Biography

Dr. Carol B. Brandt's research and teaching interests include science education, educational ethnography, and alternative learning environments such as the design studio. Her research explores the sociocultural dimensions of learning environments that result in more equitable approaches to science teaching. Dr. Brandt鈥檚 expertise focuses on problem-based learning, the studio as a learning environment in design-based education, and understanding equity in science inquiry through discourse practices. Her research contexts include school classrooms and informal learning environments such as after-school programs, science museums, and maker spaces. She is published in several journals including Science Education, Ethnography & Education, and Cultural Studies of Science Education. Currently, she is a recipient of three National Science Foundation grants for science and mathematics research.

Research Interests

  • Anthropology
  • Discourse Processes
  • Science Education

Courses Taught

Number

Name

Level

ECED 3109

Science for the Early Years

Undergraduate

ECED 5109

Science Education for the Early Years: PreK to 4

Graduate

EDUC 0817

Youth Cultures

Undergraduate

EDUC 5262

Introduction to Qualitative Research

Graduate

EDUC 8502

Social Contexts of Learning

Graduate

EDUC 9255

Research Seminar in Science, Mathematics, and Educational Technology

Graduate

Selected Publications

  • Croog, R., Brandt, C.B., Kinsey, D., & Hayes-Conroy, A. (2023). A studio approach to teaching biosocial convergence science. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 47(4), pp. 589-612. Informa UK Limited. doi:

  • Adams, J.D., Rahm, J., Kayumova, S., & Brandt, C. (2022). Unpacking 鈥渟igns of learning鈥� in complex sociopolitical environments. Mind, Culture, and Activity, 29(4), pp. 295-300. Informa UK Limited. doi:

  • Cennamo, K. & Brandt, C. (2020). Learning to be creative: Key interactions of the academic design studio. Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Conference, CSCL, 1, pp. 167-174.