I occasionally update my full CV, in case that’s necessary. A summary is linked here and pasted below.
Adam T. Johnston
Director, Center for Science and Mathematics Education
Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor of Physics & Astronomy
Weber State University1415 Edvalson St Dept 2509
Ogden, UT 84408-2509
ajohnston@weber.edu
weber.edu/ajohnston
Education
- University of Utah, Science Education, Ph.D., 2001
- University of Utah, Physics, M.S., 1997
- Lewis & Clark College, Physics (Honors), B.S., 1994
Professional Appointments
- Weber State University, Center for Science & Math Education, Director, 2021– present
- Weber State University, Professor of Physics & Astronomy, 1998 – present
- Weber State University, Visiting Professor of Physics & Astronomy, 1996-1998
Action & Activities
- Development and hosting of professional learning and coursework for educators, including reform-based science education pedagogies, arts/science integration, and professional learning communities.
- Instruction and curriculum development in physics and science education at all levels, including lower division physics coursework and labs, upper division physics labs and seminar, preservice undergraduate science education coursework, and inservice graduate coursework in science teaching pedagogies.
- Promotion and support of science and math teaching through program innovation through our Center for Science and Math Education as well as an NSF-funded Noyce Track 1 scholarship grant (weber.edu/propel).
- Ongoing research and assessment of undergraduate students’ learning in research experiences, both those in course-based setting and individual lab/field settings. Other research based in conceptual change theory and understandings of physics concepts and the nature of science.
- Co-developer of state science standards, including organization of writers, development of framework, and writing; all followed by professional development for these standards. Ongoing contributions to our science education community through professional organizations, state initiatives, and local schools.
- Informal community outreach to educators and the general public through monthly newspaper columns, a collection of science learning resources, as well as dance/science integrations, public outreach to local parks, and occasional consulting gigs including for the New York Times and NPR’s Science Friday.
Recent Scholarship
- Wenner, J., Johnston, A., & Bachman, R. (2026). Small AND Mighty: A Program Supporting Secondary Science and Math Preservice Teachers AND Induction. Annual Meeting of the Association for Science Teacher Education, Chicago.
- Rabosky, K., Armstrong, J, & Johnston, A. (2025). A CURE (Course-Based Undergraduate Research) for Advanced Physics Lab. The Physics Teacher, 63(1), 53-55.
- Johnston, A. (2023). Commentary: The Wonder of Childhood and the Sacred Act of Wondering. In: Jeong, S., Bryan, L.A., Tippins, D.J., Sexton, C.M. (eds) Navigating Elementary Science Teaching and Learning. Springer Texts in Education. Springer.
Highlighted Publications
- Settlage, J. & Johnston, A. (2014). The Crossroads Model. Educational Leadership, 71(8), 67-70.
- Johnston, A., Butler, M. B., Moore Mensah, F., Williams, B. (2011). Playing with science: Models for engaging communities. Children, Youth, and Environments. 21(2), 312-324.
- Amsel, E., Johnston, A., Alvarado, E., Kettering, J., Rankin, L., & Ward, M. (2009). The effect of perspective on misconceptions in psychology: A test of conceptual change theory. The Journal of Instructional Psychology, 36, 289-296.
- Amsel, E., Klaczynski, P. A., Johnston, A., Bench, S., Close, J., Sadler, E., Walker, R. (2008). A dual-process account of the development of scientific reasoning: The nature and development of metacognitive intercession skills. Cognitive Development, 23(4), 452-471.
- Johnston, A. & Settlage, J. (2008). Framing the professional development of members of the science teacher education community. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 19, 513-521.
- Johnston, A. Demythologizing or Dehumanizing? A Response to Settlage and the Ideals of Open Inquiry (2008). Journal of Science Teacher Education, 19, 11–13.
- Sowell, S., Johnston, A., Southerland, S. A. (2007). Calling for a focus on where learning happens: A response to Abd-El-Khalick and Akerson. Science Education, 91(1), 195-199.
- Johnston, A., Southerland, S. A., Sowell, S. (2006). Comments and criticisms: Dissatisfied with the fruitfulness of ‘learning ecologies’. Science Education, 90(5), 907-911.
- Southerland, S. A., Johnston, A., Sowell, S. (2006). Describing teachers’ conceptual ecologies for the nature of science. Science Education, 90(5), 874-906.
- Gess-Newsome, J., Southerland, S. A., Johnston, A., & Woodbury, S. (2003). Educational Reform, Personal Practical Theories, and Dissatisfaction: The Anatomy of Change in College Science Teaching. American Educational Research Journal, 40(3), 731-767.
- Sherry A. Southerland, S.A., Gess-Newsome, J., Johnston, A. (2003). Portraying science in the classroom: The manifestation of scientists’ beliefs in classroom practice. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 40(7), 669-691.
Fun Projects and Products
- Invited plenary address (Oct. 29, 2021), “Off the Beaten Path: Engaging Learning in Diverse Environments.” National Science Teachers Association, Portland, OR.
- A Body in Motion and Forces at Play Dance|Science compositions and performances.
- Johnston, A. (Feb. 28, 2014). Innovations in Education. A TEDx Talk hosted by Weber State University.
- Minoff, A. (Feb. 14, 2014). In Wind Tunnels, Ski Jumpers Become Flying Machines. Science Friday, National Public Radio. [Cited consultant and human windfoil.]
- Invited guest on KUER’s Radio West (Feb. 11, 2011). Celebrating Science Education.
- Fountain, H. (Feb. 1, 2010). Up in the Air, and Down, with a Twist. The New York Times. [Cited consultant.]
- Johnston, A. (2008). Brick by brick: A conversation with Billy Collins. Weber: The Contemporary West. 25(1), 2-14. (Re-published in a 2022 interview anthology with University Press of Mississippi.)
Professional Service Opportunities
- Various consulting and board positions, including Utah Science Teachers Association, Higher Education Representative (2017-2024); team leader for Utah science standards and ongoing contributor in statewide discussions around science teacher preparation
- Reviewer for science/physics education journals, NSF grant proposals, programs, and professional files.
- Advisor for science teaching programs and graduate student committees
- Various university committee assignments, including both the egregiously tedious and uniquely fulfilling
Some Honors
- Presidential Teaching Excellence Award, Weber State University (2026)
- Spencer L. Seager Distinguished Teaching Award, College of Science, Weber State University (2025)
- John A. Lindquist Award for community engaged learning, Weber State University (2020)
- Exemplary Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award, Science and Arts in the Parks, Weber State University (2015)
- Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor award and designation, Weber State University (2013)
- Governor’s (UT) Medal for Science & Technology, Science Education category (2012)
- John S. Hinckley Award for teaching/scholarship/service, Weber State University (2011)
- Outstanding University Science Educator, Utah Science Teachers Association (2011)
- Crystal Crest Master Teacher Award, Weber State University (2009)
Personal
Besides passions for teaching and science, I enjoy being outside on uneven trails, extended stays in the backcountry, and occasional gigs behind a piano. I’m always enthusiastic for adventures with my wife, our grown kids, and our dog.