Jennifer Pearce

Dr. Pearce is a physicist, educator, and interdisciplinary scholar. Trained in microbiology and physics, she brings a systems-oriented perspective to her teaching, scholarship, and academic leadership. Her work explores the intersections of science, education, sustainability, and society, with a particular interest in how scientific models can illuminate complex social and environmental challenges. Her scientific background includes studying the physical properties and behavior of DNA to support advances in biotechnology, bridging fundamental physics with practical applications in the life sciences. This interdisciplinary approach continues to shape her interests in understanding complex systems and applying scientific principles to challenges that extend beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Throughout her career, she has been committed to developing innovative educational experiences that connect learning across disciplines and beyond the classroom. She has contributed to curriculum development in physics, food studies, and general education, emphasizing experiential learning, scientific inquiry, and the connections between science and everyday life. The courses she has developed range from computational physics and the mathematics of complex systems to food science, sustainability, and the history of science and technology.

Beyond the classroom, she is actively involved in STEM outreach, student research, and initiatives that expand access to meaningful educational opportunities for learners of all ages. Her approach to education emphasizes curiosity, collaboration, and the belief that transformative learning occurs when students are encouraged to explore unfamiliar ideas, make connections across disciplines, and see themselves as active participants in the creation of knowledge.