Martina Nieswandt was appointed Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement in July 2017 and is working on increasing research support capacity and services, improving communication, and implementing strategic initiatives. Nieswandt served as an Associate Dean for Research and Engagement and is a professor of science education in the College of Education. Prior to joining UMass Amherst in 2011 she was associate professor of science education at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. She has also previously held faculty positions in education at the University of Toronto and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.