Ryan Summers

What are your primary research and scholarly interests?

I have two primary areas of research: The first area centers on the development of informed views about the nature of science among K-12 students. This is basically an understanding of how the process of science works, including characteristics of the scientific knowledge produced, details about how scientific knowledge is generated, refined by the scientific community, and shaped by the cultural context in which it was created. My second area of research involves understanding K-12 students’ attitudes toward science, including their general feeling about the subject and intentions to continue studying science in the future. Fostering positive attitudes toward science is important because the disposition students develop in K-12 can shape their appreciation of science as adults, and even their willingness to explore science-related careers.

How does this tie into the work you are doing with ND-ACES?

My work on the Education and Workforce Development (EWD) element of PROSPER connects to my second area of research as well as my teaching responsibilities as an Associate Professor of Science Education at UND. My responsibilities in EWD include Rural Teacher Professional Development (RTPD) and coordinating the Rural Student Teacher Experience (RSTE).

Where are you from and where did you pursue your education?

I am originally from southern Illinois, near Mt. Vernon, and I completed my doctoral studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

What excites you about ND-ACES?

I am particularly excited to be able to support teachers and learners across the continuum: We have worked to support teachers in PreK-12 classrooms, so they to feel empowered to teach STEM topics in engaging ways, ensuring that students have opportunities to learn STEM and develop interest in those areas, and prepare the next generation of teachers to step into classrooms.

What motivates you?

As someone who grew up in a predominantly blue collar area surrounded by agricultural and manufacturing jobs, I am deeply committed to helping teachers in small towns and communities flourish.

If you could time travel, where would you go?

Everywhere. I think it would be amazing to be able to time travel and observe.

If you could have coffee / tea with anyone, who would it be?

I would enjoy having a cup of coffee with Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

What was your first job?

My first regular job was as a cashier at a movie theater.

What does your very best day include?

I enjoy cooking, reading, playing games, and watching TV. Any combination of those activities with family or friends sounds like a great day to me.

What’s your favorite quote?

"Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science." – Edwin Hubble.