My research interests have always been related to teaching and learning. My primary interests are in the areas of statistics and mathematics education, particularly as that relates to both teaching and learning using technology, as well as in the online and hybrid environment. I have published research in the areas of student attitudes and learning, teacher perceptions and preparation, and gender and minority student achievement in PK-16 education.

As a teacher, research methodologist, and statistician who has taught students across many disciplinary fields, my overall teaching goal (and philosophy) is to utilize my professional and academic experiences to help prepare students to apply the methods and solve problems in their own substantive fields of study. Thus, my professional work experiences have centered around improving schools, communities, organizations, and programs using quantitative research methods. Some examples of my professional work include:

• Using research and measurement methods derived from Classical Test theory to conduct needs assessment and develop training products and assessments to enhance data literacy for the Marriott International Hotel chain employees. 
• Designing a research plan for the Mobile Public School system to evaluate the effectiveness of the “Twilight” Alternative Learning Program.
• Designing a survey and analyzing data using Excel, databases from multiple sources, and SPSS/SAS to determine the effectiveness of a Service-Learning Program for Northeast Georgia Medical Center in partnership with West Hall High school.
• Analyzing data for the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation to advance the development of persons with disabilities using descriptive data models.
• Conducting analyses using measurement methods derived from Classical Test theory, qualitative methods, descriptive statistics, and data visualizations to support the evaluation of the Superintendent, Tuscaloosa City Schools. 
• Using data visualizations to engage and educate at-risk middle school students about HIV/AIDS.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family. We love watching movies and creating/listening to music, including attending our favorite artists' live music concerts.
 

B.S. Mathematics (North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC)
M.S. Education Research, Measurement, Statistics (Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA)
Ph.D. Educational Psychology/Research, Evaluation, Measurement, Statistics (University of Georgia, Athens, GA)

Selected Publications

  • Burnham, J. J., Mills, J.D., Choi, Youn-Jeng (2019). The influence of race, gender, age, and geographic location on children’s fears. Educational Research Quarterly, 43 (2), 3-23.
  • Mills, J. D., & Holloway, C. E. (2013). The development of statistical literacy skills in the 8th grade: Exploring the TIMSS data to evaluate student learning and teacher factors in the U.S. Educational Research and Evaluation: An International Journal on Theory and Practice, 19(4), 323-345.
  • Mills, J. D., Olejnik, S. F., & Marcoulides, G. A. (2005). The TABU search procedure: An alternative to the variable selection methods. Multivariate Behavioral Research, 40(3), 351-371.
  • Olejnik, S., Mills, J., & Keselman, H. (2001). Using Wherry's adjusted r2 and Mallow's cp for model selection from all possible regressions. Journal of Experimental Education, 68(4), 365-380.
  • Mills, J., & Carter, T. (1997). SPSS 6.1.3 and 7.5 help manual: A statistical software guide for faculty and graduate students in the college of education. Athens, Georgia:  University of Georgia, Department of Educational Psychology.

Research and Statistical Methods
 

Contact


Office

Remote