Her research interests include the use of educational games and virtual worlds to teach science content (Quest Atlantis), the impact of gender and race on students’ construction of scientific knowledge, supporting students in scientific inquiry, explanation, and argumentation, and the design and enactment of science curriculum materials. A former high school science teacher in Ohio, she received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Science Education nine different years and the Hugh Hildebrandt Award for Outstanding Contribution to Science Education in 2003.