Contact Information
Biography
As a faculty member, Dr. Brown's research focuses on enhancing physics education through
innovative curricular strategies. Her dissertation explored the impact of explicit,
analogous problem comparisons on novice problem-solving practices among engineering
physics students. The study demonstrated improved selection of physically relevant
examples and higher overall course performance. Dr. Brown extended this research to
a broader context at Penn State Altoona, refining the methodology for introductory
algebra-based and engineering-based physics students.
Education
- B.S. Physics and Applied Mathematics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
- Ph.D. Physics, Kansas State University (KSU)
Research Interests
- Development of curricular strategies to enhance novice problem-solving practices in physics
- Investigation of students' reliance on surface features in selecting examples for homework problems
- Exploration of the effectiveness of explicit, analogous problem comparisons in improving students' selection of physically meaningful examples
- Examination of students' perceptions of problem comparison tasks and identification of motivators for individual participation
- Repetition of the study in different classroom environments to refine project design and improve problem-solving performance
- Addressing challenges in implementing successful educational strategies within institutional constraints
- Research on scientific ethics in STEM education, including a qualitative survey to understand students' perceptions of academic assistance and cheating
- Utilization of the survey to make institutional policies explicit and inhibit cheating at the beginning of the semester
- Development of a curriculum for an online Rocket Science course aligned with discovery-based learning methodologies
- Integration of mechanical physics and thermal physics concepts through the use of a videogame-style simulator, "Kerbal Space Program"
- Ongoing challenges in sustaining interest, learning advanced algebraic manipulation, and overcoming failed launch attempts in the Rocket Science course
- Consideration of further development incorporating the use of "Universe Sandbox2," an orbital simulator, for a comprehensive learning experience.