Rachel MorrisonFollowing a national search, Martina Nieswandt, Ph.D., is bringing a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach to her role as the new vice president for research at Chapman University.
“As Chapman continues its rise as a nationally ranked R2 institution, Dr. Nieswandt is uniquely poised to lead us forward,” said Provost Norma Bouchard, Ph.D., citing Nieswandt’s experience as associate vice chancellor for research and engagement at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Nieswandt has a distinguished record of having published more than 40 articles and two books on a range of topics related to STEM education, with particular focus on chemistry and mathematics. Her research has been sustained by continuous funding, totaling more than $7.5 million, by the National Science Foundation, the American Educational Research Association, the U.S. Department of Education and the German Science Foundation. She has delivered numerous keynote addresses, presentations and workshops both nationally and internationally.
In her work as an educator, Nieswandt has offered a range of courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels on topics ranging from science and mathematics curriculum and qualitative research design and practice to theories of learning and teaching in STEM education and gender issues in mathematics, science and technology education.
“Dr. Nieswandt has a broad understanding of research, scholarly and creative inquiry. As a specialist in STEM education, with a focus on chemistry and mathematics, she demonstrates an expertise that transcends boundaries of discipline,” Bouchard said. “She is currently developing a comprehensive blueprint for multi-dimensional measures/metrics for research and development that will serve our community well.”
In her new role at Chapman University, Nieswandt will further develop and lead research strategic planning, working in close partnership with the vice provost for graduate education and the deans of Chapman’s 11 schools and colleges, while also collaborating with federal and state offices, granting agencies, foundations, business and industry to identify research collaborations and funding opportunities. She will oversee the university’s research support areas and will also participate in campus research-related space and facilities planning on the Orange and Rinker campuses.
“I am excited to join Chapman because of its strong commitment to its teacher-scholar model,” Nieswandt said. “And I am thrilled building on Chapman’s existing research administration and infrastructure to support and expand this model across all disciplines and to work with the campus community in promoting a collaborative research environment that fosters equity, diversity and inclusion and is guided by ethical conduct.”
