Mary Jean Lynch

Mary Jean Lynch serves as Professor of Psychology and Chairperson of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at North Central College, where she has held faculty and administrative positions since 1988 including Associate Academic Dean and Director of Advising and Academic Support.

Her educational credentials include:

• B.A. in Psychology from Northwestern University (1976)
• M.A. in Psychology from the University of Chicago (1977)
• Ph.D. in Psychology from Northwestern University (1982)

Dr. Lynch's research bridges cognitive psychology and science education, with primary focus on individual differences in cognitive functioning, arousal effects on performance, and inquiry-based STEM instruction for elementary students. Her work emphasizes practical classroom applications and teacher development through discrepant events and curiosity-driven approaches.

Analysis of her 2011-2017 scholarship reveals a dominant emphasis on science education reform aligned with NGSS standards, with 10 of 11 publications addressing elementary STEM pedagogy. Only her 2017 cognitive study on self-awareness diverges from this educational focus, demonstrating her dual expertise while highlighting science education as her primary scholarly contribution.

Her significant recognitions include:

• Dissinger Award for Senior Faculty at North Central College
• Exemplary Teaching Award from the United Methodist Church's General Board of Higher Education
• Harold and Eva White First Citizen of the College Award (2009)

Dr. Lynch has mentored undergraduate researchers while balancing extensive administrative responsibilities in academic advising and faculty development. Her workshop presentations at NSTA conferences indicate substantial professional outreach, though specific grant funding details are not documented. Current collaborations with Dr. J. Zenchak continue to advance elementary science education through teacher training initiatives.

Her research partnership with Dr. Zenchak represents a sustained collaborative effort in science education, producing numerous conference workshops and journal publications focused on transforming elementary STEM instruction through inquiry-based methodologies and NGSS implementation.