Katherine Richardson Bruna

 

Katherine Richardson Bruna

Assistant Professor

Curriculum and Instruction

 

Early Achievement in Research Award

 

Katie Richardson Bruna is an influential researcher whose focus on learning among Spanish-speaking immigrants in Iowa’s science and mathematic classrooms has led to deeper understandings and connections between teachers and students. Her profound understanding of Latino newcomers is something many researchers set out to achieve but few accomplish.

Her work, which exhibits robust, cross-disciplinary knowledge of literacy, demonstrates outstanding scholarship with clear policy implications for large cities and rural communities alike. A recent article by Richardson Bruna is a clear favorite for best paper of the year in the journal Cultural Studies of Science Education.

With Kimberly Gomex (University of Illinois at Chicago), Bruna is writing a book that explores issues in science education faced by teachers and their multilingual students. With a working title, “Talking science, writing, science: The work of language in multicultural classrooms,” the book examines issues of socicultural consciousness, attitudes about students from diverse backgrounds, and skills educators need to effect change.

This award was presented during the winter social for faculty and staff on Thursday, Dec 6.