From L – R: Ralph Wilcox, University of South Florida provost and executive vice president; Judy Genshaft, USF System president; Melanie Cooper; James Garey, USF Board of Trustees member and professor. Photo courtesy of the University of South Florida.
In early December 2016, Professor Melanie Cooper was awarded an honorary doctorate during the University of South Florida (USF) commencement ceremonies.
Cooper, Lappan-Phillips Professor of Science Education, is a world-renowned chemist and science education pioneer. She was nominated and selected to receive the honorary degree for her professional achievements and contributions to the advancement of science education, both at the University of South Florida and nationwide.
She has collaborated with USF faculty on research and has presented several seminars on evidence-based approaches to STEM education while serving as the Barbara and Dean Martin Lecturer.
“[Cooper is a] leading disciplinary-based researcher who has influenced the teaching and learning of STEM K-16 throughout the nation,” said Joe Krajcik in a nomination letter. Krajcik is a fellow Lappan-Phillips Professor of Science Education and director of the CREATE for STEM Institute at MSU.
Cooper was recognized at USF on Dec. 9 with a Doctorate of Science, presented by USF System President Judy Genshaft.
Two others joined Cooper in receiving honorary degrees from USF, including M. Peter McPherson, former president of Michigan State University. McPherson currently serves as president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), of which MSU is a member.
Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Mike McConnell also received an honorary Doctorate in Business. McConnell has served as director of the National Security Agency.
Cooper holds a joint appointment with the MSU Colleges of Education and Natural Science. Among her other accomplishments, she was a lead writer of the Next Generation Science Standards.
On the web
Melanie Cooper and other noted researchers from the MSU College of Education were featured in the Fall/Winter 2015-16 edition of the New Educator.
Read more about the fall 2016 USF commencement ceremonies: news.usf.edu