She is the director of the Colorado Learning Assistant Program, the Colorado Noyce Fellowship program, and the CU-Teach program. Her research spans from studies of science teacher knowledge to studies of how students learn various concepts in physics and the nature of science. Valerie has published broadly from Science magazine to Science and Children magazine. She is co-author of the popular Physics and Everyday Thinking curriculum, used in physics departments throughout the United States. Valerie is principal investigator on over $14 million in grants to improve mathematic and science education. As a first generation college student, Valerie is committed to increasing access and opportunities for students of all ages to get the most out of their science education.