Wan to Head Cal State Fullerton’s Science and Math Education Center

An innovator in science education has been selected director of Cal State Fullerton’s center for science and math education, officials announced.

Julia C. Wan will become the new director of the campus’s Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education effective Saturday, Cal State Fullerton spokeswoman Paula Selleck said. The center is a cooperative venture between the university’s schools of Natural Science and Mathematics as well as Human Development and Community Service.

Wan took a leave from her post as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the Bainbridge Island (Wash.) School District two years ago to work for the National Science Foundation, Selleck said. She developed projects in various states to improve elementary- and secondary-level math and science education.

As director of the center, Wan will be charged with reworking Cal State Fullerton’s teacher education programs to fit new national standards in mathematics and science education. The center aims to help elementary school instructors teach children scientific principles from an early age.

Wan has worked both in public elementary and secondary schools and held posts as an adjunct faculty member at two universities in her career, Selleck said. At Cal State Fullerton, Wan will hold the title of adjunct professor of science education.

She earned her doctorate in educational administration and supervision from Boston College, and earned her master’s degree in chemistry and bachelor’s degree in physics at Wellesley College.