Ian Thacker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Educational Psychology
Bio
Ian Thacker is an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His research examines teaching, learning, and teacher education in STEM. Specifically, he pursues three strands of research focused on: (1) mathematical skills that can be leveraged to support conceptual change about scientific topics, (2) the use of innovative technology for STEM teaching and learning, and (3) teacher beliefs and biases that contribute to gender- and race-based achievement disparities in STEM. Ian earned B.A. degrees in Mathematics and Physics, a M.A. in Mathematics and Science Education, a M.S. in Statistics, and earned his Ph.D. in Urban Education Policy with a concentration in Educational Psychology. Prior to earning his Ph.D., Ian spent ten years teaching mathematics and physics to culturally and linguistically diverse students in Colorado and California. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, including first-authored publications in the Journal of Educational Psychology, Learning & Instruction, and Research in Mathematics Education. His research and collaborations have been funded by NSF, Gates, SSHRC, APA Division 15, and internal research awards.
Teaching
- EDP 5003
- EDP 5603
- EDP 6103
- EDP 6203
Research Interests
- STEM Education
- Educational Psychology
- Conceptual Change
- Teacher Bias
Degrees
- Ph.D., Urban Education Policy, University of Southern California, 2020
- M.S., Statistics, University of Southern California, 2018
- M.A., Science and Mathematics Education, University of California at Berkeley, 2010
- B.A., Mathematics & Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder, 2005
Honors and Awards
- 2020 USC Ph.D. Achievement Award
- Year Awarded: 2020
- USC Student Recognition Award: The Order of Arête
- Year Awarded: 2020
