Assistant professor receives AERA Early Career Award

Xiaoming Zhai, an assistant professor in the Mary Frances Early College of Education’s department of mathematics, science, and social studies education, received the 2021 American Educational Research Association’s SIG-TACTL Early Career Award for his scholarly achievements.

The award, established in July 2013, recognizes early-career professionals who make substantial scholarly contributions to the use of technology as an agent of change in teaching and learning.

Zhai’s research examines complex constructs in science learning and teaching as one means of supporting teachers. Additionally, he examines the application of assessment results in science teaching and learning.

“This award is a great encouragement for me to continue my goals toward developing equitable and inclusive science teaching and learning by using advanced technologies,” Zhai said.

Previously, Zhai was selected as 2021 Basu Fellows by the National Association of Research in Science Teaching, received the 2021 NAEd/Spencer Research Development Award from the National Academy of Education and received the 2021 AERA SIG TACTL Early Career Award.

Additionally, Zhai recently edited a special issue in the Journal of Science Education and Technology titled “Applying Machine Learning in Science Assessment.” This special issue has greatly facilitated cutting-edge research in the field of applying artificial intelligence to science education.