Dr. Julie Luft was selected to receive the NARST 2024 Distinguished Contributions to Science Education through Research Award (DCRA). This is the highest award that NARST bestows upon its members, which recognizes the superior caliber of their professional accomplishments.

Dr. Luft has made significant contributions to science education through continuing research and notable leadership resulting in substantial impact to the field. For over 30 years, her research has contributed new knowledge on science teacher professional development programs, early career teachers, and STEM undergraduate teaching. Dr. Luft’s signature research on beginning secondary science teacher learning has revealed complex influences of initial preparation, school contexts, and professional learning opportunities on their experiences, knowledge, and practices. Her outstanding mentorship of doctoral students in the US, as well as internationally, has resulted in their receiving research awards and advancing to leadership roles in academia and the practice field. Dr Luft has also provided significant intellectual and organizational leadership by serving as president of both NSTA and ASTE, and participating on the board and numerous committees of NARST. Her notable influence on the field includes advising State governments, testifying to a US Congress committee, and serving on a National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine committee. She has also guided organizational position statements, and delivered numerous keynote speeches at national and international events. 

Given the high impact of her continuous and substantial scholarship to science teacher education, outstanding leadership to NARST, NSTA and ASTE, and dedicated mentoring of graduate students, Dr. Julie A. Luft is a most deserving recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Contributions to Science Education through Research Award.