Name, position, affiliation information

Kristin Cook, Professor of Science Education

School of Education

Bellarmine University, Louisville KY

I am a Professor of Science Education and also serve as the Associate Dean of the School of Education at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY. I have been at Bellarmine University since 2012 after receiving my doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction specializing in Science Education and Environmental Sciences from Indiana University. My research focuses on engaging students and teachers with the community of science through the exploration of socio-scientific inquiry and transdisciplinary STEAM instruction.

Main duties in your work

In both my faculty and administrative roles, I center my work in STEM mentoring and advocacy through teaching, scholarship, and service. I teach all of our science methods courses (Elementary, Middle, and Secondary) for pre-service teachers, and I also teach in our online STEAM Education program for in-service teachers and informal educators. My administrative role allows me to direct program development and enables me to focus on building community partnerships, which have included development of sustained STEM initiatives and partnerships.

Recent accomplishments

I have overseen several grant-funded STEM programs totaling $3.2 million in federal and state-level funding, published 68+ peer-reviewed manuscripts or book chapters, presented over 100+ times nationally and regionally—all with a focus on science or STEM/STEAM education. Most recently, I co-authored Step Into STEAM: Your Standards-Based Action Plan for Deepening Mathematics and Science Learning and Simplifying STEM: Four equitable practices to inspire meaningful learning (grades preK-5 and 6-12). I serve as the Vice-President elect for the board of the Kentucky Science Center, which supports formal and non-formal educators in enhancing access and opportunities in science in the Kentuckiana region. I am a current nominee for the 2024-2025 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Service to SSMA and other professional organizations

I began attending and presenting at the SSMA conferences three years ago and have for the past several years reviewed publications for School Science and Mathematics Journal. I am actively involved in the Association for Science Teacher Education, previously serving in an elected position and winning the Innovations in Teaching Science Teachers award. I am

also an affiliate of the National Science Teaching Association and served on the Best STEM Books award committee. Regionally, I annually co-host the Kentucky Science Teachers Association’s Higher Education Science Teaching Summit.

Your vision for SSMA

My vision includes positioning SSMA as the leader in best practices for innovative and equitable STEM education. Our membership will work to build and sustain a dynamic professional community where educators collaborate, share expertise, and forge partnerships that advance STEM teaching and learning excellence. Through strategic advocacy and evidence-based practices, we will influence policies and practices that enhance STEM education at all levels. We will commit to meaningful mentorship that creates pathways for personal and professional growth, supporting educators at every career stage while cultivating the next generation of STEM education leaders. As a cornerstone organization in STEM education, we will unite and inspire related professional communities, driving positive change and collective action to ensure STEM education meets the evolving needs of learners and society.