As a key team member of the Illinois Science Explorers program, Carolyn MacDonald helps to connect research and practice by integrating evidence-based approaches into STEM activities for children in the Champaign-Urbana area. Carolyn is a PhD student in developmental psychology, working with CSBS Director Eva Pomerantz, studying how parents’ beliefs about math shape children’s confidence, motivation, and achievement in the topic. Through her outreach, she hopes to make science more engaging and accessible while inspiring the next generation of curious minds.
Tell us briefly about your academic background.
As a math major in college, I became increasingly aware of how polarizing the subject can be—many people see themselves as either naturally “good” or “bad” at math, often with little middle ground. Through countless conversations with friends and family, I began to wonder what external factors shape these beliefs and why people develop such different attitudes towards math. I became particularly fascinated by the role parents play in shaping children’s early experiences with math, ultimately influencing their confidence, motivation, and achievement in the subject. This led me to pursue a PhD in Developmental Psychology here at the University of Illinois, where I work with Dr. Eva Pomerantz studying parenting and elementary school children’s math motivation and achievement. My research explores how parents’ beliefs about math influence their involvement in their children’s learning and, in turn, how this shapes children’s own math-related attitudes and outcomes. By examining these dynamics, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of how to foster positive math experiences for children and their families.
What inspired you to join Illinois Science Explorers?
I have always been passionate about using knowledge to help others, and I believe research has the potential to create real, meaningful change. However, too often, important findings remain within academic circles rather than being shared in ways that benefit the broader community. This belief fueled my commitment to bridging that gap and ensuring that research is not just conducted but also applied in ways that make a difference.
I-Sci Explorers provided the perfect opportunity to put this belief into action! Working alongside Paige, I help integrate evidence-based practices from my research into our curriculum, making complex scientific concepts engaging and accessible for children in our community. By connecting research with real-world applications, we aim to inspire young learners to see themselves as scientists and problem-solvers, fostering curiosity and confidence in STEM from an early age.
What has been the most rewarding experience for you while working with I-Sci?
One of the most rewarding parts of working with I-Sci Explorers has been seeing children’s excitement as they explore different branches of science and discover what truly resonates with them. A key strength of the program is its ability to connect students with experts from a wide range of scientific fields across campus, helping them see that science is so much more than lab coats and beakers, it spans everything from psychology to aerospace engineering. Through these experiences, children begin to understand that science isn’t just a subject in school but a dynamic field that intersects with countless interests and career paths. The most memorable moments come when curiosity sparks—whether it’s the look of fascination during a hands-on experiment or the eagerness in their voice as they ask deeper questions. Witnessing that shift in perspective, when a child realizes that science isn’t just something to learn about but something they can actively do, is what makes this work so fulfilling.
In your view, what role does science outreach play in making research more accessible to the public?
Science outreach plays an important role in bridging the gap between academic research and the broader community. Living in a university town, I see firsthand how much cutting-edge research is being conducted, yet much of it remains within the walls of the institution. Outreach efforts help break down these barriers, ensuring that the knowledge being generated reaches and benefits the public in meaningful ways. Beyond simply sharing findings, effective outreach fosters engagement. It allows people, especially children, to see themselves as active participants in scientific discovery rather than just passive recipients of information. By creating opportunities for hands-on learning and discussions, we not only make science more accessible but also help shift perceptions about who “belongs” in these fields. This is especially important in STEM, where exposure and representation can shape a child’s sense of possibility for their own future.
Outside of work or home, where might we find you?
Outside of work or home, you can often find me spending time with my grandparents, who live in Urbana. Growing up in California, I only had the chance to see them about once a year, so one of the most meaningful parts of moving here for graduate school has been the opportunity to connect more often. We spend a lot of time together, whether it’s going out for dinner, watching the news, or solving puzzles, any chance I get to spend with them is incredibly special to me.