My research addresses the long-term resolution of environmental issues, which includes learning from and with communities. Environmental issues are a shared human concern as communities in all nations and geographic regions are grappling with environmental degradation. Despite this interest, there are multiple viewpoints on the current state of environmental issues and how to understand these problems. Understanding how different communities conceive of the environment and sustainability is paramount in efforts to increase the frequency of environmentally conscious choices, a goal of environmental education (UNESCO-UNEP, 1976). If an awareness of others’ perspectives of the environment is lacking, then the development of sustainable choices is placed at risk because of potentially competing views of what sustainability means in a particular context. Therefore, I explore these questions in a variety of settings from Cambodia to Kenya to Costa Rica and the US. These settings provide unique insights into how to solve our most pressing issue- climate change.
Cassie Quigley
Dr. Cassie Quigley is an Associate Professor of Science Education in the Department of Instruction of Learning at the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. She received her doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction at Indiana University in 2010. During her time as a high school biology and physics teacher, she often witnessed students who were disengaged from science. Because of this experience, her research focuses on broadening the ideas of and participation in science so that all students feel connected to science. Currently, she works with in-service teachers on expanding their current pedagogical practices to include equitable approaches. She often frames this as STEAM Education where students work to solve real-world, relevant problems collaboratively. She science methodology courses in the MAT and CASE programs s as well as teaching a variety of courses in graduate education programs.