Degrees and Appointments:

• B.S. 1985, Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
• M.A. 1987, Chemistry,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
• Ph.D. 1992, Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
• Visiting Scholar, 1992-1995. James Frank Institute, University of Chicago
• Professor, 1992-2000, Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

Research Specialities: Chemistry Education Research, Student Reasoning, Assessment

Research

The focal point of our work is the study, reflection, and improvement of chemistry education. In particular, we have directed our research at trying to characterize the conceptual frameworks and the patterns of reasoning used by chemistry students to answer questions and solve problems that require qualitative reasoning (e.g., classification, prediction, inference, comparison). We are also exploring how students' ideas and reasoning strategies evolve as they develop more expertise in the discipline (trajectories of expertise). These studies are of central importance to design learning progressions that foster meaningful learning. Read More.

Awards and Honors:

• Early-Career Teaching Award. College of Science, University of Arizona., 2004
• Five Star Teaching Award, University of Arizona, 2006
• Leicester and Kathryn Sherrill Creative Teaching Award. University of Arizona., 2007
• Henry and Phyllis Koffler Prize in Teaching. University of Arizona, 2012
• James Flack Norris Award for the Outstanding Teaching of Chemistry. Northeastern Section of the ACS, 2012
• Distinguished Achievement in Science Education Award. College of Science, University of Arizona, 2013
• University Distinguished Professor. University of Arizona, 2015
• Arizona Professor of the Year. Carnegie Foundation, 2015
• Educational Research Award. Council of Scientific Society Presidents, 2019
• ACS Award for Achievement in Research for the Teaching & Learning of Chemistry., 2021