Elizabeth MacTavish is a clinical assistant professor in the VolsTeach Program in the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Teaching Science from UTK in 2000. The following year, she completed a professional internship and her Masters of Science at UTK. MacTavish moved to Orlando, Florida following graduation and taught middle school science for 3 years. In 2004, she returned to Knoxville and taught science for the next 12 years at Farragut Middle School. In 2016, MacTavish completed her Ph.D. in Teacher Education with a specialty in science education. Upon graduation, she joined the TPTE faculty.

Professor MacTavish teaches several courses in the teacher licensure program including education technology, science education, and math education. She also serves as an intern supervisor supporting students as they navigate through the university and state eligibility requirements for licensure.

MacTavish’s research focuses on the science identity construction of K-12 students through the lens of their science experiences in both their personal lives and the science classroom. Her research studies have primarily targeted underrepresented groups in middle grades science with specific attention on female identity construction. Additionally, her research has revolved around recognizing successful blueprints of STEM programs in middle schools and supporting schools in the development and implementation of their own STEM programs.