Research, STEM specialist to lead Faculty of Education at Oshawa’s Ontario Tech

The new Dean of Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Education has a passion for research, collaboration and equity in STEM education, with a track record on the latter stretching back two decades.

Dr. Amanda Cooper was appointed Dean of the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education, effective Sunday, September 1.

Cooper joins Ontario Tech after most recently serving as Associate Dean of Research and Strategic Initiatives and Professor of Educational Policy and Leadership at Queen’s University.

She is Founder and Principal Investigator of RIPPLE, a program that investigates how to improve linkages between research, policy, and practice to accelerate impact in public services.

“I’m excited to lead the vibrant community of faculty, staff, and students at Ontario Tech University’s Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education as we prioritize best practices to ensure educational access and opportunity for everyone,” Cooper said. “Ontario Tech is uniquely positioned to prepare professionals who can leverage research and technology to transform society. I look forward to cultivating interdisciplinary collaborations with industry, government, schools, and community partners to conduct cutting-edge research, develop innovative curricula, and create transformative learning experiences. Together, we will redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in education and empower our graduates to become leaders who will shape a brighter future for all.”

Cooper’s passion for equity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education was ignited in 2004 when, as a high school science teacher, she recognized the lack of women and diversity in STEM disciplines, especially among students pursuing higher education.

Her most recent funded research focuses on developing a national strategy to integrate equity, diversity and inclusion and in STEM education through provincial policy tables, curriculum, capacity-building for teachers, and community engagement and outreach.

Her studies emphasize the importance of research-practice partnerships and cross-sector collaboration, exploring how the voices of communities are amplified through co-production. Her newest areas of inquiry create training, curriculum and resources for using artificial intelligence as a teaching tool across kindergarten to Grade 12 and higher education sectors.

Cooper has led 39 capacity-building workshops on topics including knowledge mobilization, interdisciplinary research partnerships, and research impact and was recognized last year with the Excellence in Research into Practice Award from the American Educational Research Association, and the Research Excellence Award from Queen’s University in 2019.

“Dr. Amanda Cooper’s devotion to improving modern educational practices and eliminating historical systemic barriers to success position her well to lead the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech University,” said Dr. Lori Livingston, the university’s Provost and Vice-President of Academic.