Michael P. Mastroianni is a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Theory & Practice at the University at Albany, State University of New York. In addition to his work with the National Study of Writing Instruction, his research has focused on both physics education and elementary science instruction, which he has presented at various conferences and colloquia. He participated in the Sandra K. Abell Research Institute for Doctoral Students sponsored by the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, and was the recipient of the 2012 Dr. H. Craig Sipe Science Education Award from the University at Albany. Recently, Mastroianni interned at the New York State Education Department in the Office of College and University Evaluation.