Engineers!
Araceli Martinez Ortiz, Ph.D, is Associate Research Professor of Engineering Education in the College of Education at Texas State University. She is also the executive director of the LBJ Institute for STEM Education and Research and the principal investigator on various national grant initiatives. Her research interests include studying the role of engineering as a curricular context and problem-based learning as an instructional strategy to facilitate students’ mathematics and science learning. She works with students from traditionally underserved populations and seeks to understand challenges and frame solutions for improving student motivation and academic readiness for college and career success. Dr. Ortiz studied Engineering, completing a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a M.S. degree in manufacturing management from Kettering University. She pursued a career as an engineer and manager and worked over ten years with General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Microsoft with experiences in the areas of manufacturing, quality improvement, product design and marketing. Following several years in industry, Dr. Ortiz transitioned into the field of education. She completed a second Master’s degree (in Education) from Michigan State University and a PhD in Engineering Education from Tufts University in 2010. She gained full certification as a mathematics public school teacher and administrator in Massachusetts and Texas. While at the Museum of Science in Boston, she co-developed the Engineering is Elementary curriculum that integrates science, engineering and literacy for elementary students. Araceli is also an experienced education policy analyst and STEM grant manager.