Four women faculty members in the College of Education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have agreed to take on new administrative duties on an interim basis.
Martina Nieswandt, an associate professor in science education, was appointed interim associate dean for research and development. Dr. Nieswandt earned a master degree at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany and a Ph.D. at the University of Kiel, also in Germany
Jennifer Randall, an associate professor of psychometric methods, has been given the added duty as interim associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Education. Dr. Randall holds bachelor’s and master’s degree from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She earned a Ph.D. at Emory University in Atlanta.
Laura A. Valdiviezo, an associate professor, was appointed interim chair of the department of teacher education and curriculum studies. She has served as editor-in-chief of the journal Anthropology and Education Quarterly. A graduate of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Dr. Valdiviezo holds a master’s degree from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and an educational doctorate from Teachers College at Columbia University.
Rebecca Woodland, an associate professor, was named interim chair of the department of educational policy, research and administration at the College of Education. Dr. Woodland is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She earned a master’s degree at the University of Northern Colorado and a Ph.D. at Colorado State University.