Arthur Eisenkraft

Dr. Eisenkraft is a Distinguished Professor of Science Education and Professor of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where he also serves as the Director of the Center of Science and Math in Context (COSMIC). Under his leadership, COSMIC has become a hub for innovative science and math education projects. As the overseer of the Wipro Science Education Fellowship (Wipro SEF) program across seven universities and 35 school districts, Dr. Eisenkraft has been instrumental in fostering a culture of teacher leadership that drives sustainable district transformation. His passion for science education and his unwavering commitment to excellence continue to inspire educators and students alike, making him a true leader in the field.

Before joining UMass Boston, Dr. Eisenkraft spent two decades as a science coordinator and physics teacher at Bedford Public Schools in New York, where he influenced the next generation of scientists and educators. His career began as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal.

Dr. Eisenkraft’s contributions to science education extend beyond the classroom. He has held leadership roles in numerous national and international organizations, including serving as President of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and as chair of the Science Academic Advisory Committee of the College Board. He has also been a pivotal figure in the development of science curricula, such as the widely adopted Active Physics and Active Chemistry programs introducing high quality project-based science to all students. He also chairs (and co-created) the Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards, involving 15,000 students annually for over 30 years. He inaugurated the United States involvement in the International Physics Olympiad (with Jack M. Wilson) and served as the Academic Director of the team and then as Executive Director of the XXIV International Physics Olympiad involving the top pre-college physics students from 40 nations.

His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Science Board Public Service Award, the Robert H. Carleton Award from NSTA, the Robert A. Millikan Medal from the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and the Disney Corporation’s Science Teacher of the Year. He is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the American Association of Physics Teachers. He holds a patent for a laser vision testing system and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Dr. Eisenkraft, a product of the New York City public schools, earned a B.S. in Physics from SUNY Stony Brook, an M.A. from the same institution, and a Ph.D. in Science Education from New York University.