About Melissa Dancy, PhD

Professionally, I am a researcher, evaluator, teacher and mediator. My varied professional interests reflect my intense curiosity and drive to learn and grow and experience all that I can. Most of my work is centered on my desire to connect with people and do what I can to make my corner of the world kinder, fairer, and healthier for everyone in it.

I have a BS in physics from Furman University, MS in physics and MS in science education from Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in physics (specialty physics education) from North Carolina State University. For many years, I was in a traditional faculty role, teaching physics and running a research program in physics education. Eventually, I transitioned into a research-only focus. In 2015 I completed my training in mediation and launched into conflict resolution as well. While the fields of STEM education research and conflict resolution may seem disparate they are quite related. They are both fundamentally about listening to others, in order to deeply understand, so as to make the world a bit better. You can learn more about my research interests by visiting my research page and more about my conflict resolution work by visiting my mediation page.

Outside of my professional life, I spend my time looking for interesting things to do and learn, doing my best to be a good friend, mother, and partner, spending as much time as possible outside and hanging with my dog.