Jessica Marcolini

Jessica Marcolini is an Assistant Director of the Whitaker Center for STEM Education and a Lecturer in the Department of Integrated Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. She holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, an M.S. in Environmental Sciences, and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from FGCU, with minors in Education and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Her research and teaching focus on environmental education, sustainability, STEM education, and teacher professional development. Key interests include the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), civic engagement, gamification in education, and program assessment.

Dr. Marcolini has presented at numerous conferences, including the Florida Association of Science Teachers and the North American Association for Environmental Education. She has secured grants such as the $17,800 Scholarship-Research Venture Capital Fund (2019) and the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship ($19,000, 2006-2008). Her work emphasizes community audits, virtual STEM professional development, and integrating sustainability into curricula.

• Grants & Awards:
  • Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship ($19,000, 2006-2008)
  • Scholarship-Research Venture Capital Fund ($17,800, 2019)
  • Innovative Assignment Design Grants (multiple years)
• Key Contributions:
  • Developed courses like University Colloquium: A Sustainable Future and Environmental Education.
  • Pioneered service-learning projects, such as the FGCU Scholars initiatives and Community Challenge Grant (AARP-funded).

Her research bridges theory and practice, fostering student engagement through field-based activities, gamification, and community partnerships.