Leadership Team

Dr. Daniel A. Tillman

Co-Director - Educational Technology

Dr. Daniel A. Tillman’s work has focused upon using innovative pedagogical approaches and technologies as a mechanism for instructionally combining the STEM fields within K-12 education. Recent research has examined the integration of augmented reality (AR) into preservice teacher education and K-12 settings, with a particular emphasis on determining the implications for female and minority students. By superimposing digital information on top of visual perception, augmented reality technologies enable K-12 teachers and students to use classroom-friendly software and hardware to bridge the gap between the physical and virtual worlds. Research by Dr. Tillman, which has been funded with grants from the National Science Foundation and others, has resulted in design and development of innovative curriculum, digital simulations, visualization hardware, online supports, and student work providing real-life illustrations of how augmented reality is an educational technology that can be used in a range of mathematics and science learning environments to support pedagogical consolidation of the STEM disciplines.

Dr. Song A. An

Co-Director - Mathematics Education

Dr. Song A. An’s work has focused upon developing of an innovative music-math curriculum and implementing of interdisciplinary mathematics instruction. Recent research has explored the meaningful relationship between music and math, and utilized these connections to produce effective math teaching methods that offer students different ways to understand, analyze, and interpret math. This unique interdisciplinary curriculum and innovative teaching strategies helps students discover and understand mathematical ideas by experiencing different kinds of activities with connections made within and outside of mathematics. In addition to exploring the relationships between music and mathematics, and utilizing these connections to develop lessons and curriculum to promote students’ interests in learning mathematics, Dr. An conducted various kinds of research with diverse academic emphasis. These studies include international curriculum and instruction comparisons, pre-service and in-service teachers’ knowledge development, parents’ involvement and educational technology.

Dr. Alyse C. Hachey

Co-Director - Early Childhood Education

Dr. Hachey’s work has focused on both ends of the STEM pipeline, including early childhood education and post-secondary education. At the early childhood education end, her interest is on the development of STEM curriculum, particularly for toddlers and preschoolers. Recent research, writing and professional development efforts have explored preschool teacher beliefs about early mathematics and the need to re-define early childhood teachers as math teachers, and developmentally appropriate ways of including life science into the early childhood classroom through gardening, insect exploration and nature-based play. Additionally, Dr. Hachey conducts research and develops curriculum in other subject areas of interest to early childhood education. At the other end of the educational pipeline, Dr. Hachey conducts NSF funded research assessing the impact of online learning on the retention and success of post-secondary students, both generally and STEM specific, particularly for college populations deemed at high risk of dropout.

Connect With Us

The �山�ּ� of Texas at El Paso
College of Education
Education Building, Room 414
500 W �山�ּ�
El Paso, Texas 79902

E: education@utep.edu
P: (915) 747-5572
F: (915) 747-5755