Sebahat Gok

I am a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Learning Sciences program at Northwestern University, working at the Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling directed by Uri Wilensky. I received my Ph.D. with dual majors in Instructional Systems Technology and Cognitive Science from Indiana University in 2024. 

In general, my research focuses on understanding how learners develop flexible and transferable thinking in science, both spontaneously and when supported by computational tools. I investigate this question at three complementary levels: 

(1) uncovering basic learning mechanisms and processes (e.g., how people process feedback and visually presented scientific concepts; whether scientists think in crosscutting concepts) 

(2) developing and experimentally testing alternative pedagogical methods (often using computational models that support concept learning in science)

(3) lately, I've been working on leveraging the findings from these two to existing educational standards and practices (e.g., crosscutting concepts in Next Generation Science Standards). 

The range of outlets in which my research has appeared reflects the multilevel nature of my investigations, including Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, Journal of Educational Psychology, Education & Science, Journal of Applied Instructional Design, and the International Conference of Learning Sciences. 

Beginning in Fall 2025, I will be on the academic job market for tenure-track assistant professorship positions in educational psychology, learning sciences, and education.