Julia Poel

Bio

Julia Grace Marie Poel is a PhD student in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education, specializing in Science, Engineering, and Technology Education. She is also pursuing a cross-area specialization in Learning Sciences and Technology Design. Julia’s research focuses on the intersection of education policy, curriculum studies, and teacher education. She has a specific interest in how the integration of sustainability and multiple knowledge systems can bridge civic and science education.

Before beginning her studies at Stanford, Julia received her MA in Education Policy from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her BS in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Julia contributed to a variety of projects in K-12 education policy and science education at both institutions. For example, in a collaborative project between the Center for Educational Equity at Teachers College and the Youth Advocacy and Policy Lab at Harvard Law School, Julia had the opportunity to develop a conceptual model for civic education. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Julia designed and facilitated professional learning experiences for K-12 teachers to support them in co-designing and customizing curriculum materials to be transdisciplinary and sustainability-centered. Julia also served as a K-2 science instructor at an elementary school in Harlem, New York, while completing her MA.

Julia is passionate about research and initiatives that aim to create equal opportunities for all students. She believes the intersection of science and civic education presents a critical opportunity to engage students in learning experiences that are relevant to their lives and communities. Julia believes science and civic education can empower students to design solutions that socially, scientifically, and technologically improve the world.

Honors & Awards

• Stanford Graduate Fellow in Science and Engineering, Stanford University (2025)

Education & Certifications

• MA, Teachers College, Columbia University, Education Policy (2025)
• BS, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Elementary Education (2023)