Michelle Wilkerson

Michele Wilkerson is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley, affiliated with the Faculty Affiliates department. Her work focuses on advancing data science education and computational modeling in K-12 and higher education contexts, emphasizing equity, justice, and accessibility. She has led projects like DataSketch and MoDa, which integrate computational tools into science curricula to enhance student engagement with data analysis and complex systems.

Her research explores how educators can use data storytelling, agent-based modeling, and public datasets to teach climate justice, spatial literacy, and scientific reasoning. Notable contributions include frameworks for integrating computational thinking without coding, and studies on teachers' pedagogical shifts when adopting new technologies.

Wilkerson has secured grants including a National Science Foundation CAREER award for DataSketch, which develops tools for middle school data visualization. Her work consistently bridges theoretical research with practical classroom applications, advocating for inclusive technologies that address systemic inequities in STEM education.

Publications span educational journals and conferences, addressing topics such as sociocritical data literacies, teacher professional development, and the role of narrative in science learning. She collaborates with K-12 educators to co-design tools that empower students to analyze real-world data through ethical and justice-oriented lenses.