Sherry Southerland, the Anne and John Daves Endowed Professor of Science Education at Florida State University, has received the 2025 Distinguished Contributions to Science Education through Research Award from the National Association for Research in Science Teaching. The award is considered the organization’s highest honor.
In her scholarship, Dr. Southerland focuses on the identification factors that influence development of science proficiency for all students, with an emphasis on those traditionally underserved in science classrooms. She studies students’ sense-making and affect related to science, science teaching practices, and factors that influence teacher learning. Her research has led to numerous scholarly articles, book chapters, monographs, and textbooks.
At Florida State University, Dr. Southerland has taught in the School of Teacher Education for over two decades. She has held various leadership roles throughout her long tenure, including director of the School of Teacher Education and co-director of FSU-Teach.
Dr. Southerland received her bachelor’s degree in biology with minors in chemistry and physics and her master’s degree in physiology from Auburn University in Alabama. She holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on science education from Louisiana State University.