Julie Cwikla, Ph.D. is the T.W. Bennett Professor of Mathematics Education. She holds degrees in Mathematics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, and Mathematics Education. She serves as Director of the Center for STEM Education and Director of Creativity & Innovation in STEM at the University of Southern Mississippi. She was named the 2019 Ada Lovelace STEM Educator and the 2022 Post Secondary Teacher of the Year by ALACTE. Funded by the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, NASA, W.K.Kellogg Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation, and others she studies STEM teaching, learning, and development. A recipient of the National Science Foundation's "Early CAREER Award" she's directed over $20 million in funded research programs serving children, teachers, professors, and families.