Austin Jenkins
Graduate Research Assistant
Science Education,
Curriculum and Instruction
About
Austin is completing his Ph.D. in science education (anticipated May 2026) after several years as a secondary science and mathematics teacher in Indianapolis, IN. While at Purdue, Austin has held several roles including graduate teaching and research assistant and Family and Community Engagement and Empowerment Specialist for the Indiana GEAR UP program. In all of these roles, Austin aims to blend research and practice in support of preparing teachers to deliver high-quality instruction for students of all backgrounds.
Education
- B.S. in Biology – University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- MAT – Marian University, Indianapolis
Career Experience
- Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, Purdue University (2021-current)
- Family and Community Engagement and Empowerment Specialist, Indiana GEAR UP (2024-2025)
- Adjunct Instructor, Marian University (2022-2024)
- Teacher (8th grade science and honors Biology), Indianapolis Public Schools (2020-2021)
- Teacher (Integrated Chemistry & Physics, Environmental Science, Algebra II), Charter Schools USA (2018-2020)
Awards & Honors
Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship (1 semester), Purdue University (2025)
Professional Affiliations/Memberships
- National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST)
- Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE)
Research & Publications
- Student science identity development
- Community-based research methods
- Informal learning environments
- Families and family engagement in education
Selected Publications
- Wang, H., Stollar Awan, M. K., Jenkins, A. R., & Sarkar, S. (2025). Exploring the impact of integrated STEM efforts on instructional design and occupational interest and orientation: A systematic literature review. Canadian Journal of Science, Math, and Technology Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42330-025-00362-4
- Jenkins, A. R., Zaccagnini, G. M., & Hogue, B. C. (2024). Exploring the perpetuation and disruption of gendered, racial, and working style stereotypes in U.S. life science textbooks. Science & Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-024-00564-6
- Jenkins, A. R., & Bolshakova, V. L. J. (2024). Extending a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to understanding and addressing postsecondary awareness and access. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 28(2), 189-200. https://openjournals.libs.uga.edu/jheoe/article/view/2983