Jan DeWaters Receives Tenure at Clarkson University
Clarkson University has announced that Jan DeWaters has been granted tenure in the Institute for STEM Education.
DeWaters joined Clarkson’s Coulter School of Engineering faculty in 2011 and was promoted to associate teaching track professor in 2018 before transitioning to her current role in STEM Education. She primarily teaches in the School of Engineering, including Clarkson’s first-year engineering course and a survey course on energy systems, both of which she has taught since their inception. Additionally, she leads project-based classes that intersect STEM Education and Clarkson’s Institute for a Sustainable Environment.
Her teaching and research are deeply integrated, emphasizing the complex interplay between engineering decisions and societal influences, as well as the relationship between technological advancements and their environmental and social impacts. Her research explores the effects of best practices in STEM education, with a focus on post-secondary engineering. She develops, implements, and evaluates innovative pedagogical approaches such as project-based and place-based learning, both in her own classrooms and in support of other educators. Her research has led to national and international collaborations and presentations.
DeWaters’ research on energy literacy and assessment has led to widely used tools adopted by global research groups. She has developed professional development workshops for educators, including leading New York State Master Teachers to Taiwan for project-based energy education.
Before joining the faculty, she connected college students with school and community partners on energy and environmental projects through Clarkson’s educational outreach programs. Her contributions to engineering education have earned multiple accolades, including the Premier Curriculum Award (2009), ASEE Best Paper Award (2021), ASEE Mara H. Wasburn Early Engineering Educator Grant (2014), and recognition for teaching excellence (2018). She has also received Phalanx commendable service (2014, 2019) and leadership (2023) awards.
