1. School of Education
  2. Centers
  3. Center for Innovation in STEM Education
  4. CISTEME Team

Team

John Fife tallJohn Fife, Ph.D.
Director
VCU School of Education’s Center for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education (Central Virginia STEM Ecosystem)

Dr. Fife is an Associate Research Professor of STEM Education in the Department of Foundations of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Fife graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed a postdoctoral appointment in the Department of Psychiatry at the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Fife has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in clinical and counseling psychology.

Dr. Fife’s current research focuses on building resilience and STEM identity in underserved youth by constructing and implementing culturally relevant interventions. 

He currently serves as the Principal Investigator on three National Science Foundation grants which are both aligned with the mission of VCU School of Education’s Center for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education (Central Virginia STEM Ecosystem):

  • BCSER - PVEST: A Dynamic Framework for Investigating STEM Interest, Attitude and Identity Among African American Middle School Students
    The Building Capacity in STEM Education Research Award utilizes an innovative psychological theory to explore STEM interests, attitudes, and resilience among underserved middle school students.
    Award Number: 2327055; Principal Investigator: John Fife; Organization: Virginia Commonwealth University; NSF Organization: EES Start Date: 2/01/2023; Award Amount: $247,338

  • MCA: Mid-Career Advancement - Using STEM Interest Profiling to Build a STEM ecosystem for underrepresented students
    The MCA award is designed to create and evaluate a comprehensive and robust STEM learning ecosystem in the Richmond and TRI-City area. Dr. Fife has also been funded by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
    Award Number: 2308622; Principal Investigator: John Fife; Organization: Virginia Commonwealth University; NSF Organization: EES Start Date: 5/01/2023; Award Amount: $295,004

Breonne Brooks
CISTEME Project Coordinator
brooksbs@vcu.edu