Marcelle A. Siegel

Marcelle A. Siegel is a Professor of Science Education at the University of Missouri, jointly appointed in the Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum (College of Education) and the Department of Biochemistry. She holds offices in both Townsend Hall and Schweitzer Hall and is actively engaged in research, teaching, and leadership in science education.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Science and Mathematics Education (SESAME) from UC Berkeley (1999), an MA in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley (1995), and a BA in Biology from Haverford College (1992).

Dr. Siegel's research centers on assessment as a lever for improving science teaching and learning. Her work spans three strands: designing equitable assessments, assessing learning and decision-making, and supporting teachers' assessment practices. She emphasizes inclusive teaching, equity for English language learners, and community building in STEM. Her research has been published in top journals such as the Journal of Science Teacher Education and Journal of Research in Science Teaching.

Her recent publications and projects reflect a strong trend toward inclusive STEM education, teacher leadership, and institutional transformation. Themes include equitable assessment, faculty development, K-12 to undergraduate integration, and creating belonging in science. She leads initiatives like the THRIVE project and the Sandra K. Abell Conversations, highlighting her commitment to systemic change.

• Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2019)
• Research in Biology Education Award, NABT (2016)
• Dean's Leadership Fellow (2018-2019)
• Alumnae Anniversary Award (2019)
• Graduate Instructor of the Year (2014-2015)
• Isabelle Lyda Professor (2009-2011)
• National Institute for Science Education Fellow
• NSF Fellowship, Reforming Education through Science and Design

Dr. Siegel has advised numerous graduate students and postdocs, including Drs. Shannon Burcks, Nilay Muslu, Terrell Morton, and Chris Murakami. She has secured significant grant funding from the National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), and the Wipro Foundation, serving as PI on the $1M HHMI THRIVE initiative and Co-PI on the Wipro Science Education Fellows Program. She also leads the long-standing, interdisciplinary 'Abell Conversations' series, fostering a campus-wide community of science educators.

She leads the THRIVE initiative, an HHMI-funded Inclusive Excellence project aimed at transforming natural sciences education at Mizzou by enhancing student belonging, retention, and leadership. The project involves interdisciplinary collaboration and institutional change. She also co-leads the Wipro Science Education Fellows Program, supporting K-12 teacher leadership and integration. Through the Abell Conversations, she cultivates a vibrant instructional community across STEM and education disciplines.