Margareta M. Thomson

Dr. Margareta M. Thomson is a Professor of Educational Psychology at North Carolina State University's College of Education, holding the title of University Faculty Scholar. She specializes in motivational aspects of teacher and student development, particularly in STEM domains. Her work integrates mixed-methods research to explore how motivations, beliefs, and development trajectories influence educational outcomes.

Dr. Thomson earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Learning Systems from Florida State University (2008), following a B.A. and M.A. from Babeș-Bolyai University in Romania, and a professional credential in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina. She has taught courses such as EDP 304 (Educational Psychology), EDP 504 (Advanced Educational Psychology), and ECI 709 (Motivation in Education).

Her research focuses on two primary strands: (1) motivations and beliefs influencing instructional outcomes, and (2) developmental trajectories of teachers and students in STEM fields. Notable projects include the NIH-funded Project EHRE (Environmental Health Research Experiences for Teachers) and the NSF-funded Project ATOMS (Accomplished Elementary Teachers of Mathematics and Science). She has published extensively in journals like Teaching and Teacher Education and Journal of Teacher Education, and authored/co-authored interdisciplinary books on motivation and non-formal education.

Dr. Thomson's accolades include the U.S. Core Fulbright Scholar Award, the NC State University Faculty Scholars Award, and grants totaling over $3.7 million. Her work emphasizes equity in STEM education, teacher professional development, and the role of emotions in educational contexts.

• Grants: NIH ($500,000), NSF ($3.2M), and multiple university awards.
• Awards: Fulbright Scholar, Research Peace Award, and teaching excellence recognitions.

She collaborates with teams in STEM Education, Teacher Education, and Mixed-Methods Research, contributing to initiatives like the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation and the Belk Center.