Paula Levin

Paula Levin is a Teaching Professor Emerita at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), affiliated with the Department of Education Studies. She also held appointments in the Program in Human Development, the Department of Anthropology, and the Joint Ph.D. Program in Math and Science Education. Levin's career includes serving as Associate Faculty Director and Acting Faculty Director of UCSD's Programs Abroad Office (2008–2014). Recognized for her teaching excellence, she received UCSD’s Distinguished Teaching Award from the Academic Senate.

Her research focuses on language, schooling, and cultural dynamics in diverse contexts, including the U.S., French Polynesia, and Papua New Guinea. Key themes include science learning, early literacy, teacher preparation, and home-school relationships. Levin led curriculum development projects for Native Hawaiian children (ages 0–5) at the Kamehameha Schools, earning the Kimball Award for Applied Anthropology. She contributed to NSF-funded projects like 'Visualizing Earth' and Ford Foundation initiatives exploring cultural diversity in education.

Levin’s work bridges anthropology and education, emphasizing sociocultural contexts of learning. She has consulted for organizations such as Sally Ride Science and Children’s Television Workshop, designing learning activities for young children. Her publications span journals like Anthropology and Education Quarterly and Computers & Geosciences, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to education and culture.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Anthropology, UCSD (1978)
  • M.A. in Anthropology, UCSD (1973)
  • B.A. in Psychology, Swarthmore College (1971)

Awards:

• UCSD Distinguished Teaching Award (Academic Senate)
• Kimball Award for Applied and Public Anthropology (AAA)

Key Projects:

• NSF-funded 'Visualizing Earth' (scientific visualization in education)
• Ford Foundation 'Teaching Diversity and Learning Tolerance' study
• WASC Substantive Change Committee member (2008–2012)