Fernando Espinoza

Dr. Fernando Espinoza is full professor in the departments of Chemistry and Physics, and Adolescence Education at SUNY Old Westbury, as well as adjunct professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Hofstra University. At Old Westbury, primary responsibilities include coordinating the science education programs (Biology and Chemistry) at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as teaching courses on wave motion, and on the nature and development of science, for non-science majors.

Dr. Espinoza has established a microcomputer-based resource center that provides the main means of technology-assisted (using sensors and probes) exploratory experimental work for all his courses. A collection of sensors provides secondary teacher preparation candidates with the means to investigate exploratory or inquiry-based activities in their two science methodology courses; the candidates can then implement the activities with high school students during the student teaching experience.

Dr Espinoza has extensive teaching experience at the high school and college levels teaching astronomy, physics, Earth science, physical science, and in the pedagogical preparation of science teachers. His active research agenda includes numerous peer-reviewed publications, two textbooks “The Nature of Science” (Rowman & Littlefield), and “Wave Motion as Inquiry” (Springer). He has received more than $400,000 in grants including funding from the New York State Education Department, and the New York City public school system; he also has a significant number of conference presentations. Dr Espinoza serves on the Editorial Board of Research in Science Education, as a reviewer for The Journal of Science Education and Technology, and The European Journal of Physics; he was a member of the New York State Education Department’s Science Content Advisory Committee, charged with providing feedback on the adoption of the common core science curriculum as part of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Most recently, he has been a consultant for Pearson and the NY State Education Department in the development of the CST exams in Earth Science and Physics.