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University of Wyoming
Maggie Renken

Maggie Renken
Science Posse Program Coordinator
PhD Candidate in Developmental Psychology

mdehart@uwyo.edu • 13 Biological Sciences

 

 

Background Information:

I have worked with the Science Posse since 2006 - for two years as a graduate fellow and more recently as a co-coordinator.  Being a member of the Science Posse has been rewarding personally and professionally.  Visiting schools and meeting students and teachers throughout Wyoming and during a Science Posse trip to India has led to a tremendously diverse graduate experience.  Working closely with Science Posse members to develop practical curriculum and effective assessment of our program has proven to be an exciting challenge as well.  I'm always looking forward to what the future holds for the Science Posse and hope to meet many more of Wyoming's excellent teachers and students!

 

Education:

May 2008

  • University of Wyoming 
  • Experimental Psychology, M.S.
    • Thesis: The Effect of Prior Belief Bias on Conclusions from a Simple Physics Experiment: Does It Matter Whether Students Conduct or Read about the Experiment?
    • Chair: Narina Nunez, PhD

May 2005

  • Clemson University, Calhoun Honors College
  • Psychology, B.S.
  • Minor in Political Science
    • Thesis: The Impact of Creative Movement on 4th and 5th Grade Females' Self-concept and Classroom Behavior
    • Chair: Patricia Connor-Greene, PhD

August 2003

  • Davidson College
  • Davidson, North Carolina
    • Clinical Psychology Practicum
    • Abnormal Psychology Tutorial

  

Research Interests:

My research interests are generally related to reasoning and achievement among adolescents (6th-12th grade) in educational contexts.  I have focused on specific areas related to prior belief basis, cross-cultural attitudes about science, students' primary source of knowledge, the relationship between movement and learning, and social and motivational influences on academic achievement and career choice.  I also work in UW's Psychology and Law Lab under Narina Nunez and am currently collaborating on research examining developmental trends in the process of creating facial composite images.