Nimisha H. Patel

Professor and Assistant Dean, Teacher Education Division

313-577-3886

Office Hours: By Appointment

241 Education Building

Nimisha H. Patel

Degrees and Certifications

Doctorate of Philosophy, Arizona State University, Educational Psychology
Masters of Education, Arizona State University, Educational Psychology
Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan, English Literature
State of Michigan, Secondary Education Certification (7-12), English & Psychology, University of Michigan

Biography

Dr. Nimisha Patel is the Assistant Dean of the Teacher Education Division in the COE. Dr. Patel was raised in the Detroit area; joining WSU provided her the opportunity to ‘return home’. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in English Literature and Secondary Education, Dr. Patel took a position as a middle school English teacher in Detroit Public Schools. She went on to earn a master’s and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Arizona State University. Her first academic appointment was as Assistant Professor in the Teacher Education Department at Wright State University in Dayton, OH. After being promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure, then to Professor, Dr. Patel was asked to serve as Department Chair. She remained Chair for over 5 years. Subsequently, she was hired as Department Chair of the Secondary and Middle Grades Education Department at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA. She served in this position for two years, before leaving to join Wayne State University in July of 2023.

With respect to her research, Dr. Patel has focused on high school student engagement (cognitive, behavioral, and emotional) in the context of various types of ‘STEM Education’ experiences (STEM programs, STEM schools, etc.). Additionally, she has utilized her evaluation expertise to serve as the lead or co-lead external evaluator on various grants totaling almost $4,000,000. In addition to her research and her extensive engagement in service activities, Nimisha has a tremendous value of pedagogical expertise and high-quality teaching. Her focus on student-centeredness, reflective process, best-practices, etc. has led to 5 Teaching Excellence Awards.

Awards

Excellence in Internal Support: College of Education and Human Services, Wright State University (2019)
Excellence in Scholarship: College of Education and Human Services, Wright State University (2013)
Faculty Excellence in Teaching: Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (2010)
Excellence in Teaching: College of Education and Human Services, Wright State University (2009)
Excellence in Teaching with Writing: Wright State University (2007)
Teaching Excellence: Arizona State University Graduate and Professional Students Association (2005)
Guest Coach Award: Arizona State University Athletic Department (2005)

Grants

Program: Expanding Prevention in Montgomery County Schools
PI: Nimisha H. Patel
Period: July 2017-June 2018
Amount: $539,914
Agency: Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board

Program: The Effect of Student Engagement on Student Achievement in STEM: Implications for Public Policy for High School STEM Education
PI: Nimisha H. Patel
Period: August 2012 – August 2013 (Timeframe Extended to 2014)
Amount: $134, 896
Agency: Ohio Education Research Center

Program: College Ready STEM Demonstration Grant
PI: M. Suzanne Franco
Co-PIs: Nimisha H. Patel & Jill Lindsey
Period: January 2011 – June 2011
Amount: $266,381
Agency: Ohio Board of Regents

Publications

Select Publications

Patel, N. H., Franco, M. S., & Daniel, L. G. (2019). Student engagement and achievement: A comparison of STEM Schools, STEM Programs, and non-STEM Settings. Research in the Schools, 26(1), 1-11.

Stevens, S., & Patel, N. H. (2015). Modeling generativity and social capital through parent involvement in middle school. School Community Journal, 25(1), 157-174.

Franco, S., & Patel, N. H. (2013). STEM schools: Facilitating student engagement and college readiness. In M.M. Capraro, R.M. Capraro, & C.W. Lewis (Eds.), Improving urban schools: Equity and access in K-16 STEM education for all students (pp. 7-24). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.

Patel, N., Franco, M. S., Miura, Y., & Boyd, B. (2012). Including curriculum focus in mathematics professional development for middle school mathematics teachers. School Science and Mathematics, 112(5), 300-309.

Courses taught by Nimisha H. Patel

Winter Term 2025 (future)

Recent university news spotlights

Wayne State University College of Education to host inaugural Educators Rising Michigan Conference and Competition

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