معرفی
Melanie Cooper is a Professor of Science Education jointly appointed in the College of Education and the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University (MSU), holding the Lappan-Phillips Chair. Her primary affiliation is with the Department of Teacher Education. Cooper's work focuses on evidence-based curriculum development and assessment in chemistry education, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections between chemistry and biology, as well as the integration of green chemistry principles. She has pioneered curricula like CLUE (Chemistry, Life, the Universe & Everything) and OCLUE (Organic Chemistry, Life, the Universe & Everything), which emphasize mechanistic reasoning and three-dimensional learning.
She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Manchester. Cooper’s research addresses challenges in STEM education, including the impact of online learning, AI-driven assessment tools, and equity in grading practices. Her work spans K-12 and undergraduate education, with a focus on transforming gateway courses to foster deeper conceptual understanding. Collaborative projects like QuSTEAM (Quantum Information Science Education) reflect her commitment to interdisciplinary innovation.
Key research themes include:
- Mechanistic reasoning in chemistry and biology
- Assessment design using AI and automated analysis
- Green chemistry in laboratory curricula
- Alignment of instruction with NGSS standards
- Faculty professional development for curriculum transformation
Cooper’s publications emphasize practical curricular resources, such as project-based laboratory activities and frameworks for integrating crosscutting concepts. She advocates for systemic changes in STEM education to promote equity, scientific literacy, and student-centered learning environments. Her work has influenced national and international standards, including contributions to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
