About
Helen Douglass is curious about intersectional spaces, both conceptual and physical. Her research and teaching focus on increasing access to content and belonging in STEM teaching, learning and subject areas for those preparing to be professional educators and those with an interest in education. Her work integrates the affordances of formal and informal teaching, learning and spaces to promote the inclusion of many lived experiences.
Douglass uses her expertise and education in biology, nutrition, counseling and science education to invite “co-labor” (collaboration) in teaching, research and service. She developed an interdisciplinary STEM Education minor for any interested students and is active on advisory boards locally and nationally related to design thinking and leveraging student experiences outside of formal learning for college credit using machine learning and micro-badging.
Her current research includes collaborations both locally and nationally in the areas of inclusive place-based informal learning, integrating maker experiences and materials to increase positive STEM identity and teaching efficacy, and diverse practica and field experiences for elementary science teachers. Mentorship and including students in scholarly opportunities is a passion of Douglass, and she maintains connections with peers and students across disciplines, time, and geographic locations.
Education
- Ph.D., The University of Colorado Denver
- M.A., Colorado Christian University
- B.S., The University of New Mexico
Research interests and areas of expertise
- Makerspaces
- Design Thinking
- STEM Education
- Gender Equity
- Informal Learning