Headshot of Heather Barker

Heather Barker

Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics

Department: Mathematics and Statistics

Office and address: Duke, Office 201B 2320 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Phone number: (336) 278-6244

Brief Biography

Heather Barker taught as an adjunct at Elon in Fall 2015 - Spring 2017, before leaving to pursue her PhD. She rejoined the faculty as a lecturer in Fall 2020. She is currently an Assitant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics.

Heather is originally from Caswell County N.C. where she still resides on her family's farm. 

Heather earned her B.S. in Mathematics from Meredith College in Raleigh N.C.  She earned her M.A. in Pure Mathematics from U.N.C. Greensboro.  Her master's thesis is titled Model of Kleptoparasitism in the Onthophagus Taurus:  When to Enter and Leave a Dung Pat. She completed her PhD in Learning and Teaching in STEM Education from NC State University, with a focus on Statistics Education. Her dissertation was titled Motivation, Engagement, and Professional Growth of Participants in Online Professional Development for Statistics Educators under the direction of Dr. Hollylynne Lee.

 

News & Notes

Education

B.S. Mathematics - Meredith College, Raleigh N.C.

M.A. Pure Mathematics - University of North Carolina Greensboro - Greensboro, NC

PhD Learning and Teaching in STEM Education/Mathematics and Statistics Educatioin - NC State University, Raleigh, NC

Courses Taught

EDU4220 - Methods for Middle Grade/Secondary MathematicsTeachers

STS 1100 - Introduction to Statistical Reasoning

STS 2120 - Statistics in Application

STS2320 - Statistical Modeling

MTH1150 - Calculus I

MTH2080 - Number and Algebra for K-8 Teachers

MTH2090 - Geometry and Data for K-8 Teachers

MTH3080 - Mathematics and Statistics for Middle Grades/Secondary Teachers

MTH3090 - 21st Century Technology for Teaching Mathematics and Statistics

Leadership Positions

Committee Chair for the Mathematics and Statistics Department Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force

STS1100 Coordinator

Research

  • Professional Development for Pre-service/In-service Mathematics Teachers to teach statistics
  • Statistics education
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion in statistics courses
  • Social Justice for Statistics pedagogy

Publications

Barker, H., Doehler, K., & Walters, J. (2025). Diversity, equity, and inclusion in introductory statistics courses: Results from a national survey. Journal of Statistics and Data Science Education, https://doi.org/10.1080/26939169.2025.2526628

Barker, H. (2025). Data investigation process for teaching statistics for social justice. Proceedings of the International Association of Statistics Education Roundtable Conference, Auckland, New Zealand. https://doi.org/10.52041/iase24.402

Barker, H., Lee, H., Anderson, R., & Kellogg, S. (2024). The viability of topic modeling to identify participant motivation for enrolling in online professional development. Online Learning Journal, 28(1), 175-195. Link

Barker, H. & Elrod, E. (2023). An analysis of K-8 pre-service teachers as data storytellers. Proceedings of the International Association of Statistics Education (IASE). Toronto, Canada. Link

Doehler, K. & Barker, H. (2022). Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives inventory for introductory college statistics courses. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Teaching Statistics.

Barker, H. & Doehler, K. (2021). Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the statistics classroom. Blog published on StatTLC: Statistics Teaching and Learning Corner website. https://stattlc.com/2021/11/09/promoting-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-statistics-classroom/

Casey, S., Hudson, R., Harrison, T., Barker, H., & Draper, J. (2020). Preservice teachers’ design of technology-enhanced statistical tasks. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 20(2).

Mojica, G. F., Barker, H., & Azmy, C. N. (2019). Instrumented learning in a CODAP-enabled learning environment. In J. M. Contreras, M. M. Gea, M. M. López-Martín & E. Molina (Eds.), Proceedings of the Third International Virtual Congress on Statistical Education.

Barker, H., Broom, M., & Rychtár, J. (2012). A game theoretic model of parasitism with strategic arrivals and departures of beetles at dung pats. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 300, 292-298.

Presentations

National/International

  • Bussberg, N., VanKrevelen, R., & Barker, H. (July, 2025). Exploring alternative grading models for teaching statistics. A breakout session at the United States Conference on Teaching Statistics, at the University of Iowa, Ames.
  • Doehler, K. & Barker, H., (July, 2025). A Statistics Lab Analyzing Civil War Data to Foster DEI and Social Justice Discussions. A poster presentation at the United States Conference on Teaching Statistics, at the University of Iowa, Ames.
  • Barker, H., Druken, B., Erickson, T., & Cantwell, L. (July, 2025). Empowering Students Through Data: Teaching socially relevant statistics with CODAP. A day long workshop at the United States Conference on Teaching Statistics, at the University of Iowa, Ames.
  • Barker, H., VanKrevelen, R., & Bussberg, N. (June, 2025). Lessons Learned Using Different Alternative Grading Methods in Statistics Courses. A virtual poster presentation at The Grading Conference, a national conference held online hosted by the Center for Grading Reform.
  • Barker, H. (March, 2025). A Pedagogical Approach for Teaching Statistics for Social Justice. A presentation at the International Consortium for Research in Science and Mathematics Education Consultation, in Valladolid, Mexico.
  • Barker, H. (July, 2024). Data Investigation Process for Teaching Statistics for Social Justice. A presentation at the International Association of Statistics Education Routable Conference in Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Elrod, E. & Barker, H. (February, 2024). Data Storytelling in a K-8 Preservice Mathematics Content Course. A presentation at the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Conference in Orlando, FL.
  • Doehler, K. & Barker, H. (July, 2023). Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives inventory for introductory college statistics courses. A poster session at the International Association of Statistics Education (IASE). Toronto, Canada.
  • Barker, H. & Elrod, E. (July, 2023). An analysis of K-8 pre-service teachers as data storytellers. A research presentation at the International Association of Statistics Education (IASE). Toronto, Canada.
  • Barker, H. & Elrod, E. (June, 2023). Developing data storytellers using story builder in CODAP. A breakout session at United States Conference on Teaching Statistics, Penn. State University, PA.
  • VanKrevelen, R., Dellinger, A., Barker, H., & Weaver, M. (June, 2023). A multi-instructor creation and implementation of a free question bank for introductory statistics. A poster presentation at United States Conference on Teaching Statistics, Penn. State University, PA.
  • Barker, H. & Bussberg, N. (June, 2023). Alternative grading practices for statistics courses. A poster presentation at United States Conference on Teaching Statistics, Penn. State University, PA.
  • Doehler, K. & Barker, H. (September, 2022). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Inventory for Introductory College Statistics Courses. Presentation at the 11th International Conference on Teaching Statistics in Rosario, Argentina.
  • Choplin, O, Auditori, J., Barker, H., & Wittstein, M. (June, 2022). Workshop: Speed Teaching with Ungraders: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Alternative Grading Practices. Presentation at Elon’s 18th Teaching and Learning Conference.
  • Barker, H. & Doehler, K. (February, 2022). Student Led Classroom Discussions on Current News Articles Focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Issues. Presentation at the 2022 NC PKAL Regional Network Meeting: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in STEM: Practical Applications in the Classroom, NC A&T University and UNC Greensboro. Virtual
  • Mojica, G., Barker, H., Azmy, C., & Lee, H.S. (October, 2021). Learning to Make Sense of Data in a CODAP-enabled Learning Environment: Interactions Matter. Presentation at the Psychology of Mathematics Education – North America Chapter, Philadelphia, PA, Virtual.
  • Barker, H., Mojica, G., Hollebrands, K. (July, 2021). Participants’ Patterns of Interaction Within and Across Social Networks in a Massive Open Online Course for Educators. Presentation at the International Congress on Mathematical Education, Shanghai, China, Virtual.
  • Doehler, K. & Barker, H. (June, 2021). Infusing Activities Centered Around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into Statistics Courses. Poster Presentation at the United States Conference on Teaching Statistics, Virtual.
  • Hudson, R., Casey, S., Barker, H., & Harrison, T.R. (February 2020, accepted). Preservice Teachers’ Design of Technology-Enhanced Statistical Tasks. Session at the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Conference, Phoenix, AZ.
  • Harrison, T.R. & Barker, H. (May 2019). AP Statistics Teaching Survey. Poster session at the United States Conference on Teaching Statistics, State College, PA.
  • Barker, H., Harrison, T.R., Hudson, R., Lee, H., Mojica, G., & Mutlu, A. (May 2019). Supporting Inferential Reasoning Through Modeling, Simulation, and Argumentation. Session at the United States Conference on Teaching Statistics, State College, PA.
  • Azmy, C. N., Mojica, G. F., & Barker, H. (April 2019). Modeling real world scenarios using simulation to promote inferential reasoning. Presentation at the annual National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference, San Diego, CA.
  • Lee, H. S., Mojica, G. F., Azmy, C. N., & Barker, H. (April 2019). How a MOOC for educators can make a large impact. Presentation at the annual National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Research Conference, San Diego, CA.
  • Mojica, G., Lee, H., Mutlu, A., Barker, H., & Azmy, C. (February 2019). Designing and Implementing Micro-credentials to Support Teachers’ Learning. Session at the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Conference, Orlando, FL.
  • Casey, S., Hudson, R., Lee, H., Mojica, G., Azmy, C., Barker, H., & Harrison, T. (February 2019). Teaching Teachers to Lead Statistical Investigations with Technology. Session at the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Conference, Orlando, FL
  • VanKrevelen, R., Taylor, L., & Barker, H. (May 2017). Extending hands-on activities using Statcrunch to teach statistical inference. Poster session at the United States Conference on Teaching Statistics, State College, PA.
  • Sallee, L., Barker, H., Pemberton, M., Mosby, B., & Lee, M.O. (November 2014). Project ACCCESS: How its influence extends beyond the cohort. Session at the 40th annual Association of Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges, Nashville, TN.

 

State/Regional

  • Barker, H. (February, 2025). W.E.B. DuBois’ Data Portraits: Visualizing Black America: The Color Line at the Turn of the Twentieth Century. A presentation at the Black Solidarity Conference at Elon University, in Elon, North Carolina.
  • Barker, H. (November, 2024). From Numbers to Narratives: Using Digital Tools to Foster Data Storytelling in Statistics Classes. A presentation at the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
  • Barker, H. (March, 2025). Uncovering Patterns: Teaching Statistics Through Socially Relevant Historical Data. A presentation at the North Carolina Mathematics Association of Two Year Colleges in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
  • Barker, H. & Elrod, E. (November, 2023). Using AI in Math Education. An invited discussion session at the AMTE-NC Meeting at the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference in Winston-Salem, NC.
  • Barker, H. (November, 2023). Teaching Statistics for Social Justice. A presentation at the AAC&U Transforming STEM in Higher Education Conference, Arlington, Virginia.
  • Barker, H. & Mutlu, A. (March, 2023). Developing data story tellers using story builder. North Carolina Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, Raleigh, NC.
  • Barker, H. (March, 2023). Teaching statistics for social justice. North Carolina Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, Raleigh, NC.
  • Choplin, O, Auditori, J., Barker, H., & Wittstein, M. (June, 2022). Workshop: Speed Teaching with Ungraders: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Alternative Grading Practices. Presentation at Elon’s 18th Teaching and Learning Conference.
  • Barker, H. & Weaver, M. (February, 2022). Data Exploration with CODAP, A Free Statistics Tool. Presentation at the 2022 NC Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference, held virtually this year.
  • Barker, H. (March, 2021). Data, data everywhere…But how do I find it? Presentation at the NC Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges, Virtual.
  • Barker, H. (March, 2021). Using the Sampler in CODAP for Inference Investigations. Presentation at the NC Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges, Virtual.
  • Barker, H. & Mojica, G. (August 2019). Using Web-based Technology Tools to Teach Statistics and Data Science in Schools. Session at the NC State Secondary Math and Science Summit 2019, Raleigh, NC.
  • Barker, H. & Harrison, T. (March 2019). Statistics simulations using hands-on manipulatives and CODAP. Presentation at the North Carolina Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges, Caldwell Community College, NC.
  • Azmy, C., Barker, H., Mojica, G., & Lee, H. (November 2018) Task Design for Statistical Habits of Mind. Session at the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference, Greensboro, NC.
  • Mojica, G., Barker, H., & Azmy, C. (August 2018) Statistics and Data Science in Schools with Online Visualization Tools. Session at the NC State Secondary Math and Science Summit 2018, Raleigh, NC.
  • Lee, H. & Barker, H. (May 2018). Building Learning Opportunities for Future Statisticians and Data Scientists. Invited talk at Electronic Conference on Teaching Statistics local session at Elon University, Elon, NC.
  • Barker, H. & Lee, H. (April 2018). Identifying Discussion Board Behaviors of Actively Engaged Course Completers in two Successive Statistics Education MOOCs, Annual STEM Education Graduate Research Symposium, Raleigh NC.
  • Barker, H. (March 2015). AMATYC's Project ACCCESS: An opportunity for new instructors, Presentation at the North Carolina Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges, Pitt Community College, NC.
  • Barker, H. (March 2013). Becoming and Being a Project ACCCESS Fellow, Presentation at the North Carolina Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges Conference, Haywood Community College, NC.

Service Activities

Semora Volunteer Fire Department Treasurer 

Awards

  • Concord Consortium Tinker Fellowship ($5000)             2022