His basic research involves studying experts and novices in complex domains, such as science, engineering, submarining, and weather forecasting, to develop theoretical and computational models of cognition underlying expert performance and the difficulties of developing expert-like performance. His applied research involves developing and evaluating tools and curricula to help novices achieve expert performance. Dr. Schunn has developed design-based learning curricula for middle and high school science classrooms that have been found to be more successful than existing hands-on and textbook science curricula at teaching basic science concepts and scientific reasoning skills and stimulating interest in engineering, science, and technology careers. He received his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University in 1995.