Dr. Jessica Gale is a Senior Research Scientist on the Research and Evaluation team at CEISMC. Dr. Gale holds a B.A. from Pomona College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Studies from Emory University, where her doctoral studies were supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. As a member of CEISMC’s Research and Evaluation team, Dr. Gale’s recent work explores the development, implementation, and effectiveness of innovative STEM and STEAM curricula and programs. Dr. Gale’s research spans and often connects diverse subjects within K-12 education including curriculum design and implementation, project-based learning, STEM integration, engineering education, and self-efficacy.  Dr. Gale has served as a lead researcher or Co-PI for many of CEISMC’s major NSF-funded research projects (SLIDER, AMP-IT-UP, CAPACiTY, STEM-ID, Noyce) Prior to her research career, Dr. Gale worked with some of our nation’s most promising future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians as a 1st grade teacher in the Atlanta Public Schools. In her free time, Dr. Gale enjoys coaching LEGO robotics and Science Olympiad, travel, cooking, playing poker, and volunteering at her children’s school.