Mindy Junell Chappell

Mindy Junell Chappell is an Assistant Professor in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, focusing on the intersection of identity, narrative, and science education. Her work centers on marginalized student experiences within STEM fields, particularly through innovative methodological approaches.

Her primary research domains include:

• Science identity construction among Black students
• Ethnodance and embodied narrative methodologies
• Critical chemistry education frameworks
• Social justice implications of Next Generation Science Standards
• Youth participatory action research in secondary science classrooms
• Advocacy and social participation in science learning

Analysis of her 2019-2024 publications reveals a cohesive trajectory examining how structural constraints and agency interact in science identity formation, with increasing emphasis on critical perspectives toward chemical industries and environmental justice. Her work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks from social sciences with practical science education applications, demonstrating strong connections to secondary school contexts and high-impact student engagement strategies.