Chemistry & Biochemistry | Popova

UNC Greensboro

Graphical abstract of the published paper

We published a new paper in jce about 3D Object-Based Card-Sorting method!

Morgenstern, R., Pazicni, S.,* Swineheart, S., Popova, M., 3D object-based card-sorting: A method for eliciting multimodal reasoning in chemistry, J. Chem. Educ., 2025, Advance Article. This contribution introduces 3D object-based card sorting as a novel method for eliciting and analyzing students’ multimodal reasoning in chemistry. Building on traditional card sort methodologies, this approach incorporates… Continue reading…

Bar graphs showing time allocation in teaching activities across 14 inorganic chemistry instructors.

We published a new paper in CERP about how inorganic chemistry instructors teach symmetry!

Shi, L., Hillborn, S., Pazicni, S., Popova, M.*, Different instructors—different symmetry: Variation in instructional approaches and content emphasis in inorganic chemistry, Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 2025, Advance Article. Symmetry is a foundational concept in inorganic chemistry, essential for understanding molecular properties and interactions. Yet, little is known about how instructors… Continue reading…

All participants of the second CLC summer institute

Second CLC Summer Institute in the Books!

The Chemistry Laboratory Curriculum (CLC) Innovators program successfully completed its second Summer Institute! This year’s institute refined the program by dedicating more time to developing laboratory teaching materials and engaging in deeper discussions of Johnstone’s Triangle, science and engineering practices, and inquiry. Participants received pedagogical training and hands-on lab experience… Continue reading…

Hannah Ericson

Dr. Hannah Ericson joined the group as a postdoc!

Our group is so excited to welcome Dr. Hannah Ericson! Hannah earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Genetics at the University of Georgia (UGA) under the supervision of Dr. Tessa Andrews. Her research examined STEM departments that are advancing their teaching evaluation practices, and especially the influence of the… Continue reading…

Clustered research agenda for inorganic CER. Each domain reflects a key strand of the paper’s argument: (1) Cognitive and representational processes (pink) shape how students make sense of abstract and spatially complex content; (2) Instructional and assessment design (green) mediates access to disciplinary reasoning and epistemic agency; and (3) Structural and equity considerations (blue) foreground how norms, curricula, and teaching practices position learners within systems of inclusion and exclusion. Together, these agenda items articulate a research program aimed at transforming and not just optimizing inorganic chemistry instruction.

Maia published a new paper in Comments on Inorganic Chemistry in collaboraton with SAM PAZICNI!

Pazicni, S.,* Popova, M., Making the case for inorganic chemistry education research: Insights from symmetry, Comments on Inorganic Chemistry, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/02603594.2025.2523259 Chemistry Education Research has transformed how we understand and improve student learning in general and organic chemistry, but inorganic chemistry remains understudied. This gap persists even though inorganic instruction involves complex representational… Continue reading…