College of Education and Human Development

Donna Sterling is Named a Distinguished Service Professor at George Mason University

Donna Sterling was recently named a Distinguished Service Professor at George Mason University. She is one of only four faculty to receive the appointment in Mason's history.

The rank of Distinguished Service Professor is an honor reserved for outstanding faculty members whose scholarly and service contributions are far reaching and have had an extraordinary level of impact. The honor is conferred by the Office of the Provost and is among the highest academic ranks that the university maintains for faculty.

"Dr. Sterling's contributions to the field of science education over the course of her career are both impressive and consequential," said Mark R. Ginsberg, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. "Her teaching and research focused on STEM theory and practice have influenced a generation of science educators and has positively impacted countless students in public schools both in Virginia and throughout the nation. This high university honor is a testament to her enduring service to the field and points to the importance of education — particularly in science, technology, engineering, and math — to the nation's economic growth and security."

Donna Sterling is a professor of science education in the Graduate School of Education, part of the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. She is also director of the Center for Restructuring Education in Science and Technology (CREST) and principal investigator for the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA). VISTA is a $28.5 million U.S. Department of Education grant-supported program that is spearheading STEM instruction statewide. It is the largest grant in Mason history and among the largest U.S. federal research grants awarded with a focus on STEM education.

Dr. Sterling has taught science education courses in the master's and doctoral programs at Mason since 1993. She has been the principal investigator on more than 25 grants for STEM teacher professional development and research. In November, the Virginia Association of Science Teachers recognized her with a Special Presidential Distinguished Service Award for "leadership and exemplary contributions as a science educator to quality science education in Virginia."

Dr. Sterling is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and is the author of more than 100 articles, books, and reports. She received a doctorate in education from George Washington University.

For additional information:

• Media contact: Catherine Probst Ferraro, cferraro@gmu.edu
• College of Education and Human Development: cehd.gmu.edu
• CREST: cehd.gmu.edu/crest
• VISTA: vista.gmu.edu