CURRICULUM VITAE

 

Sharon Elizabeth Nichols, Ph.D.

The University of Alabama

Department of Secondary Curriculum, Teaching and Learning

Box 8790232

Tuscaloosa, AL  35487-0232

Email: snichols@bamaed.ua.edu                      Office Phone: (205) 348-5246

 

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

 

Ph.D., Science Education, The Florida State University, 1994

M. S., Science Education, The Florida State University, 1991

B.S., Health/Biology Education, The University of Florida, 1984

Teaching Certification:  Health Education, Secondary Biology

 

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

 

Barcenal, T. Bilbao, P., Morano, L. Nichols, S.E., & D.J. Tippins (2002). Just in Case: Using Cases for Science Teacher Learning . Iloilo City, Philippines: University of West Visayas Press.

 

Arellano, E., Barcenal, T. Bilbao, P., Castellano, M., Nichols, S. & Tippins, D. (2001). From local to global science education reform: Case-based pedagogies as contexts for collaborative inquiry in the Philippines. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 38(5), 1-21.

 

Howe, A. & Nichols, S. (2001). Case studies in elementary science teaching: Learning from teachers. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Prentice Hall.

 

Nichols, S. & Tobin, K. (2000). Discursive practice among teachers co-learning during field-based teacher preparation experiences. Action in Teacher Education, 22(2A), 45-54.

 

Nichols, S. E. & Tippins, D. J. (2000).  Prospective elementary science teachers and biomythographies: An exploratory approach to autobiographical research.  Research in Science Education, 30(1), 141-153.

 

Tippins, D., Nichols, S. & Dana, T.  (1999).  Exploring novice and experienced elementary teachers’ science teaching and learning referents through videocases.  Research in Science Education, 29(1), 331-352.

 

Nichols, S., Tippins, D. & Weiseman, K.  (1997).  A “toolkit” for developing critically reflective science teachers.  Journal of Science Teacher Education, 8(2), 77-106.

 

Nichols, S., Gilmer, P., Thompson, T., Davis, N.  (1998).  Women in science: Expanding the vision.  In. K. Tobin and B. Fraser (Eds.), International Handbook of Science Education.   967-980.  Pordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Publishers.

 

Roychoudhury, A., Tippins, D., Nichols, S.  (1995).  Gender-inclusive science teaching: A feminist-constructivist approach.  Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 32(9), 897-924.

 

RECENT PRESENTATIONS

 

Over 120 research and workshop presentations at national and international conferences and professional forums.

 

Nichols, S. (November, 2001). Looking backwards and forwards to find meaning and direction in science teaching. Invited Guest Speaker at the annual meeting of the North Carolina Science Teachers Association, Greensboro, NC.

 

Nichols, S. & Tippins, D.  (July 1999). Action research in science teaching with the use of portfolio and group case study methods.  Invited research presentation sponsored by the Office of Research of the University, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City, Philippines.

 

Nichols, S.E. , Caulkin, J., Guerrero, D., Hammond, L., Ollerenshaw, J.,& Wallace, J. (April, 2002). Exploring sociocultural tensions in science education through narrative research. Syposium presented at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, New Orleans, LA.

 

Nichols, S.E. (April, 2002). Conducting cross-cultural teacher research to create community-based science education. Invited Pre-conference Workshop Session conducted at the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, New Orleans, LA.

 

Nichols, S., Tippins, D.J., Bilbao, P.,Barrcenal, T., Morano, L. (April, 2001). Drawing on the voices of a community to create a sustainable science education future. Poster presentation at the annual meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, New Orleans, LA

 

Nichols, S., Tippins, D., Bilbao, P., Barcenal, T., Castellano, M. & Morano, L. (April, 2001). A narrative study of community, change, and science education through case-based pedagogy and research. Paper presentation at the annual meeting of the American Education Research Association, Seattle, WA.

 

Nichols, S., Tippins, D.J., Hammond, L. & Kyle, W.C. (March, 2001). Alternative approaches to cross-cultural science education and research: Building communities of inquiry. Novel format presentation at the annual meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, St. Louis, MO.

 

GRANTS

 

Funding received from external sponsors has totaled nearly $2, 700, 000 to support working as a Principal Investigator and/or Co-PI on research and professional development projects. Sponsors have included: The Spencer Foundation, Dwight D. Eisenhower Higher Education Program, Carolina Power and Light.

 

REPRESENTATIVE ACADEMIC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

Reviewer for Refereed Journals including: Journal of Research in Science Teaching, Science Teacher Education., Journal of Elementary Science Education, Journal of Curriculum and Supervision, Journal of  Educational Policy.

 

Association for the Education of Teachers in Science, Director at Large, 2003-2006.

 

North Carolina Science Teachers Association, Region I Director, 2001-2002.

 

External evaluator for the Pre-College Research Experience in Science, Mathematics and Technology  Summer Program Years.  PI: Gerry Madrazo, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. Project funded by the National Science Foundation. Services provided: 1999-2001.

 

External evaluator for the The westlake high school alternative learning center gender equity project.   PI:  Ms. Janis Lariviere, Westlake Alternative Learning Center, Austin, TX. Project sponsored by the American Association of United Women. Services provided 1995-1996.

 

Consultant, Texas SSI Action Team for the Preparation of Prospective Elementary Teachers in Science, Dana Center, Texas Elementary Science Teacher Poll Team, 1996-1998.