Eleanor C Sayre
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Do you want to be a better researcher?

Your research should connect your passion to discoveries, and do good in the world. But how? If you’re stuck on how to make your project a reality – or if the reality of doing your project is overwhelming – you need help. You’re not alone. Education researchers at all levels need someone to help with research design, project planning, and alignment between project elements.

I love enabling excellence in education research, from conceptualizing your first project to finishing that last one before retirement. Let me help you untangle your ideas and forge a clear path to research success. Working with emerging researchers is my jam.

Let’s talk.

Support for groups and individuals

  • Do you need a thought partner on a research idea?
  • Are you preparing a grant proposal?
  • Does your team need methodological support or sense-making?
  • Do you feel stuck and need a strategic reset?

You need me.

Work with an expert mentor

My expertise sits at the intersection of STEM education research, the learning sciences, and research methodology. I’ve worked across disciplines and career stages. I’m especially good at helping people see the research story they’re trying to tell — and then building their design to support it.

Your work will get stronger, no matter what stage it’s in.

Workshops and masterclasses

Research is a collaborative endeavor, and humans learn best from other humans. My workshops and masterclasses range from short introductions to more advanced deep-dives.

My workshops are interactive, high-energy, and dynamic. Be prepared to work.

Browse workshop topics

Strengthen your project

How could your project be better? I want to help your projects engage your passion and serve your community. I love talking through research ideas and sharpening questions.

Whether you’re just getting started with your research design, writing a grant proposal, or figuring out how to publish, I’m here to help.

Check out project services

Coaching and mentoring

I’ve coached and mentored hundreds of educators and researchers at all stages, from brand-new undergrads through seasoned PIs. I love coaching academics through career pivots: getting started in education research, building a tenure package, or taking your next professional step.

What are you struggling with? What growth do you want to experience?

Get personalized coaching

Research: A Practical Handbook

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Professional development for Emerging Education Researchers

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About Dr. Eleanor C Sayre

As a researcher, I am action-oriented; as a mentor, I help my team shine; as a leader, I am deeply collaborative.

I am a collaborative executive leader skilled at orchestrating team activities and facilitating project-related meetings to achieve operational excellence. I have a 20-year proven track record in successfully managing multiple programs and projects, specializing in STEM education, international collaboration, and training and development.

I co-direct the Professional development for Emerging Education Researchers (PEER) Institute, and have over 100 peer-reviewed publications in discipline-based education research. I am a Fellow of the American Physical Society. I wrote Research: A Practical Handbook to support emerging researchers and their advisors with practical, friendly advice and exercises. I’m passionate about increasing access to the research enterprise to members of historically excluded groups, and building more just and equitable university communities.

Recently, I was a Program Director for the Division of Undergraduate Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF). During my time at the NSF, I was on leave from my position as a Professor of Physics at Kansas State University and a CASTLE Research Affiliate at Rochester Institute of Technology. I have about 100 peer-reviewed publications in discipline-based education research. There are more details of my research at the Sayre Lab, and more CV information here.

In my spare time, I enjoy gaming and crafting with my hands. I try to wear or use at least one hand-made item every day, from my morning coffee mug to my clothes, jewelry, or accessories.

za*po*sa 1. noun. A placeholder for multiple ideas at once.

Zaposa.com is the personal domain of Eleanor C Sayre. “Zaposa” is an easily pronounced short non-word. There are no formal definitions for zaposa because I made it up. Creative readers are encouraged to send me definitions like the one above.

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