About
Background
Dr. Danielle Dani is the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies of Ohio University’s Gladys W. & David H. Patton College of Education. She is a professor of science education and past chair of the Department of Teacher Education. Over her 25-year career as a science educator, Danielle’s scholarship has focused on transformative strategies and contexts to support practice-based teacher education and for promoting teachers and future teachers’ cultural competence, using place-based and justice-oriented approaches. Her work also focuses on active recruitment, preparation, and retention of talented individuals into science and mathematics teaching careers in Appalachian middle and high schools.
Danielle engages in community-based service and scholarship to support schools, organizations, and learning of community members across the lifespan. She has provided local, regional, and international outreach and professional development for university faculty (teaching, learning, assessment, accreditation) and grades 4-12 STEM teachers and intervention specialist teachers. Her most recent project involves the development of an Appalachian Ohio Climate Literacy Network, an effort funded by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. Danielle earned her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. She holds a secondary science teaching diploma as well bachelor and master’s degrees in biology from the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Leadership Philosophy
As a leader, I am committed to fostering a transformative environment where integrity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission. True progress is achieved through a collaborative spirit, harnessing the power of interdisciplinary and community-engaged partnerships to drive academic excellence in graduate studies, innovation, and research excellence. Key to supporting our mission are clarity and transparency of policies and processes; strategic planning, implementation, resourcing, evaluation and response; genuine and agentic dialogue; careful information and data gathering; and full disclosure of decisions and outcomes.
Getting to know the individuals within our community is fundamental to my approach and the basis for strong advocacy. Listening with empathy is essential in understanding our wide-ranging perspectives, including graduate students’ diverse viewpoints and unique challenges. By prioritizing open communication and genuine dialogue, I strive to create a space where every voice and contribution is respected, valued, heard, and recognized. This humanistic approach ensures that our initiatives not only advance knowledge but also uplift and empower those we serve, including graduate students as they navigate their academic journeys.
Together, we will strategically navigate the challenges ahead, leveraging our collective strengths to make a lasting impact and striving to communicate the value of our work to the broader community for the common good. By fostering inclusive decision-making and building consensus, we can ensure that every member of our community contributes to our shared goals, nurturing existing thought leaders to new heights while actively supporting the development of future leaders in their respective fields. I am dedicated to cultivating a culture that champions diversity, embraces curiosity, and inspires transformative change within and outside the Patton College, ensuring a legacy of excellence and innovation for generations to come.
The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education