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Background

Thomas O'Brien joined the predecessor of the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership (TLEL) as an assistant professor in 1987. He received a BA in Chemistry and Science Education from Thomas More College and his master's and doctoral degrees in Chemistry & Science Teacher Education from the University of Maryland. He has worked as a science teacher across the K-12 levels and as a national, state and local science curriculum and professional development specialist.

Education

• MA, PhD, University of Maryland at College Park
• BA, Thomas More College

Research Interests

• BSCS 5E “intelligent” CIA model (Engage-Explore-Explain-Elaborate-Evaluate)
• Real-world relevant FUNomena-first, discrepant events and Science Technology-Society issues
• Cognitive, evolutionary and social psychology
• Pre-service and in-service science teacher professional development
• 360-degree, transformational K-12 educational leadership for all school stakeholders

Awards

• Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) Fellows Award, 2016.
• Collaborative, funded grants for science curriculum and professional development work totaling more than $4.6M, 1987-2008.
• New York State Science Education Leadership Association, NYSSLEA Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award, 2004.
• SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1999.
• New York State Association of Teacher Educators (NYSATE) R. Neal Appleby Award for New York's State's Outstanding Teacher Educator, 1999.