Alexis Patterson Williams Named 2024-25 Chancellor’s Fellow

School of Education Associate Professor Alexis Patterson Williams has been named a UC Davis 2024-25 Chancellor’s Fellow. She is one of 10 faculty members to be recognized for their work as early-career academics who have demonstrated excellence in their research, teaching, and service to the community. Patterson Williams will retain the honor and title of “Chancellor’s Fellow” for five years, and she will receive $25,000 in unrestricted funds to support her academic pursuits.

“In addition to her contributions as Chair of Teacher Education, Alexis Patterson Williams offers critical insights at the intersection of science education and equity,” said Dean Tom Smith. “Her work is making a direct impact on representation and inclusivity in STEM curricula.”

Patterson Williams is the tenth School of Education faculty member to be named a Chancellor’s Fellow, joining Profs. Marcela Cuellar (2022), Danny C. Martinez (2021), Kevin Gee (2020), Megan Welsh (2019), Lee Martin (2017), Emily Solari (2016), Tobin White (2015), Heidi Ballard (2014), and Michal Kurlaender (2013). Her research addresses the challenges facing science education and identifies opportunities to support teachers in the development of practices that foster equitable and meaningful student interactions and deconstruct implicit and explicit language and literacy hierarchies. Patterson Williams’ recent publications examine race-related pedagogy, desegregating California classrooms, centering minoritized voices in literacy instruction, and power dynamics in scientific, community-based monitoring projects. She is also exploring topics on justice-oriented teaching and the impact of family input on STEM career choices.

While Patterson Williams applies a multidisciplinary approach to her work, her research goal remains the same: to create equitable learning environments for students to excel in their science classrooms and professions. Central to her work is the desire to address challenges that shape classroom dynamics, with the aim of enhancing transformative learning opportunities for historically marginalized students. As part of this effort, Patterson Williams works to identify ways to better support teachers in cultivating inclusive learning environments. This is a powerful way to redefine classroom experiences for girls and students of color, while also increasing pathways for diverse learners to experience science more meaningfully.