معرفی
Dr Maria Turkenburg is a part-time Research Fellow in the Department of Education at the University of York, specializing in science education research within the University of York Science Education Group (UYSEG). Her current work focuses on STEM engagement through projects including RISES (Research Into Spaceflight and Engagement with STEM), WRIPA-e evaluation, and science education for parents.
Her educational background includes an MSc in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biophysics from Rijksuniversiteit Leiden, a DPhil in Chemistry from the University of York, PGCE Science (Chemistry), and a PhD in Education. Prior to her education career, she worked for ten years as a postdoctoral research fellow at the York Structural Biology Laboratory developing protein crystallography software.
Turkenburg's research centers on How Science Works and the Nature of Science, examining how curriculum changes affect teachers and investigating students' and teachers' attitudes toward STEM subjects. Her work particularly emphasizes spaceflight's impact on STEM engagement (notably through Tim Peake's mission), climate education, environmental sustainability, and teacher professional development. Recent projects analyze online narrative games for climate education, intergenerational climate dialogue, and political participation in science curricula.
As a STEM Ambassador since 2007, she conducts outreach activities and serves as sub-editor for Chemistry Review magazine. Her collaborative work includes partnerships with the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology (WRIPA-e), Centre for Lifelong Learning (SifPT-e), and external organizations like the ESA and UK Space Agency. Current projects include ESRC IAA Young People and Environmental Voice and evaluation of the White Rose Industrial Physics Academy.
Her laboratory affiliations include the University of York Science Education Group, with research conducted through mixed-methods approaches combining RCTs, case studies, and participatory workshops. Future work focuses on climate adaptation education as an emerging priority for schools, as evidenced by her upcoming invited talks in 2025.
