Ko is a Research Scientist II at the Institute of Cognitive Science at University of Colorado Boulder. Her research focuses on promoting and studying classroom interactions that support students’ engagement in the disciplinary practices of science. She works closely with teachers to co-design sustainable learning environments that support authentic sensemaking of science phenomena. Her diverse portfolio of research activities include work on projects that range from $650K to $2.5 million, funded by federal funding agencies, such as the Institute of Education Sciences, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, as well as private foundations such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, and the James S. McDonell Foundation. She has also worked extensively with science teachers in the Chicagoland area on projects funded by the state of Illinois. As both Senior Investigator and co-PI on several projects, she facilitates collaborative research activities on interdisciplinary teams that involve experts in the fields of learning sciences, science education, educational assessment, and disciplinary literacy. Her research agenda has resulted in multiple peer-reviewed journal publications, book chapters, and conference proceedings (equivalent to journal articles in the field). She also has extensive experience in designing and facilitating professional learning for teachers. Her experience on interdisciplinary and cross-institutional projects.
