Mary Jo Grdina

I joined the faculty of the School of Education of Drexel University in 2003. My journey to the School of Education is a little unique in that I did not study education in graduate school. My PhD is in organic chemistry. This degree led to a long career as a science educator on the high school and the college levels and administrative curricular work in New Jersey public schools.

When I came to Drexel, I continued my projects and interest in how learning science can take place in informal settings. While a high school physics teacher, I used grant money from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation to explore Physics on Fifth Avenue. Most recently, through a grant from Subaru of America, I developed Physics at the Art Museum, an app that explores the role of science in art.

I currently live in Philadelphia and spend time doting on two beautiful grandchildren and perfecting ballroom dancing skills. I took up ballroom dancing six years ago and have gone to several competitions. It is my way of exercising and exploring the physics of dancing!