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VITA
Name:
Dr. Abha Singh
Department: Curriculum and Instruction
Rank: Assistant Professor
Education: B.Sc, B.Ed, M.Ed, M.Sc, Ph.D.
PhD. Science Education, 2008
University of Iowa, USA
Science Education (Major)
Environment Science
Gifted Education
Master of Science, 2001
University of Iowa, USA
Science Education (Major)
Environment Science, Biology & Physical Science
Gifted Education
Master of Education, 1996
Punjabi University, India
Foundation of Education
Advanced Educational Psychology
Methodology of Educational Research and Statistics
Educational Management and Planning
Educational & Vocational Guidance
Adult Education
Bachelor of Education, 1987
Punjab University, India
Principles and Techniques of Education
Educational Psychology & Guidance
Problems of Indian Education & School Management
Methodology of Teaching Science and English
Internship experience and Teaching competency
Art and Painting
Health and Physical Education
Community Service
Bachelor of Science, 1986
Physical, Inorganic, Organic Chemistry
Punjab University, India
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Botany
Zoology
Major or field of training in science:
General Substantive Area:
Subarea Specialties:
Areas of teacher
Certification in India
Environment Science, Chemistry and Biology
Environment Studies
Inorganic Chemistry
Application Chemistry
Earth Science
General Botany and Zoology
General Science, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science
Geography, Geology and English
Employment /Experience:

University Teaching:
1. 2008 – present: Western Illinois University: Teaching Elementary Education Majors Science and
Education courses.
Courses taught: SCED 464, SCED (Science Methods) 364, SCED (Science Methods for K-3) 352, C&I(
Assessment and Differentiation of Instruction) 574, ELED ( Field Experience) 470, ELED (seminar in
elementary education)110.
2. 2004 – 2008: University of Iowa: 7E/S: 234 Science Methods to Undergraduate Elementary Education
Majors, 7E/S: 500: Teaching and supervising practicum students for undergraduate teaching practice. 7E/S:
121: Science for high ability learners.
3. 2000-2001: University of Iowa: 7E/S: 500 Teaching/Supervising Practicum for undergraduate students.
4.2009- present: In-service Teacher Workshops (NIMS)
2011 (Summer): Physical Science and Technological Design to in-service teachers in Rockford, IL State Grant
Initiative called National Institute of Math and Science (NIMS).
(NIMS).
2010 (Summer): Biology and Environment Science to participating elementary and middle school teachers
in a workshop through another State Grant Initiative called National Institute of Math and Science (NIMS).
2009 (summer): After teaching the teachers initially in June, the teachers were able to order the
technology and then use the ideas and technology in a Math and Science Academy to invited students. This
time we observed the teachers and provided them with individual assistance while teaching science and
math and using technology (ISAMS) in August, 2009.
2009 (Summer): Taught Biology and Environment Science to participating elementary and middle school
teachers in a workshop through another State Grant Initiative called National Institute of Math and Science
(NIMS).
2009 (Summer): Teaching summer workshops to elementary and middle school science and math workshops
to encourage the use of technology as a part of regional education initiatives through State Grant funding
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(ISAMS).

Public School Teaching:
1.1989 – 2000: Woodstock International School (Advanced Placement): Teaching Science to
Elementary/Middle School.
2. 1996 – 1997: Kodaikanal International School(International Baccalaureate): Teaching Science to Middle
and High School
3. 2001- 2004: Woodstock International School (Advanced Placement): Teaching Science to Middle School

Professional Experience:
1.2004 –2007: Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant and Teaching/Research Assistant for Professional
Development for teachers earning their Talented and Gifted Endorsement in Iowa (Belin-Blank International
Center, University of Iowa, USA)
2.2003-2004: Rubric Construction for academic and non-academic areas (Woodstock, India)
3.2002-2003: Incorporating local resources to teach set curriculum for all subjects (Woodstock, India)
4.2001-2002: Using “Outdoor Education” to teach integrated science (Woodstock, India)
5.2000-2001: Coordinator for Undergraduate Education Honors Opportunity Program (B-B Center,
University of Iowa, USA).

Research:
1. Curriculum Innovation through the Practicum Experience. Research presented on March 6-8th, 2006 at
College of William and Mary, Virginia, USA.
2. Development of practical knowledge in gifted education: Previous experience, practicum experience,
passion and reflection. Research presented at National Association of Gifted Children’s Conference (NAGC)
in Minneapolis, MN in November 2007.
3. Constructivism and Meeting the Needs to Middle School Science Teachers”. This presentation presented
my research at the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC) held at St Louis, MO on November 5-7,
2009.
Publications/Scholarly/ Creative Activities:

Refereed:
Singh, A. (2004). Why I teach? A reflective write up on why I continue to teach: Near East
South Asian Teacher Education Journal, Vol 20. (2), 18- 22.
Singh, A. (2008). Constructivism and Science Teachers: An Extracurricular
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Science Program for Middle School Students. International Journal
Education, Vol. 48 (2), 28-35.
of Science
Singh, A. (2009). Student Needs and Instructor Professional Development in
Teaching Gifted Middle School Science Students. Journal of Science Teacher
Education, Vol 24 (6), 15- 22.
Singh, A. (2010). Conservation of Energy: Teaching Environmental Science Using
Green Roofs. The Journal of the Illinois Science Teachers Association, Vol. 35(3),
33-38.
Singh, A (2010). An Extracurricular Science Program. Germany: Lambert
Publishing Company GmbH & Co.KG.
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Non Refereed:
Singh, A. (2006). Iowa Science Teachers local Chapter: Science teaching in developing
countries: What and how are they doing?
Sandall, B.,& Singh,A. (2011). Using Science Technology Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) to investigate issues in Food Production. USA: Mark Twain
Publishing LLC
Sandall, B.,& Singh,A. (2011). Using Science Technology Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) to investigate issues in Waste Management. USA: Mark Twain
Publishing LLC
Conference Presentations:

Refereed:
2010
Presented workshop for elementary science teachers titled “Integration of Science and Math in
the PreK Classroom” at the Illinois Science Teachers Association (ISTA) on November 13-14, 2010
at Springfield, IL.
2010
Presented workshop meant for elementary and middle school science teachers titled “Developing
Awareness of Individual Impact on the Environment Through Activities” at the National Science
Teachers Association (NSTA) conference on October 30-31, 2010 at Kansas City, Missouri.
2009
Presented workshop for elementary science teachers titled “Movement to Engage Learners for
Science” at the Illinois Science Teachers Association (ISTA) on November 13-14, 2009.
2009
Presented workshop meant for elementary and middle school science teachers titled “Walking
through Millions of Years to Teach Integrated Science” at the National Science Teachers
Association (NSTA) conference on October 30-31, 2009 at Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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2009
2008
Presented research titled “Constructivism and Meeting the Needs to Middle School Science
Teachers”. This presentation presented my research at the National Association of Gifted
Children (NAGC) held at St Louis, MO on November 5-7, 2009.
Also poster presented on “Developing effective inquiry investigations for gifted science students”
at the same conference.
Workshop presentation titled “Catch some Rays” on how varying SPF’s of sun block are able to
prevent the sun’s UV light rays damage on beads. A simulation of how UV rays impact human skin.
Presentation was at Illinois Science Teachers Association annual conference in Peoria, IL on
November 13, 2009.
2008
Workshop presentation titled “Got Milk” on how milk can be used to determine blood groups. A
simulation to demonstrate how blood groups are determined based on the presence of antigens
and antibodies. A fun and safe for students to learn how blood grouping works. Presentation was
at Illinois Science Teachers Association annual conference in Peoria, IL on November 14, 2009.
2005
Presentation for a National Curriculum Network Conference titled “Curriculum Innovation
through the Practicum Experience” March 6-8th, 2006 at College of William and Mary, Virginia,
USA
2006
Presented on “Professional Development: A recipe for Excellence” – encouraging
teachers to use differentiation in teaching science to highly able science students
at the Iowa Talented and Gifted conference ITAG in Des Monies in October 2006.
2007
Co- Presented on “TAG: You’re it” at Iowa’s Talented and Gifted Conference in Oct
2007
Presentation on “Development of practical knowledge in gifted education: Previous
experience, practicum experience, passion and reflection at National Association of Gifted
Children’s Conference ( NAGC) in Minneapolis, MN in November 2007.
2005
You’re It!” Co- Presented on the Practicum in Gifted Education with Dr. Laurie Croft presentation
at the Iowa Talented and Gifted (ITAG) Association Conference (October 4, 2004), Des Moines,
IA, USA
International Presentation
1992
Using Local Geology to Teaching Integrated Science to Middle School” Near East
South Asian Conference: Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

Non Refereed:
2011
Presented workshop on Project Wild i.e. Environment Education at Western Illinois Universities
department of Curriculum and Instruction’s Science Education Center for Pre-service elementary
education majors on March 4, 2011.
2011
Presented Workshop presentation titled “Using Fun to Teach Science: Where does the “M” go?for
Pre K -2 science teachers at the Science Update Conference at Western Illinois University’
department of curriculum and Instruction on April 15, 2011
2010
Presented workshop on Project Wet i.e. Water Education at Western Illinois Universities
department of Curriculum and Instruction’s Science Education Center for Pre-service elementary
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education majors on September 10, 2010.
2010
Workshop presentation titled “Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)” for Pre K -2
science teachers at the Science Update Conference at Western Illinois University’ department of
curriculum and Instruction on April 16, 2010
2010
Workshop presentation titled “Northern Illinois Mathematics and Science (NIMS) Workshop for inservice teachers”at Rockford, IL from June 14-18 and July 16-20, 2010 on Environmental and
Biological Science to the teachers of Rockford, IL community school district.
2010
Workshop presentation titled “Differentiation and Assessment of Instruction” at Kewanee, IL on
August 14 and 28, 2010 for in-service elementary, middle and high school teachers of Kewanee, IL
Community School district.
2010
Workshop presentation titled “Differentiation to meet the needs of ELL
students” at Kappa Delta PI, annual conference held on October 16, 2010 for in- service and
pre-service elementary, middle and high school teachers of Macomb.
2009
Workshop presentation titled “Pondering Popcorn” for Pre K -2 science teachers. Presentation
was for the Science Update Conference at Western Illinois Universities’ department of curriculum
and Instruction on April 24, 2009
2009
2009
2007
2007
Co-presented workshops on Project Wild and Project Wet at Western Illinois Universities
department of Curriculum and Instruction’s Science Education Center for Pre-service elementary
education majors on February 10, and March 12, 2009.
Co-presented workshop on Project Wild at Western Illinois University Curriculum and Instruction’s
Science Education Center on September 11, 2009
Poster Power Point Presentation on “Professional Development for Excellence” an International
Virtual Conference for Teacher Educators – It was an online Professional development
Conference originating in Israel and interacted with educators from all around the globe through
questions and discussion online through an online software called “interwise”.
Co-Presentation on “ India – a country and its education” January 30th, 2006 at the Belin-Blank
Center, College of Education, University of Iowa, USA
2001
Using Outdoor Education for promoting awareness of local responsibility
Woodstock School, India
1998
“A Study of Ferns and their Life Cycle” Woodstock School, India
1998
“Ideas to use for teaching science to middle and high school students” Kodaikanal International
School, India
1997
“Elementary Student in a Science Fair” Kodaikanal International School, India
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Professional and Academic Service:
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Regional:
2011 Science Olympiad Event Captain/Organizer/Judge for a Regional Science
Event at WIU on February 12, 2011 for Middle and High School Students at WIU
2010 Science Olympiad Event Captain/Organizer/Judge for a Regional Science
Event at WIU on February 13, 2010 for Middle and High School Students at WIU
2009 Participated in organizing and presenting small workshops for neighboring middle school
student in the Science Education Center’s Science Olympiad at Western Illinois University on
February 14, 2009
2009 to present: Reviewer for “The Journal of Elementary Science Education
2008 to present: Reviewer for “The Journal of Science Teacher Education”
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University/Department:
2010 – 2011: Chair, Scholarship Committee (C&I department, Western Illinois University)
2010 Participated in organizing and implemented the annual Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) chapter
Conference at Western Illinois University on October 16, 2010.
2009 Participated in organizing and implemented the annual Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) chapter
Conference at Western Illinois University on August 26, 2009.
2009 Part of the Search Committee at Western Illinois University to interview and select
faculty in the department of Curriculum and Instruction for Science Education
2009 – Present: Undergraduate Scholarship Committee Member (WIU)
2009 – Present: Elected President of Kappa Delta Pi International Society of Honors Education
2008 – Present: Academic Integrity Committee Member
2005 – 2006 Part of the Committee Organizing “Year of Civic Engagement” at the
Belin-Blank Center, University of Iowa,
2005-2006 The University of Iowa International Day 2006 Planning Committee
2004-2005 The University of Iowa International Day 2004 and 2005 Planning Committee
2001 – 2004: Chair Person of committee to coordinate and implement the Social activity
calendar for Middle School, Woodstock School, India
2001 – 2004: Chair Person of committee to coordinate and implement the Social activity
calendar for Middle School, Woodstock School, India
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2001-2004: Initiated the Adventure sports and Community service program for middle school
Woodstock School, India
2001: Initiated the process of induction of science into the elementary school at Woodstock.
2001-2004: Assistant and Acting Head of Middle School, Woodstock School, India
2001 –2004: Chair Person of Action Committee for sub group to seek awareness of diversity in
Woodstock School, India
2001-2004: Professional Development for teachers Committee member at Woodstock School
2001-2004: Committee for selection of prospective teaching faculty. Woodstock School, India
2001-2002: Planning Committee for the development of the Outdoor Education Center
Woodstock School, India
1997 –2004: Evaluator of Teachers in Middle school and High School
1997-2004: Head of Department of Science in the Elementary and Middle School
Woodstock School, India
1993-1995: Initiated the development of the middle school science program and a new
facility.
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Community:
2001- 2004: Part of Committee organizing Trash management at Woodstock School, Mussoorie,
India
1999- 2004: Membership of Committee, which helped plant trees in the local Community,
Mussoorie, India
1997- To present – Member of BAL Jyoti and assist with sponsoring needy students to get good
education, India
1992- 2004: Assisting Local hill schools to develop resources, curriculum and
learning with teacher professional development and provisions as needs arise. India
Grants and Special Awards:
Undergraduate:
1986-1987 College Colors for Teaching of Science in India
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Graduate:
2005 – Recipient of (First in the Nation) “FINE SCHOLAR” award from State of Iowa.
2004 – Recipient of Charles Day Scholarship and award
2001 - Erwin and Louise Wasta International Scholarship - Selection is based on promise in the student’s
chosen field
Professional Memberships/ Affiliations:
2004 –to present: National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
2005 Iowa Science Teachers Association (ISTA)
2006 – to present: National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC)
2008 – to present: Illinois Science Teachers Association (ISTA)
2009 – to present: President of - Kappa Delta Pi International Honors Society of Education (KDP)
2010 – to present: Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
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