معرفی
Vashti Sawtelle, an Associate Professor at Michigan State University's Department of Physics & Astronomy, specializes in physics education research focused on creating equitable learning environments. Her work examines how active learning, modeling instruction, and interdisciplinary approaches (particularly physics for biologists) impact students from diverse backgrounds, including women and transfer students.
- Ph.D. in Physics Education (2011), Florida International University
Her research center on understanding the intersection of self-efficacy, science identity, and equity in undergraduate physics education. Drawing from social-cognitive theory and ethnographic methodologies, she investigates how learning environments shape students' development as scientists, with particular emphasis on marginalized groups.
Recent publications highlight mixed-methods approaches to self-efficacy measurement, transfer student support systems, and inclusive pedagogical design. She co-directs MSU's Physics Education Research Lab, building on prior work with Modeling Instruction at FIU and NEXUS/Physics at University of Maryland.
Collaborations include cross-institutional partnerships with associate and bachelor-granting institutions to improve STEM pathways, along with developing innovative assessment tools like the STEM Transfer-Self Efficacy Survey. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes creating supportive spaces where diverse students can thrive in physics.
