Research

60+ publications with 30+ collaborators across physics, biology, and engineering education

Scientific Decision-making in physics

Studying how to assess and implement scientific skills--from designing experiments to determining whether an equation makes sense--into physics coursework.
Supported by NSF Award No. DGE-2429155

Relevant Publications

M. Robbins and E. W. Burkholder, "Development and evaluation of decisions-based laboratories for non-science majors," in press at Phys. Teach.
M. E. Robbins, G. J. Diquattro, and E. W. Burkholder, "An assessment of expert decisions in graduate quantum mechanics," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 21, 010125 (2025). Focused Collection in Investigating and Improving Quantum Education Through Research.
K. D. Wang, E. W. Burkholder, C. Wieman, S. Salehi, and N. Haber, "Examining the potential and pitfalls of ChatGPT in science and engineering problem-solving," Front. Educ. 8, (2024). Research Topic: ChatGPT and Generative AI-Tools.
E. W. Burkholder, "A momentum-first approach to teaching Newton’s second law," CourseSource 11 (2024).
S. Maxutov, M. Abdulbakioglu, N. Balta, and E. W. Burkholder, "Effects of implementing a problem-solving template in introductory physics courses," Eur. J. Phys. 44, 055703 (2023).
E. W. Burkholder, "Using sustainability to teach conservation of energy in introductory physics," Phys. Teach. 61, 691-693 (2023).
G. Rieger, J. McIver, S. Mazabel, and E. W. Burkholder, "Supporting students’ self-regulated learning in an introductory physics course," Phys. Teach. 61, 18 (2023).
E. W. Burkholder, "An approach to graded physics colloquium assignments," Am. J. Phys. 90, 697 (2022).
A. M. Price, S. Salehi, E. W. Burkholder, C. Kim, V. Isava, and C. E. Wieman, "An accurate and practical method for measuring science and engineering problem-solving expertise," Int. J. Sci. Educ. 44, 2061-2084 (2022).
J. Zhang, M. Ford, S. Fatehiboroujeni, & E. W. Burkholder, Impact of decision-making in heat transfer courses on students’ ability to solve authentic problems, in FIE Conference Proceedings (2022).
J. Zhang, S. Fatehiboroujeni, M. Ford, & E. W. Burkholder, Assessing authentic problem-solving in heat transfer, in ASEE Conference Proceedings (2022).
K. D. Wang, O. C. Miller, K. Miller, E. W. Burkholder, & C. E. Wieman, Measuring and teaching problem-solving practices using an interactive task in PhET simulations, AERA Annual Meeting Proceedings (2022).
G. Murillo-Gonzalez and E. W. Burkholder, "Characterizing back-of-the-envelope problem solving in engineering," Int. J. Eng. Educ. 38, (2022).
G. Murillo-Gonzalez and E. W. Burkholder, "What decisions do experts make when solving back of the envelope problems?" Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 18, 010125 (2022).
A. M. Price, C. Kim, E. W. Burkholder, A. V. Fritz, and C. E. Wieman, "A detailed characterization of the expert problem-solving process in science and engineering: Guidance for teaching and assessment," CBE Life Sci. Educ. 20, (2021).
E. W. Burkholder, Student and expert conceptions of the word “efficiency,” in FIE Conference Proceedings (2021).
E. W. Burkholder, F. Ledesma, & J. Fornaciari, Work in Progress: Transforming a chemical reaction engineering course to teach expert problem-solving, in ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings (2021).
E. W. Burkholder and C. E. Wieman, "Supporting authentic problem-solving through a cornerstone design course in chemical engineering," Chem. Eng. Educ. 55, 1-12 (2021).
E. W. Burkholder and C. E. Wieman, "Impact of decision-making in capstone design courses on students’ ability to solve authentic problems," Int. J. Eng. Educ. 37, 650-662 (2021).
E. W. Burkholder, L. Y. Hwang, E. Sattely, and N. G. Holmes, "Supporting decision making in upper-level chemical engineering laboratories," Educ. For Chem. Eng. 35, 69-80 (2021).
E. W. Burkholder, L. Y. Hwang, and C. E. Wieman, "Evaluating the Problem-Solving Skills of Graduating Chemical Engineering Students," Educ. For Chem. Eng. 34, 68-77 (2020).
E. W. Burkholder, L. F. Blackmon, and C. E. Wieman, "Characterizing the problem-solving strategies of transitioning novice physics students," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 16, 020134 (2020).
E. W. Burkholder, J. K. Miles, T. J. Layden, K. D. Wang, A. V. Fritz, and C. E. Wieman, "A template for teaching and assessment of problem solving in introductory physics," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. 16, 010123 (2020).
S. Salehi & E. W. Burkholder, Implicit and unchecked assumptions interfere with problem-solving in physics, in AERA Annual Meeting Proceedings (2021).
E. W. Burkholder & C. E. Wieman, Comparing problem-solving across capstone design courses in chemical engineering, in FIE Conference Proceedings (2020).
E. W. Burkholder & C. E. Wieman, Work in Progress: Testing an assessment of problem-solving in introductory chemical process design courses, in ASEE Annual Conference Proceedings (2020).
E. W. Burkholder, A. M. Price, M. P. Flynn, & C. E. Wieman, Assessing problem solving in undergraduate engineering programs, in Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings (2019).

doing physics as learning physics

Longitudinal study of student and instructor perceptions of solving real-world physics problems. Supported by NSF Award No. DUE-2420978

Relevant Publications

M E. Robbins, N. D. Davis, and E. W. Burkholder, "Decision-making in graduate physics coursework: what is being assessed versus what is expected," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 21, 010148 (2025).
S. Basir and E. W. Burkholder, "Departmental case study of physics doctoral students’ perspectives on written qualifying exams," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 20, 020123 (2024).
S. Basir and E. W. Burkholder, "Investigating faculty perspectives on written qualifying exams in physics," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 20, 010139 (2024).
E. W. Burkholder, M. Sake, and J. Zhang, "Preparation for future active learning," Phys. Teach. 61, 532-533 (2023).
E. W. Burkholder, O. C. Miller, and L. Blackmon, "Investigating the epistemology of physics students while reflecting on solutions," Eur. J. Phys. 44, (2023).
J. Zhang, J. E. Byars, & E. W. Burkholder, Sensemaking of block flow diagrams in chemical engineering, in ASEE Conference Proceedings (2023).
E. W. Burkholder, Student and expert conceptions of the word “efficiency,” in FIE Conference Proceedings (2021).
E. W. Burkholder, N. K. Mohamed-Hinds, and C. E. Wieman, "Evidence-based principles for good worksheet design," Phys. Teach. 59, 402 (2021).

expanding global access to physics

Leveraging a Pan-American partnership of physics educators to enhance the physics teaching infrastructure in Ecuador and beyond.

Relevant Publications

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Eroding artifical barriers in Stem

Using data- and theory-driven approaches to erode the barriers the prevent all students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, from pusruing the STEM careers of their choice.

Relevant Publications

E. M. Ball, R. Costello, C. Ballen, R. M. Graze, and E. W. Burkholder, "Challenging misconceptions about race in undergraduate genetics," CBE Life Sci. Ed. 23, ar:23 (2024). Special Issue on Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Justice.
Y. Li, R. Bernardi, and E. W. Burkholder, "The effects of active learning on students’ sense of belonging and academic performance in introductory physics courses," Eur. J. Phys. 45, 045705 (2024).
R. S. Strain, N. Leibniz, R. Ruben, Y. Li, & E. W. Burkholder, Living in the tensions: Investigations of gender performativity in STEM, in Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings (2024).
Y. Li and E. W. Burkholder, "Investigating students’ self-identified and reflected appraisal of femininity, masculinity, and androgyny in introductory physics courses," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 20, 010110 (2024).
N. Davis, G. Woodbury Saudeau, S. Johnson, and E. W. Burkholder, "Free-point-Friday: An intervention model for introductory physics," Phys. Teach. 62, 84-86 (2024).
E. W. Burkholder, "Quantitative investigation of preparatory math coursework as a barrier for degree attainment in engineering," Int. J. Eng. Educ. 39, 1286-1296 (2023).
R. Costello, S. Salehi, C. Ballen, and E. W. Burkholder, "Pathways of opportunity in STEM: Comparative investigation of degree attainment across different demographic groups at a large research institution," Int. J. STEM Ed. 10, 46 (2023).
R. S. Strain, M. M. Shepherd, & E. W. Burkholder, Defiance in the face of adversity: A qualitative study of women’s attrition from and persistence in physics, in Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings (2023).
E. W. Burkholder, Opportunity gaps for women in chemical engineering: a quantitative critical investigation, in ASEE Conference Proceedings (2023).
E. W. Burkholder and S. Salehi, "Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic preparation and performance: a complex picture of equity," Front. Educ. 8, (2023).
E. W. Burkholder, S. Salehi, S. Sackeyfio, N. Mohamed-Hinds, and C. E. Wieman, "Equitable approach to introductory calculus-based physics courses focused on problem solving," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 18, 020124 (2022).
J. Stewart, J. Hanson, and E. W. Burkholder, "Visualizing and predicting the path to an undergraduate physics degree at two different institutions," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 18, 020117 (2022).
E. W. Burkholder and C. E. Wieman, "Absence of a COVID induced drop in high school physics learning," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 18, 023102 (2022).
E. W. Burkholder & R. S. Strain, Investigating the role of student preparation on cooperative grouping in an active learning classroom, in Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings (2022).
E. W. Burkholder and S. Salehi, "Exploring the pre-instruction gender gap in physics," PLOS One 17, e0271184 (2022).
E. W. Burkholder, K. D. Wang, and C. E. Wieman, "A validated diagnostic test for introductory physics course placement," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 17, 010127 (2021).
E. W. Burkholder, S. Salehi, and C. E. Wieman, "Mixed results from a multiple regression analysis of supplemental instruction courses in introductory physics," PLOS One 16, e0249086 (2021).
E. W. Burkholder, "AP Physics: A closer look," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 17, 013101 (2021).
E. W. Burkholder, G. Murillo-Gonzalez, and C. E. Wieman, "The importance of math prerequisites for performance in introductory physics," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 17, 010108 (2021).
E. W. Burkholder, L. F. Blackmon, and C. E. Wieman, "What factors impact student performance in introductory physics?" PLOS One 15, e0244146 (2020).
E. W. Burkholder, C. J. Walsh, and N. G. Holmes, "Examination of quantitative methods for analyzing data from concept inventories," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 16, 010141 (2020).
E. W. Burkholder and C. E. Wieman, "What do AP physics courses teach and the AP physics exam measure?" Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 15, 020117 (2019).
S. Salehi, E. W. Burkholder, G. P. Lepage, S. Pollock, and C. E. Wieman, "Demographic gaps or preparation gaps?: The large impact of incoming preparation on performance of students in introductory physics," Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 15, 020114 (2019).

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