About Us
Virginia Tech is wrapping up its sesquicentennial celebration with two events and graduation within the next two weeks. Photo by Luke Hayes for Virginia Tech
How We Work
CAUSE serves as a valuable resource for College of Science (CoS) faculty, supporting them in achieving their instructional goals. Our team assists faculty in utilizing existing evidence to inform their teaching practices as well as in generating data and evidence for publication of teaching and learning scholarship. We offer support through brainstorming sessions, one-on-one or group meetings, and workshops on specific teaching approaches. Additionally, CAUSE leverages our team’s expertise to enhance offerings through established venues such as TLOS and CETL.
Estrella Johnson
Estrella Johnson
Director
Dr. Estrella Johnson is an Associate Professor of Mathematics. Her research focuses on the pedagogical practices of mathematicians, with the goal of better understanding and supporting high quality, ambitious teaching in undergraduate mathematics classrooms. Her research ranges from investigating and supporting mathematicians as they work to implement inquiry-oriented instructional materials to large-scale national survey projects investigating instructional practice, and influences on practice, in undergraduate STEM education. Her research and professional interests have more recently taken a turn towards issues of inclusion and diversity – both in the undergraduate mathematics classroom and in the sciences more broadly.
Elijah Carter
Assistant Director for Instructional Support
Dr. Elijah Carter holds an M.S. in Biology and a Ph.D. in College Science Teaching from Syracuse University. With a robust background in biology education research, he has explored a diverse array of topics. His work includes investigating interventions that enhance student learning and shape attitudes toward critical subjects such as evolution and climate change. Additionally, he has examined how educational strategies impact students from different backgrounds. Throughout his career, Dr. Carter has consistently integrated evidence-based teaching approaches into his pedagogy, striving to improve educational outcomes for all students.
Dr. Carter leads CAUSE’s efforts to advance the use of research-based instructional strategies to innovate and improve instruction and is working to develop communities of practice around undergraduate math and science education.
Mags Blackie
Associate Director for Educational Research
Dr. Blackie holds in Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and a Ph.D. in education from Stellenbosch University. She held a tenured faculty position in the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science at Stellenbosch University from 2010 – 2022. She led a research group in medicinal chemistry whilst sustaining an interest in education research. In June 2022, she joined the Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning at Rhodes University and focused her research on tertiary STEM education. She joined CAUSE as the Associate Director for Education Research in January 2025.
Dr. Blackie will lead the CAUSE’s efforts to advance discipline-based education research and scholarship. Part of her role is to mentor and support College of Science faculty in conducting research and scholarship in undergraduate science and mathematics education.
Our Values
Through collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary engagement, we want to empower faculty as professional educators and enhance student learning experiences.