Melinda VanDevelder

Dr. Melinda VanDevelder serves as VCU STEM SEED Coach and RTR Residency Coordinator within Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education, Department of Teaching and Learning. She teaches in the RTR Residency Program for Master of Teaching and Master of Education students while supporting residents and clinical resident coaches through their professional development.

Her educational qualifications include:

• Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University
• M.S. in Aquaculture & Fisheries from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
• B.S. in Biology from Tennessee Technological University

Dr. VanDevelder's research centers on supporting pre-service and in-service STEM teachers through Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEEs), integrating environmental contexts with teacher development. Her work bridges educational technology, community-based learning, and STEM pedagogy, emphasizing practical applications in real-world settings like community gardens and watershed systems. She develops innovative approaches to teacher coaching and residency programs that connect classroom theory with field experiences.

Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on experiential learning frameworks, with recent work exploring technoheutagogy (self-determined virtual learning) and community garden applications. This reflects broader trends toward technology-enhanced environmental education and place-based teacher development within STEM fields.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Two-time recipient of Henrico21 21st century teaching award

As Principal Investigator for NOAA PEARL and recipient of NOAA BWET MWEE grants, she directs significant environmental education funding. She mentors RTR residents through clinical placements while coordinating partnerships with Henrico County Public Schools and environmental organizations like the James River Expedition, where she served as guest educator.

Dr. VanDevelder leads the RTR-SEED program, which integrates STEM residency training with watershed education initiatives, collaborating with school districts and environmental agencies to create authentic teacher development experiences through garden-based and river-focused curricula.