the College of Education and the Office for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (MSTE). Her work focuses on integrating technology into K-12 classrooms and developing interactive power engineering curricula for pre-university students.

• Education: B.S. in Mathematics and M.Ed. in Mathematics Education from the University of Illinois.
• Professional Appointments: Interim Director of MSTE and Curriculum Specialist for STEM and power systems.

Her research interests span STEM Education, Power Engineering Education, and Environmental Education, with a focus on addressing declining interest in math and science among middle/high school students. She designs applets and lesson plans to teach concepts like power grids, energy conservation, and renewable technologies.

Her publications include interactive curricula on power systems, renewable energy, and environmental science, dating from 2008 to 2016. These works emphasize collaboration with power researchers and education specialists under NSF-funded projects, targeting pre-college audiences.

Sebestik has been actively involved in collaboration and dissemination efforts, working with institutions like IEEE and ASEE to distribute materials to educators and students. She has also developed tactile tools (e.g., stickers and copper tape) to teach electrical circuits.

MSTE, where she works, serves as a hub for integrating technology into K-12 education, reflecting her commitment to enhancing STEM accessibility through innovative teaching methods.