Rachelle Pedersen, Ph.D.
Email: rachelle.pedersen@ttu.edu
Phone: 806-834-7629
Dr. Rachelle Pedersen is an Assistant Professor in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Engineering Education at Texas Tech University. She received her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, with a focus in Engineering & Science Education from Texas A&M University. During her doctoral studies, she was awarded the Distinguished Honor Graduate (Ph.D. 2024; M.S. 2021). Her research line focuses on broadening participation in STEM fields through motivation and social influence, particularly for women and historically underrepresented students. As a former engineer, STEM teacher, and deep believer in equity-driven education, she is passionate about fostering learning environments where all students can thrive and belong.
Education
- Ph.D. Curriculum & Instruction, Texas A&M University
- M.S. Curriculum & Instruction, Texas A&M University
- B.S. Engineering Science (Technology Education), Colorado State University
Areas of Expertise
- Engineering Education across K-gray
- Motivation & Social Influence (e.g., STEM domain identity, self-efficacy, belonging)
- Mentoring and Mentor Networks
- Social Network Analysis (SNA) in educational research
Selected Publications
- Pedersen, R., Woodcock, A., Schultz, P. W., & Hernandez, P. R. (2024). When Perceived Similarity Overrides Demographic Similarity: Examining Influences on STEM Students’ Developmental Mentor Networks. International Journal of STEM Education, 11(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-024-00480-9
- Lee, H., Du, Z., Pedersen, R.M., Estrada, M., Adams, A.S., Barnes, R.T., Bloodhart, B., Burt, M., Clinton, S.M., Pollack, I., Fischer, E.V., Hernandez, P.R. (Accepted). To Stay, Switch, or Leave: A Four-Year Longitudinal Study of The Situated and Stable Social Influences on Women’s STEM Major Choices. Department of Teaching, Learning, and Culture.
- Hernandez, P.R., Ferguson, C., Pedersen, R., Richards-Babb, M., Quedado, K., & Shook, N. (2023). Research Apprenticeship Training Promotes Faculty-Student Psychological Similarity and High-Quality Mentoring: A Longitudinal Quasi-Experiment. Mentoring & Tutoring. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2023.2164973
- Wilkerson, N., Janney, B., Pedersen, R.M., (2023). What is in Our Air? Science Scope, 46(4).
- Pedersen, R., Ferguson, C., Estrada, M., Schultz, P.W., Woodcock, A., Hernandez, P.R. (2022). Similarity and Contact Frequency Promote Mentorship Quality Among Hispanic Undergraduates in STEM. CBE – Life Sciences Education. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.21-10-0305
- Vela, K. N., Pedersen, R. M., & Baucum, M. N. (2020). Improving perceptions of STEM careers through informal learning environments. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning. https://doi/10.1108/JRIT-12-2019-0078
College of Education
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Address
Texas Tech University, College of Education, 3002 18th Street Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
(806) 742-2377 -
Email
educ.webmaster@ttu.edu