Prefer this CV in easily-read pdf format?  Curriculum Vitae

Research Interests

  •   Extending cognitive models in physics education research to include results from cognitive science and other fields. 
  •   Investigating the interplay between physics and mathematics understanding.   
  •   Detailing the time-evolution of students’ ideas.   
  •   Using cognitive theories to inform curriculum development.
 

Education

2007 Doctor of Philosophy (Physics), University of Maine, Orono, Maine.
2005 Master of Science in Teaching (Physics), University of Maine, Orono, Maine.
2002 Bachelor of Arts (Physics), Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa.

Positions

Aug 2007-present Post-doctoral researcher, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Project: Cognitive Bases for Physics Misconceptions. Advisor: Dr. Andrew Heckler
  • Designed an experiment to construct typical learning tra jectories, testing student learning and retention repeatedly over time. 
  • Expanded and improved existing experiments on learned inattention in introductory physics topics.
  • Validated research instruments using my qualitative research expertise.   
  • Wrote scripts to improve and computerize data collection.   
  • Managed ~400 subject pool. 
  • Directed a qualitative research seminar for graduate students in physics education research.
 
2002-2007 Graduate Research Assistant, University of Maine, Orono, Maine.
Projects: Extending the theoretical basis of physics education research. Advisor: Dr. Michael C Wittmann
  • Synthesized Resource Theory and Process/Object Theory, and related them both to theories in cognitive science.
  • Extended the synthesis to cover resource development, termed plasticity
  • Developed heuristics to identify resources and their plasticity
  • Developed protocols and conducted individual and small group interviews with upper-division physics students
  • Videotaped, excerpted, and transcribed problem solving sessions to apply resource heuristics.
  • Investigated conflicts between Physics and Mathematics Intuitions 


2004-2007 Physics Tutor, Husson College, Bangor, Maine.
Tutored for a two-semester algebra-based introductory physics for physical and occupational therapy majors; tutor sessions are similar to traditional recitation sections.

2002-2006 Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Maine, Orono, Maine.
Taught workshops, recitations, and labs in introductory algebra-based physics and intuitive quantum physics.  Developed, evaluated, and edited research-based curricula for same.


2004-2006 Physics Instructor, The Princeton Review, Maine.
Taught a review course for the MCAT which covers introductory physics in 18 hours at three locations in Maine.

Presentations & Publications

Papers

  • Sayre, E.C. and Wittmann, M.C. (submitted) “The plasticity of intermediate mechanics students’ coordinate system choice”, Physical Review Special Topics – Physics Education Research.
  • Sayre, E.C. and Wittmann, M.C. “Intermediate mechanics students’ coordinate system choice”, Proceedings of the 2007 Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education.
  • Sayre, E.C., Wittmann, M.C., and Donovan, J.E. (2007) “Resource Plasticity: Detailing a Common Chain of Reasoning with Damped Harmonic Motion,” Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings 2006, AIP Conference Proceedings.
  • Sayre, E.C., Wittmann, M.C., and Thompson, J.R. (2004) “Resource Selection in Nearly-Novel Situations,” in S. Franklin, K. Cummings, J. Marx (Eds.) Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings 2003, AIP Conference Proceedings.

Invited Talks

  • “Describing resource development and justification: An example from damped harmonic motion,” E.C. Sayre, seminar to the Physics Education Research Group, The University of Ohio, 2007 February.
  • “Resource development and justification: Examples from damped harmonic motion,” E.C. Sayre, seminar to the Physics Education Research Group, University of Maryland, 2006 October.
  • “Resources in Physics Education Research,” E.C. Sayre, seminar to Tedlab in the Brain and Cognitive Science Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006 September.

Contributed Talks & Sessions

  • “Intermediate mechanics students’ coordinate system choice,” E.C. Sayre, M.C. Wittmann, and J.E. Donovan II, Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education 2007, San Diego CA, 2007 February.
  • “Cross-pollination in Science Education Research,” E.C. Sayre and R. Lindell (presiders), Physics Education Research Conference 2006, Syracuse NY, 2006 August.
  • “Situating a Common Chain of Reasoning in Damped Harmonic Motion,” E.C. Sayre and M.C. Wittmann, 133rd AAPT National Meeting, Syracuse NY, 2006 August, The Announcer 36(2) 149.
  • “Local Consistency Without a Global Picture: Plasticity and Differentials,” E.C. Sayre and M.C. Wittmann, 131st AAPT National Meeting, Salt Lake City UT, 2005 August. The Announcer 35(2) 134.
  • “Advanced Mechanics Students’ Conflicts Between Physics and Mathematics Intuitions,” E.C. Sayre, M.C. Wittmann, 129th AAPT National Meeting, Sacramento CA, 2004 August. The Announcer 34(2) 184.
  • “Graduate Student Crackerbarrel: How to know who’s doing what?” E.C. Sayre (presider) 129th AAPT National Meeting, Sacramento CA, 2004 August
  • “Student Selection of Reasoning Resources in Nearly-Novel Situations,” E.C. Sayre, M.C. Wittmann, 128th AAPT National Meeting, Miami Beach FL, 2004 January. The Announcer 33(4) 133.

Contributed Posters

  • “Intermediate mechanics students’ coordinate system choices for simple pendula,” E.C.  Sayre and M.C. Wittmann. 135th AAPT National Meeting, Greensboro NC, 2007 July
  • “Situating a Common Chain of Reasoning in Damped Harmonic Motion,” E.C. Sayre and M.C. Wittmann, PERC, Syracuse NY, 2006 August.
  • “Situating a common chain of reasoning in intermediate mechanics,” E.C. Sayre and M.C. Wittmann, Center for Science and Mathematics Education Research Conference, 2006 June
  • “Nearly Novel Situations,” E.C. Sayre and M.C. Wittmann, PERC, Salt Lake City UT, 2005 August.
  • “The Structure of Intermediate Mechanics Students’ Physics and Mathematics Intuitions,” E.C. Sayre, M.C. Wittmann, PERC, Sacramento CA, 2004 August.
  • “Resource Selection in Nearly-Novel Situations,” E.C. Raulerson, M.C. Wittmann, J.R. Thompson, PERC, Madison WI, 2003 August.