Bronxville High School science teachers Stephen Kovari and Anna Dowd have been accepted into the prestigious Ph.D. program in STEM Education at Stony Brook University.
Through the doctoral program, Kovari and Dowd will engage in advanced study of science teaching and learning, educational research methods and the history and foundations of STEM education. For both educators, the opportunity extends beyond expanding their own scientific knowledge.
“This isn’t just about deepening our own scientific knowledge; it’s about learning how students think, grasp complex concepts and overcome misconceptions,” Dowd said.
As part of their doctoral studies, Kovari and Dowd plan to investigate effective approaches to designing hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that mirror the process of real scientific discovery. Through their work in the program, they hope to bring valuable perspectives back to the district.
“Ultimately, we hope to bridge the gap between university theory and the daily realities of the classroom, using data-driven insights to help other science teachers create truly impactful learning experiences,” Dowd said.