Degrees
Ph.D., Physics Education and Discipline-Based Education Research, North Dakota State University; M.A., Biophysics, University of Minnesota; M.A., Science Education, Tikrit University; B.A., Applied Physics, University of Anbar
Biography
Safana Ismael’s background is in STEM with extensive experience in teaching, discipline-based educational research, educational program development, student mentoring, and student-centered learning across secondary and higher education. Her research focuses on how students reason, solve problems, and develop conceptual understanding, with particular interest in how students draw on, coordinate, and develop knowledge resources while learning STEM concepts.
Her work at UW–Madison as a postdoctoral research associate included interdisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations focused on understanding and supporting undergraduate learning in introductory physiology.
Safana enjoys working at the intersection of research and practice and collaborating with educators across disciplines. One of her favorite aspects of teaching and educational research is identifying challenges in student learning and using research to inform the design of instructional approaches that address those challenges. Outside of work, Safana loves cooking and sharing food with friends.