This career did not exist when I started: From field ecology to education research

Although researchers have been studying how students learn science for decades, the field of biology education research is very young. Biology education, research focused on undergraduate learning and instruction, has increased in many institutions over the last ten years. Institutions are focused on improving STEM education; opportunities for ecologists and other biologists with expertise in science teaching and research are exploding. I’ll describe the path I took from plant ecology to biology education research, and highlight key tools and opportunities that helped pave the way.