Erica Fields has over 30 years of experience in education as a researcher, evaluator, and practitioner. She brings extensive expertise in research communication, providing clear, actionable resources for practitioners, policymakers, and families. Her work focuses on improving STEM education and early childhood learning, with particular strengths in science teaching and learning, family engagement, and expanding access to STEM career pathways. Across her research and publications, she has examined student resilience and strategies for ensuring all students receive a high-quality STEM education.

Erica contributes to large-scale program evaluations using qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to study teaching practice, professional development, and education systems. She has advanced National Science Foundation-funded research on transdisciplinary STEM learning, including projects that support teachers in integrating engineering, computer science, and life sciences through hands-on classroom experiences. As part of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Technical Assistance Resource Center team, she has developed user-friendly tools including newsletters, tip sheets, and briefs that translate research into practical strategies to strengthen home visiting services.

Erica’s additional areas of expertise include assessment design, early learning environments, out-of-school-time programs, and research instrument development. A former preschool teacher, she grounds her work in practical, evidence-based approaches to improving teaching and learning.

Erica holds an MS Ed in Early Childhood Education from the Bank Street Graduate School of Education and a BA in English from Amherst College.