SERG @ CSSE 2026
Join us in Winnipeg for the annual SERG conference at CSSE!
2026 SERG Keynote Speakers
Professor Gregory P. Thomas
Biography
Gregory P. Thomas is a Professor in the Faculty of Education at the
University of Alberta. He was a high school chemistry and biology teacher in Australia for ten years and his teaching quality was acknowledged through a National Excellence in Teaching Award in 1996. His Masters was completed under the supervision of Professor Richard T. White at Monash University, and his PhD was completed under the supervision of Professor Cam McRobbie at the Queensland University of Technology. Before moving to Canada in 2007 he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong, and Professor and Head of the Department of Science and then the Department Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Technology at what is now the Education University of Hong Kong. He was the last Chair of the Department of Secondary Education at the University of Alberta.
Dr. Thomas is a past editor of the ‘Alberta Journal of Educational
Research,’ a foundation member of the editorial board of ‘Metacognition and Learning,’ and is active as an editorial board member and reviewer for numerous other journals. He has served as a visiting Professor at
universities in Denmark, Thailand, the Peoples’ Republic of China, Hong Kong, Canada, and South Africa. Dr. Thomas’ research and scholarship is concerned predominantly with the application of learning theories to science education teaching and learning. In particular, he focuses on metacognition as it relates to science teaching and learning pedagogies and processes. His research and scholarship have been acknowledged through AERA SIG awards and he is the most recent recipient of the ‘Larry Beauchamp’ Senior Researcher Award that recognizes outstanding research in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. Dr. Thomas is a committed teacher of undergraduate and graduate courses in science education, curriculum theory, and cognitive psychology across multiple programs at the University of Alberta.
Keynote Abstract
“The Future of Science Education: Contemplations from Between a Rock and the Deep Blue Sea.”
The passing of time is both a blessing and a curse. With the passing of time opportunities arise for us to reflect on the past, the present, and the future. Reflection can lead to positive emotions related to past successes and achievements for others and ourselves. Reflection can also be a difficult and painful experience, especially when we question the past, where we might be today, and how we got here. In science education, we, individually and collectively, have a past, a present, and a future. This keynote reviews key considerations in science education today and asks, “Where are we now, and how did we get here?” and “What might be the future(s) of science education, why, and who decides?” My selected reflections on my personal and collective journeys in science education, that I will share, balanced with contemplations drawn from the literature, curricula, and policy documents evoke feelings of elation and anguish for the past and the present. They also evoke feelings of hope and despair for the future. My title mixes two metaphors, ‘Between a rock and a hard place,’ and ‘Between the devil and the deep blue sea.’ Both position my thinking and reflect the tension(s) that can become ‘lived’ in our decision making in, about, and for science education. I propose that in science education today we find ourselves in difficult personal and professional contexts with multiple possibilities for the future; many of which might be undesirable. We find ourselves today in situations where we have to choose between equally unpleasant courses of action. These situations will be also present in the future. How we navigate these tensions within and beyond our community will directly affect all within science education and those it serves. It is hoped that this presentation provides a stimulus for reflection and conversation on these matters.
Professor Dawn L. Sutherland
Biography
Dawn L Sutherland BSc Hons (Queen’s University), MSc (University of
Manitoba), PhD (University of Nottingham) is an Associate Dean in the
Faculty of Graduate and Postgraduate Studies and a Professor in the
Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of
Education at the University of Manitoba. She was a Canada Research
Chair in Indigenous Science Education in 2006 (renewed in 2011 as
Canada Research Chair in Science Education in Cultural Contexts) and
explores the relationship between culture and science education in
Indigenous and inner-city contexts. Also, Dr. Sutherland has worked with
Dr. Kathyrn Levine for the past 20 years on resilience and career
development in inner-city environments and they are currently involved
with research related to a national study on post-secondary access and tuition fee waivers for individuals who have been or are currently involved with child services.
Keynote Abstract
Coming soon!
2026 SERG AGM
Wed. June 3, 2026, 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm CDT
All SERG members are invited to join the SERG AGM. Location and connection information will be shared by e-mail.
2026 SERG Pre-Conference Event
Sat., May 30, 2026, 1:30 pm – 4:15 pm CDT
Join us for SERG’s first-ever pre-conference workshop celebrating two volumes on science education research in Canada: Exploring elementary science teaching and learning in Canada (2023) and Seeing science through the eyes of Canadian teachers and learners (2025)! Featuring contributing authors from both books, this session will highlight current research spanning elementary through tertiary science education, with themes including Indigenous perspectives, environmental education, STEM, STSE, curriculum and instruction, teacher education, and place-
based learning.
The session is open to all conference attendees — graduate students are especially encouraged to participate. Details on exact time and location to follow. We look forward to seeing you there!
Preconference Co-hosts Dr. Christine Tippett and Dr. Todd Milford
SERG Grad Student Meet-Ups
Sat., May 30, 2026, 1:30 pm – 4:15 pm CDT
One of the key goals of our graduate student initiatives is to foster a sense of connection and belonging. These gatherings offer valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships, and strengthen collaborations across institutions. The 2026 CSSE Conference will be a great opportunity to connect in person. Whether you are already part of SERG or simply interested in the community, we invite you to join us and meet fellow graduate students, researchers, and educators in science education.
We will be hosting three graduate student meet-ups at CSSE on Sat, May 30, Sun, May 31, and Tues., June 2. Check the conference program for times and locations.