Teresa M. Evans, PhD

Research Activities

Graduate Trainee Mental health: The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression in the graduate trainee population is not well understood. In order to address this gap in knowledge, an international survey of graduate trainees in both humanities and life sciences that systematically assessed the prevalence of mental health symptomatology was conducted. The results from over three thousand respondents indicated rates of anxiety and depression six times that of the general population.

K-12 STEM Education and Research Trainee Development: My research and academic efforts in the areas of K-12 teacher professional development are supported by an NIGMS Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA). Through this award we have engaged research trainees in activities with K-12 teachers in order to foster their communication and teaching skills. Additionally, our team works to develop novel programs through the Teacher Enrichment Initiatives (TEI) that foster STEM Teacher professional development. I have also published a book that addresses the steps that science trainees should take to prepare for success in their career of choice. Further, I have worked with a multidisciplinary team of graduate trainees to showcase the data collected from a city-wide science outreach effort, Science Fiesta. Collectively these efforts showcase the importance of science communication, outreach, and engagement for the professional development of science trainees and teachers.