Christina Schwarz, a professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Teacher Education, is the recipient of the 2024 National Association for Research in Science Teaching, or NARST, Fellows Award. The prestigious award recognizes accomplished scholars in the science education community whose scholarship, service and leadership activities contribute to and advance the field.

Along with four other scholars, she was recognized in March 2024 at the NARST annual international conference in Denver, Colorado.

Schwarz’s impact as both a scholar and teacher educator at the College of Education spans more than 20 years. She has taught over a dozen courses in the Department of Teacher Education including hundreds of preservice elementary teachers who have taken her elementary science methods courses.

Her research, which has received more than $3 million in funding, focuses on creating meaningful and engaging learning spaces for everyone by helping them get involved in science and engineering practices. She has done so by specializing in how students and their teachers can develop and use models in science to make sense of the world. Modeling can help people express and share complex ideas for better understanding and engagement.

To read the full story, visit education.msu.edu.