Biography
Thomas O'Brien joined the predecessor of the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership (TLEL) as an assistant professor in 1987. He received a BA in Chemistry and Science Education from Thomas More College and his master's and doctoral degrees in Chemistry & Science Teacher Education from the University of Maryland. He has worked as a science teacher across the K-12 levels and as a national, state and local science curriculum and professional development specialist.
Education
- MA, PhD, University of Maryland at College Park
- BA, Thomas More College
Research Interests
- BSCS 5E “intelligent” CIA model (Engage-Explore-Explain-Elaborate-Evaluate)
- Real-world relevant FUNomena-first, discrepant events and Science Technology-Society issues
- Cognitive, evolutionary and social psychology
- Pre-service and in-service science teacher professional development
- 360-degree, transformational K-12 educational leadership for all school stakeholders