Xiufeng Liu

I am a SUNY Distinguished Professor of Science Education in the Department of Learning & Instruction, Graduate School of Education, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. I obtained my Master’s degree from East China Normal University in 1986 and PhD from University of British Columbia in 1993. Before my current position, I taught high school chemistry in China, was a research associate at the China National Institute for Educational Research (currently Chinese Academy of Education), and a tenured faculty member at St. Francis Xavier University and University of Prince Edward Island, both in Canada. In addition, I have held various administrative positions including department interim chair, associate dean for research, and the inaugural director of the Center for Educational Innovation.

My research interests include measurement and evaluation in STEM education (i.e., applications of Rasch models), student conceptual progression of cross-cutting concepts (i.e., matter and energy), science and the public (i.e., civic scientific literacy), and STEM identity measurement and development. My research approach is quantitative and statistical, guided by cognitive and social-cultural learning theories. I have more than 120 refereed publications including 14 books. I have received funding as PI and co-PI for more than $25 Million from such agencies as the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Health, the Spencer Foundation, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

• PhD, University of British Columbia, Science Education (1993)
• MEd, East China Normal University, Chemical Education (1986)
• Diploma, Wuhan Teachers College at Xiaogan (currently Hubei Engineering College), Secondary School Chemistry Teaching (1981)

• SUNY Distinguished Professor; State University of New York; 2023-04-10;
• Fellow; American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); 2020-10-29;
• Exceptional Scholars Sustained Achievement Award; University at Buffalo, SUNY; 2018-11-01;

• Thayaseelan, K., Zhai, Y., Li, S., & Liu, X. (2024). Revalidating a measurement instrument of spatial thinking ability for junior and high school students. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 6, 3. https://diser.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43031-024-00095-8
• Zhai, Y., Tripp, J., & Liu, X. (2024). Science teacher identity research: A scoping literature review. International Journal of STEM Education, April, 11(20), 1-30. http://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-024-00481-8

• Liu, X. (2024). Reflection on the learning progression approach to promoting student learning: Commentary for Section II. In H. Jin, D. Yan, and J. Krajcik (eds.), Handbook on Science Learning Progressions (chapter 18), New York: Routledge.
• Liu, X., & Wang, L. (2023). Introduction. In X. Liu and L. Wang (eds.), Volume 11 - The rise of STEM education, in R. Tierney, F. Rizvi, K. Ercikan and G. Smith (eds.), International Encyclopedia of Education (4th edition). Oxford, UK: Elsevier.
• Liu, X., Boone, W. (2023). Introduction. In X. Liu and W. Boone (eds.), Advances in applications of Rasch measurement in science education (chapter 1, pp. 1-19), New York: Springer.

• Liu, X., & Zhai, Y. (March, 2024). Science teacher identity research: A scoping literature review. Paper presented at the annual NARST International Conference, Denver, CO, March 17-20, 2024.;
• Thayaseelan, K., Zhai, Y., & Liu, X. (March, 2024). Revalidating a measurement instrument of spatial thinking ability for junior and high school students. Paper presented at the annual NARST International Conference, Denver, CO, March 17-20, 2024.;
• Tripp, J. & Liu, X. (2024, April). Defining STEM professional identity: An exploratory study. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.;
• Tripp, J., Liu, X., & Waight, N. (March, 2024). Minoritized high schoolers’ perceptions of science and scientists. Paper presented at the annual NARST International Conference, Denver, CO, March 17-20, 2024.;
• Zhai, Y., & Liu, X. (2024, March). Science career expectations and science-related motivation: A latent profile analysis using PISA 2015 data. Paper presented at the annual NARST International Conference, Denver, CO, March 17-20, 2024.;

• Mentored Career Development Award Linked to UL1T1001412-06 (Clinical and Translational Science Award); Federal; NIH; Continuing; (01/01/2020-12/31/2024)

• Editorial board member: Journal of Research in STEM Education
  05/21/2019-05/20/2024
• Editorial Board Member, Journal of Science Education and Technology
  07/01/2004-05/31/2024

• Associate Editor; Journal of Research in Science Teaching
  01/01/2020-12/31/2024
• Co-Editor-in-Chief; Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research
  09/01/2019-08/31/2024