Bio

Suzanne M. Nesmith, Ph.D., joined Baylor University’s School of Education in 2009 and currently serves as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education and Associate Professor in Curriculum and Instruction. Nesmith came to Baylor from Wayland Baptist University where she served as the Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Elementary Education. Previously, she was an elementary and middle level classroom teacher for sixteen years.

A specialist in science and engineering education, Nesmith has published extensively on the ways in which content, instructional strategies, and instructional contexts work together in the construction of meaning and understanding. Her research has been published in leading refereed journals including International Journal of Science Education, School Science and Mathematics, Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, Action in Teacher Education, Research in the Schools, and Journal of Latinos and Education. Her recent studies include explorations of elementary preservice and inservice teachers’ efficacy and implementation of engineering, perceptions toward the utilization of literature in mathematics, educators’ design and implementation of environmental education curricula, and the impacts of a professional development experience on educators’ application of green chemistry concepts.

Nesmith was recently awarded a Cooper Foundation Grant to develop and implement a STEM+ summer camp experience for rising fifth grade students. She is part of a multi-university cohort that was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant to explore educational materials and infrastructure for teaching concepts in rational molecular design and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant to explore educators environmental efficacy and literacy. She has served on the editorial review board on numerous journals, and she has been elected and appointed to leadership positions in the Education Deans of Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (EDICUT), School Science and Mathematics Association, Association of Science Teacher Educators, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Phi Delta Kappa Professional Education Organization.

Having spent over a quarter of a century in education at the preschool through higher education levels, Nesmith is passionate about her chosen profession. She received the Award for Excellence in Integrating Science and Mathematics from School Science and Mathematics Association in 2018 and the CREATE Exemplary Faculty Practice Award for 2013-2014. Nesmith teaches graduate and undergraduate courses and mentors students while serving in her academic leadership roles.

Degrees (3)

Ph.D. Curriculum & Instruction
2007
Texas Tech University

M.Ed. Educational Administration
2003
Wayland Baptist University

B.S. Curriculum & Instruction
1982
Texas A&M University

Research Interests (5)

Science Education

Engineering Education

STEM Education

Teacher Education

Literature in Content Areas

Expertise (4)

Science Education

STEM Education

Environmental Education

Teacher Education

Select Publications (4)

Are graphic novels always cool? Student and parent perspectives on elementary mathematics and science graphic novels: The need for action research by school leaders

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith, published "Are graphic novels always cool? Student and parent perspectives on elementary mathematics and science graphic novels: The need for action research by school leaders" in Planning and Changing, p. 228-245, 2016, with co-author(s) G. Schwarz, S. Cooper, and A. Atkinson.

Exploring educators’ environmental education attitudes and efficacy: Research to practice: Connecting engineering design and inquiry to the implementation of engineering design challenges in elementary classrooms

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith, published "Exploring educators' environmental education attitudes and efficacy: Insights gleaned from a Texas wetland academy" in International Journal of Science Education, January 1, 1970, with co-author(s) C. J. Wynveen, E. M. Dixon, B. W. Brooks, C. W. Matson, W. C. Hockaday, M. A. Schaum, and J. E. DeFillipo.

Elementary STEM Learning

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith, published "Elementary STEM Learning" in Handbook of Research on STEM Education, p. 101-114, 2020, with co-author(s) S. Cooper.

Connecting learning to the community: Pedagogical strategies for educators

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith, published "Connecting learning to the community: Pedagogical strategies for educators" in Toward Community-Based Learning chapter, p. 172-194, 2020, with co-author(s) L. Scott, K. LeCompte, and S. Johnsen.

Awards & Honors (3)

Award for Excellence in Integrating Science and Mathematics

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith, received Award for Excellence in Integrating Science and Mathematics from School Science and Mathematics Association, October 2018.

STEM Teacher Education Colloquium Invited Participant

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith, received STEM Teacher Education Colloquium Invited Participant, October 2018.

Quest for Quality Exemplary Faculty Practice Award

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith, received Quest for Quality Exemplary Faculty Practice Award from CREATE (Center for Research, Evaluation and Advancement of Teacher Education), 2013.

External Grants (4)

Immersed in the wetlands: An environmental academy for educators

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith; $139,179.00; Immersed in the wetlands: An environmental academy for educators; Environmental Protection Agency.

Improving material safety through the minimization of oxidative stress potential: A mechanistic understanding of ROS generation in in viro and in vivo systems

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith; $91,000.00; Improving material safety through the minimization of oxidative stress potential: A mechanistic understanding of ROS generation in in viro and in vivo systems; NSF.

Educational materials and infrastructure for teaching concepts in rational molecular design

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith; $71,582.00; Educational materials and infrastructure for teaching concepts in rational molecular design; NSF.

Teachers teaching with technology: Hosting a T^3 regional conference

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith; $6,000.00; Teachers teaching with technology: Hosting a T^3 regional conference; Texas Instruments.

Professional Leadership (2)

Past-President, School Science and Mathematics Association

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith; President; School Science and Mathematics Association.

Past President, Southwest Region Association for Science Teacher Education

Dr. Suzanne Nesmith; Past President; Southwest Region Association for Science Teacher Education.

Courses (6)

Teaching Science in Elementary (undergraduate and graduate)

Concepts of Teaching and Teacher Education (graduate)

Comparative Education: International Internship Australia (Undergraduate)

Social Foundations of Education (Graduate)

Contemporary Curriculum (Graduate)

Advanced Elementary Curriculum Development (Graduate)