Fiona Goodchild

Bio

Fiona Goodchild has been working with UCSB scientists and engineers since 1990 when she joined the Center for Quantized Electronic Structures (QUEST), one of the first group of National Science Foundation Science and Technology Centers. She collaborated with researchers to create several programs with local science schools and community colleges, such as Apprentice Researchers, the Science Partnership for School Innovation and Research Experience for Teachers. These projects reflected her background as a high school teacher and cognitive psychologist and extended the role of research scientists to engage teachers in professional development that includes authentic laboratory research. In 1999 she won a Pre-College Winning Program award from the Industrial Research Institute, Inc. for her role in developing K-12 science education projects at both QUEST and the Materials Research Laboratory (MRL). She has also been recognized with a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).

As Director of Education at California Nanosystems Institute (CNSI) at UCSB, she continues to collaborate with education staff and scientific researchers to direct several NSF program such as LEAPS (funded by the Graduates in K-12 Education) and EPSEM (funded by the Science Talent Expansion Program). She also partners with CNSI scientists to team teach two innovative undergraduate courses; the Practice of Science and Insights on Science and Technology in Society. Her evaluation of the impact of these courses and programs has prompted her current interest in how graduate researchers and faculty in science and engineering can develop their professional skills in mentoring and teaching.