Ashley Gess, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of STEM and STEAM Education at the University of South Carolina where she is Co-Coordinator of the Ed.D. in Integrated STEM Education. Gess holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Integrative STEM Education from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. Prior to working as a professor of Education, Gess spent 15 years in the K-16 science classroom as a Chemistry teacher and Biology professor.