Robert Schwarzhaupt

Robert Schwarzhaupt (he/him/his) is a quantitative researcher at AIR, where he seeks to broaden participation in CS and STEM by examining PK-12 teacher preparation, instruction, and professional development, particularly for underserved and underrepresented groups. At AIR, Schwarzhaupt primarily works as a principal investigator, project director, and analyst on CS and STEM education research and evaluation projects. Schwarzhaupt has extensive experience using research and survey methodology to examine how non-cognitive factors and teacher training affect high-quality CS and STEM instruction and student learning.

Schwarzhaupt has led many of AIR’s computer science initiatives, working with the National Science Foundation, US Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Institutes of Education Sciences, and state education agencies to generate knowledge and innovative solutions in CS and STEM education. Schwarzhaupt currently acts as the project director and primary analyst on the NSF-funded Exploring Computer Science Fellows 2.0 project which collaborates with Teach for America and University of Oregon to examine how to recruit and support CS teachers from traditionally underserved groups.

Schwarzhaupt also acts as the principal investigator and primary analyst on the PAsmart grant evaluation, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which evaluates state grants aimed at bolstering CS teacher professional development. He supports CS educators as the research and evaluation lead on the NSF-funded CS for All Teachers Virtual Community of Practice (VCoP), where he provides formative recommendations on how to improve the community and disseminates research findings on how to conduct an effective VCoP for CS teachers. Schwarzhaupt further supports CS teachers by acting as a primary analyst on the US Department of Education funded evaluation of elementary CS micro-credentials in Kentucky. Schwarzhaupt also supports STEM education researchers by acting as the formative evaluation lead on the NSF-funded Evidence Quality and Research hub in which he uses survey and research methods to improve the hub’s ability to provide technical assistance to potential NSF STEM education grantees.