Dr. Jessica Gladstone is an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on understanding how social and contextual factors shape the development of achievement motivation, particularly within STEM education. She uses both quantitative and qualitative methods, drawing on theoretical frameworks such as situated expectancy-value theory, social cognitive theory, and mindset theory. Dr. Gladstone takes a developmental approach, examining motivation and engagement among students as early as PreK and all the way through college. Her work aims to generate practical insights for designing learning environments that support motivation, persistence, and belonging for all students. Through partnerships with schools and educational organizations, she strives to bridge research and practice to support equitable learning experiences in STEM and beyond.