We help College of Natural Sciences instructors teach more effectively, offering practical tools, evidence-based strategies and collaborative support that fuel student success. Our team brings diverse expertise in STEM, education and research, united by a commitment to evidence-based teaching and innovative instructional design.
STEMx Mission
STEMx supports CNS instructors through accessible, responsive professional development and instructional guidance. By collaborating with departments and college leadership, we advance innovative, evidence-based approaches to STEM teaching, empower educators and create environments where students thrive.
STEMx Vision
We envision a future where every CNS instructor embraces undergraduate teaching as a joyful, scholarly pursuit—and where a culture of continuous improvement fosters transformative learning environments. We aim for students to gain the STEM knowledge, skills and mindsets to thrive, lead and change the world.
Our Team
General inquiries may be directed to stemx@cns.utexas.edu.

Kristin D. Patterson
- Associate Professor of Instruction
- Assistant Dean for STEM Education Excellence
- Molecular Biosciences
- Biology Instructional Office
- College of Natural Sciences

Keely Finkelstein
- Associate Professor of Instruction
- Faculty Director for Instructor Development in STEMx
- Astronomy
- McDonald Observatory

Amanda Hager
- Professor of Instruction
- Faculty Director for Teaching Assessment in STEMx
- Mathematics
- College of Natural Sciences

Jo-anne Holley
- Associate Professor of Practice
- STEM Education Fellow
- Freshman Research Initiative
- Integrative Biology

Kristen Procko
- Associate Professor of Instruction
- Faculty Director for Innovative Scholarship in STEMx
- Molecular Biosciences
- Biology Instructional Office
- College of Natural Sciences

Jessica Wandelt
- Associate Professor of Instruction
- Faculty Director for Career Education in STEMx
- College of Natural Sciences