Dr. Amanda M. Gunning, a Yonkers native, attended high school at Our Lady of Victory Academy and went on to earn a Bachelors of Science in Physics from the University of Richmond. After three years as a journalist for CBS News in New York City, she returned to her first love of science and was accepted as a NYC Teaching Fellow in 2002, teaching Physics, Chemistry and Math at Harry S. Truman High School in the Bronx. After her commitment to the Fellows ended, Amanda secured a position at North Rockland High School in Rockland County, NY, teaching non-Regents, Regents, Honors, and AP physics. During this time, she participated in a Research Experience for Teachers, sponsored by the NSF and hosted by Brooklyn Polytechnic University in electrical and mechanical engineering. While teaching, Amanda’s interests in research grew and in 2005, she was awarded a scholarship to the PhD program in Science Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She earned her doctorate in May 2010 doing research in elementary science education and adult learning. While pursuing her degree, Amanda ceased teaching high school and became an instructor for Teachers College in 2007, teaching methods courses for the Science Education program. During this time, Amanda also became affiliated with a NASA Endeavor Grant institution and taught online courses in physical science methods and action research for eight years. She went on to a post-doctoral fellowship at Teachers College for two years and then became part of Mercy's School of Education in 2012. Amanda has presented her research at international conferences every year since 2009 and is published. She is the Co-director and co-founder of Mercy College's Center for STEM Education with Meghan E. Marrero.
