Xiufeng Liu

I am a SUNY Distinguished Professor of Science Education in the Department of Learning & Instruction, Graduate School of Education, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. I obtained my Master’s degree from East China Normal University in 1986 and PhD from University of British Columbia in 1993. Before my current position, I taught high school chemistry in China, was a research associate at the China National Institute for Educational Research (currently Chinese Academy of Education), and a tenured faculty member at St. Francis Xavier University and University of Prince Edward Island, both in Canada. In addition, I have held various administrative positions including department interim chair, associate dean for research, and the inaugural director of the Center for Educational Innovation.

My research interests include measurement and evaluation in STEM education (i.e., applications of Rasch models), student conceptual progression of cross-cutting concepts (i.e., matter and energy), science and the public (i.e., civic scientific literacy), and STEM identity measurement and development. My research approach is quantitative and statistical, guided by cognitive and social-cultural learning theories. I have more than 100 refereed publications including 14 books. I have received funding as PI and co-PI for more than $25 Million from such agencies as the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Health, the Spencer Foundation, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

• PhD, University of British Columbia, Science Education (1993)
• MEd, East China Normal University, Chemical Education (1986)
• Diploma, Wuhan Teachers College at Xiaogan (currently Hubei Engineering College), Secondary School Chemistry Teaching (1981)

• SUNY Distinguished Professor; State University of New York; 2023-04-10;
• Fellow; American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); 2020-10-29;
• Exceptional Scholars Sustained Achievement Award; University at Buffalo, SUNY; 2018-11-01;

• Liu, X. (2020). Using and developing measurement instruments in science education: A Rasch Modeling approach (Second Edition). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.

• Liu, X., & Boone, W. J. (eds.) (in press). Advances in applications of Rasch measurement in science education. New York: Springer.
• Liu, X., & Wang, L. (eds.) (in press). The rise of STEM education. A volume (vol. 11) in R. Tierney, F. Rizvi, K. Ercikan and G. Smith (eds.), International Encyclopedia of Education (4th edition). Oxford, UK: Elsevier.

• Waight, N., Whitford, M., Liu, X. (in press). Like they are everyday substances, you like see them, hold them, use them every day”: Students’ Understanding of Big Ideas and Macro and Submicro Chemistry Phenomena in the Context of Computer-based Models. Research in Science Education. http://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-023-10114-9

• Cong, W., Liu, X., & Wang, L. (April 2021). Automated scoring of Chinese Grades 7-9 students’ competence in interpreting and arguing from evidence. Paper presented at the annual NARST International Conference. April 7-10, 2021, Online.;
• Yin, H., Liu, R., & Liu, X. (April 2021). Self-Efficacy Scale of Confucius Institute Chinese Teachers: A Rasch-Based Measurement Instrument Development. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Online, April 8, 12, 2021.;
• Li, S. & Liu, X. (2020, Apr 17 - 21) Integrating Geographic Information System in Secondary Classrooms: Factors in Relation to Spatial Thinking Ability [Poster Session]. AERA Annual Meeting San Francisco, CA http://tinyurl.com/ruz4g7g (Conference Canceled).;
• Liu, R. & Liu, X. (2020, Apr 17 - 21) Rasch-Based Measurement Development: A Formative Evaluation Instrument for College Teaching [Poster Session]. AERA Annual Meeting San Francisco, CA http://tinyurl.com/qmqpmch (Conference Canceled);
• Liu, X. (2019, October). Preservice science teacher education: What can US and China learn from each other? An invited talk at the International Forum on Improving Science Literacy for all Students, Oct. 30, 2019, Beijing Normal University.;

• Mentored Career Development Award Linked to UL1T1001412-06 (Clinical and Translational Science Award); Federal; NIH; Continuing; (01/01/2020-12/31/2024)

• Editorial board member: Journal of Research in STEM Education
  05/21/2019-05/20/2024
• Editorial Board Member, Journal of Science Education and Technology
  07/01/2004-06/30/2023

• Associate Editor; Journal of Research in Science Teaching
  01/01/2020-12/31/2024
• Co-Editor-in-Chief; Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research
  09/01/2019-08/31/2024