Molly Simon received her bachelor’s degree in geophysical sciences from the University of Chicago in 2013. She went on to get a master's degree and doctorate in planetary sciences from the University of Arizona (in 2016 and 2019, respectively). During her time as a graduate student, she became interested in how general education science students approached concepts taught to them in their astronomy courses. She decided to pursue a Certificate in College Teaching through the University of Arizona’s Office of Instruction and Assessment. This led her on the path to conduct astronomy education research full-time, and after graduation, she began a position as a postdoctoral researcher for the Zooniverse at the Adler Planetarium. As a professor at ASU, she utilizes citizen science as tool to bring authentic research and data-rich experiences to students in both in-person and online courses. She also develops active learning materials designed to engage students in critical thinking while promoting increased disciplinary fluency.
Education
Ph.D. Planetary Sciences (2019), University of Arizona
Certificate in College Teaching (2018), University of Arizona
M.S. Planetary Sciences (2016), University of Arizona
B.S. Geophysical Sciences (2013), University of Chicago
