Research

Contemporary Chemistry and Teacher Professional Development

Teachers and Contemporary Chemistry

My research positions chemistry teachers as central agents of educational innovation and sustainable change. I develop and study professional development models that help teachers integrate contemporary scientific research into school chemistry while strengthening disciplinary understanding, pedagogical reasoning, and understanding of the nature of science. Much of this work focuses on nanoscale science and technology, authentic laboratory environments, and contemporary chemistry topics that bridge school science and current scientific research. The research highlights how long-term researcher–teacher partnerships can support meaningful curriculum innovation and teacher growth.

AI and Digital Innovation in Chemistry Education

AI and Digital Innovation in Chemistry Education

My research explores how artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape chemistry teaching and teacher professional development. I investigate how chemistry teachers develop the knowledge, self-efficacy, and pedagogical reasoning required to integrate AI tools responsibly and meaningfully into science classrooms. This work includes research on technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK), online and hybrid learning environments, ethical and responsible AI use, and the role of generative AI as a cognitive partner in teachers’ pedagogical decision-making. A central goal of this research is to ensure that technological innovation strengthens disciplinary rigor, scientific reasoning, and teachers’ professional agency.

Chemistry Education for a Sustainable Future

Chemistry Education for a Sustainable Future

This research area focuses on connecting chemistry education with global sustainability challenges and responsible scientific innovation. My work examines how chemistry teaching can empower students to become informed and responsible citizens through socio-scientific issues, systems thinking, and sustainability-oriented curricula. The research integrates Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), climate change education, and contemporary environmental chemistry into school science. By linking authentic scientific practices with real-world challenges, this work promotes student agency, ethical awareness, and meaningful engagement with science in society.

Game-Based Learning in Chemistry Education

Teachers in the 21^st century have access to new, unique tools and platforms that were much less readily available in the last decade. Technology in the era of Web 2.0 includes websites and applications that provide a technological platform for users to independently create and share uploaded content for chemists and for chemistry teachers.My research on chemistry escape rooms explores how game-based learning environments can promote meaningful engagement, collaboration, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding in chemistry education. This work combines chemistry content knowledge with inquiry, creativity, and student-centered pedagogies through the design and study of physical and virtual escape room activities. The projects examine how immersive educational experiences support motivation, scientific thinking, teamwork, and learning in both school and teacher professional development contexts. Special attention is given to the design principles of educational escape rooms and their adaptation to online and hybrid learning environments.