Peer Reviewed Publications
*Denotes scientific research **Denotes education research and Broader Impacts
2026
1. Ivory III, A. A., Ville-Veikko, Killingsworth, S., and Donovan, V. M. Integrating scientific tools into K-12 education: Activities, technologies, and partnerships. In Press.. EDIS. **
2. Wusylko, C., Still, R., Antonenko, P. D., Abramowitz, B., Perez, V., Waisome, J., Killingsworth, S., and MacFadden, B. Exploring bias and building AI models: Data science for middle schoolers. Science Scope. **
2025
3. MacFadden, B. J., Barberis, C., Vallejo-Pareja, M. C., Zbinden, S. P., Perez, V. J., Killingsworth, S. R., Marks, K., Hall, D., and Porto, A. AI and paleontology: Effects of vertebrate fossil sample sizes on machine learning image classification. Paleobiology. *
4. Killingsworth, S., MacFadden, B., Moran, S. M., Perez, V. J., Pirlo, J., and Ziegler, M. Marine strontium isotopes preserved in fossil shark teeth calibrate Neogene land mammal evolution. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. *
5. Wusylko, C., Antonenko, P., Abramowitz, B., Waisome, J., Perez, V., Killingsworth, S., and MacFadden, B. Supporting teachers to integrate AI and computer science through SharkAI: A middle school computer science and paleontology curriculum. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education. **
2024
6. MacFadden, B. J., Bohaska, D., Cone, L., Killingsworth, S. R., Zbinden, S. P., Moran, S. M., and Perez, V. J. Early Miocene land mammals and chronology of the Belgrade Formation, eastern North Carolina. Journal of Paleontology. *
7. Abramowitz, B., Ennes, M., Antonenko, P., and Killingsworth, S. A narrative inquiry into teacher efficacy for teaching climate science with technology in a scientist-teacher partnership program. The Journal of Environmental Education. **
2023
8. Killingsworth, S. and MacFadden, B. Species occurrences of Late Miocene horses (Equidae) from Florida: Sampling, ecology, or both?. Paleobiology. *
2021
9. Abramowitz, B., Ennes, M., Killingsworth, S., Antonenko, P., MacFadden, B., and Ivory, A. Science in school: Transforming K-12 outreach through scientist teacher partnerships. Journal of STEM Outreach. **
2020
10. MacFadden, B. J., Pirlo, J., Abramowitz, B., Killingsworth, S., and Ziegler, M. Authentic field experiences for STEM teachers: Collecting Florida fossils. Florida Association of Science Teachers. **
Popular Articles
2025
Killingsworth, S. and MacFadden, B. Fossil shark teeth are abundant and can date the past in a unique way. The Conversation.
2024
Killingsworth, S. and MacFadden, B. Horses lived in the Americas for millions of years – new research helps paleontologists understand the fossils we've found and those that are missing from the record. The Conversation.
Conferences & Speaking Engagements
1. Killingsworth, S., 2026. From Pixels to Morphospace: Interpretable Deep Learning Reveals Paleopopulation Structure and Evolutionary Variation in Neogene Horses (Family Equidae). SVP Conference, Cleveland, Ohio. Romer Prize Session
2. Killingsworth, S., 2026. Using Machine Learning Models to Assess Variation in Fossilized Horse Teeth for Species Classification in Education. SVP Conference, Cleveland, Ohio. (with Broo, J., Neilson, A., & Wusylko, C.)
3. Killingsworth, S., 2026. Museums as Resources for Rural Education. Southwest Regional Community Engagement Consortium Convening. El Paso, Texas. Invited Panelist
4. Killingsworth, S., 2025. Detecting Macroevolutionary Transitions in Neogene Fossil Horses. Florida Museum of Natural History. Invited Lightning Talk
5. Killingsworth, S., 2025. A Trail Ride Through Time: Epic Adventures and Neogene Horse Evolution. University of California, Berkeley. Invited Talk
6. Killingsworth, S., 2025. Exploring Student Self-Efficacy in AI Through Model Building Artifacts. American Society of Engineering Education. (with Haire, G., Antonenko, P., Wusylko, C., Abramowitz, B., Waisome, J., Jones, D., MacFadden, B., & Perez, V.)
7. Killingsworth, S., 2025. One Teacher's Experience Adapting an Innovative, Flexible Computer Vision Curriculum in a Science Classroom. American Society of Engineering Education. (with Wusylko, C., Still, R., Antonenko, P., Abramowitz, B., Perez, V., Waisome, J., & MacFadden, B.)
8. Killingsworth, S., 2025. Black Middle Schoolers' Artificial Intelligence Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectations in a Summer STEM Camp. AERA Annual Meeting. Denver, Colorado. (with Opoku, R., Jones, T., Haire, G., Wusylko, C., Lin, C. H., Adhami, N., MacFadden, B., Waisome, J., Perez, V., Abramowitz, B., King, N., & Antonenko, P.)
9. Killingsworth, S., 2025. Exploring Black Girls' Sources of Self-Efficacy for Artificial Intelligence During an Informal Learning Experience. AERA Annual Meeting. Denver, Colorado. (with Jones, T., Opoku, R., Haire, G., Wusylko, C., Lin, C. H., Adhami, N., MacFadden, B., Waisome, J., Perez, V., Abramowitz, B., & Antonenko, P.)
10. Killingsworth, S., 2025. Secondary Students' Outcome Expectations for AI: A Social Cognitive Career Theory Perspective. AERA Annual Meeting. Denver, Colorado. (with Haire, G., Jones, T., Opoku, R., Wusylko, C., Lin, C. H., Adhami, N., MacFadden, B., Waisome, J., Perez, V., Abramowitz, B., & Antonenko, P.)
11. Killingsworth, S., 2024. Harnessing Machine Learning to Detect Macroevolutionary Transitions in Neogene Fossil Horses (Family Equidae) in North America. SVP Conference. Minneapolis, Minnesota.
12. Killingsworth, S., 2024. The Shark AI Project: Utilizing Paleontology to Catalyze Learning About Artificial Intelligence. GSA Conference. Anaheim, California. (with Perez, V., MacFadden, B. J., Antonenko, P., Waisome, J., Abramowitz, B., & Vallejo-Pareja, M.)
13. Killingsworth, S., 2024. Supporting Teachers to Integrate AI and Computer Science Through SharkAI: A Middle School Computer Science and Paleontology Curriculum. SITE Interactive. Online. (with Wusylko, C., Antonenko, P., Abramowitz, B., Waisome, J., Perez, V., & MacFadden, B.)
14. Killingsworth, S., 2023. Geochemistry of Fossil Shark Teeth as Age Proxies for Neogene Sites of Florida. GSA Conference. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
15. Killingsworth, S. & MacFadden, B., 2023. Species Occurrences of Late Miocene Horses (Equidae) from Florida: Sampling, Ecology, or Both? SVP Conference. Cincinnati, Ohio.
16. Killingsworth, S., 2023. Fossil Shark Teeth Activate Engagement and Learning About AI in Florida Public Middle Schools. SVP Conference. Cincinnati, Ohio. (with MacFadden, B., Antonenko, P., Perez, V., Abramowitz, B., & Parnell, D.)
17. Killingsworth, S., 2023. Chewing on Change: Training the Next Generation of Science Communicators. SVP Conference. Cincinnati, Ohio. (with Sharma, D., Bokor, J., Pirlo, J., & Abramowitz, B.)
18. Killingsworth, S., Abramowitz, B., MacFadden, B., Carter, K., & Pirlo, J., 2022. Bringing Florida Museum of Natural History 3D Collections into K-12 Schools to Teach About Adaptations, Evolution, and Climate Change. SPNHC Conference. Edinburgh, Scotland.
19. Killingsworth, S., 2022. Integrating AI and Machine Learning into the Teaching of Paleontology Using Fossil Shark Teeth in Middle Schools. AI in Education Mini-Symposium. Gainesville, Florida. (with MacFadden, B., Antonenko, P., Magruder, J., Perez, V., & Abramowitz, B.)
20. Killingsworth, S., 2021. Implementing Machine Learning and AI to Advance Science Curriculum. Florida Association of Science Teachers. St. Augustine, Florida. (with Abramowitz, B.)
21. Killingsworth, S., 2021. The Water that Connects Us. Florida Association of Science Teachers. St. Augustine, Florida. (with Ivory, A. & Abramowitz, B.)
22. Killingsworth, S., 2021. Engaging Scientists in Outreach to Support Florida Teachers. Southeast Association of Science Teacher Education. Tampa, Florida. (with Abramowitz, B., Ennes, M., Antonenko, P., MacFadden, B., & Ivory, A.)
23. Killingsworth, S., 2021. Program Updates From the Scientist in Every Florida School. Florida Association of Science Supervisors. Miami, Florida. (with MacFadden, B.)
24. Killingsworth, S., 2021. Structuring an Authentic Teacher Professional Development Experience. UF College of Education Research Symposium. Gainesville, Florida. (with Abramowitz, B., MacFadden, B. J., Pirlo, J., & Ziegler, M.)
25. Killingsworth, S., Abramowitz, B., & Valle-Levinson, A., 2020. Exploring Air, Water, Land and Life with Scientist in Every Florida School. Florida Association of Science Teachers. Virtual.
26. Killingsworth, S., 2020. TESI and Scientist in Every Florida School. Fall 2020 Geology Seminar Series. University of Florida. Gainesville, Florida. (with MacFadden, B. & Abramowitz, B.)
27. Killingsworth, S. & Abramowitz, B., 2019. K-12 Outreach, Moonshot Project. Broader Impacts of Science on Society Graduate Course. University of Florida. Gainesville, Florida.
28. Killingsworth, S., 2018. Scientist in Every Florida School and Teacher Experiences. Florida Association of Science Supervisors. (with MacFadden, B.)
29. Killingsworth, S. & Bokor, J., 2016. Summer Science Institute at CPET in Gainesville. Palm Beach County STEM Initiative Learning Showcase. West Palm Beach, Florida.
30. Killingsworth, S., 2016. Experimental Science and Engineering and Design Lab/Project. Creativity Fest. West Palm Beach, Florida.
31. Killingsworth, S., 2015. Translating the GABI-RET Experience into the Middle School Classroom. 2015 PCP PIRE/GABI RET/FOSSIL Collaborative Field Conference. Gainesville, Florida.
Grants, Leadership, & Outreach
NAS Inspire Award
$5,000 · 2025
ECR Fellows to Connect with K-12 Students in the Gulf Region
Bureau of Land Management Subaward
$12,959 · 2025
Your Public Lands at Risk — Archaeological Exploration of the Jupiter Inlet and Lighthouse
Dickinson Fund
$21,000 · 2024
Florida Museum of Natural History Vertebrate Paleontology
Senior Personnel Subaward | NSF CAREER #AWD16116
$48,128 · 2024
An Integrated Trustworthy AI Research and Education Framework for Modeling Human Behavior in Climate Disasters. | Grant Total: $501,181 | P.I. Zhao, X. | UF Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment
Senior Personnel Subaward | NSF#DBI-2320251
$118,170 · 2023
BII: Polyploidy: Integration Across Scales and Biological Systems. | Grant Total: $12,667,073 | P.I. Soltis, P. & others | UF Department of Natural History
Senior Personnel Subaward | NSF#AWD12799
$13,214 · 2022
Research Infrastructure: Moving and Improving the Florida Museum Fish Collection. | Grant Total: $695,318 |P.I. Page, L. | UF Department of Natural History-Ichthyology
Senior Personnel Subaward | NSF#2147625
$152,830 · 2022
Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST). DTI: Teaching Middle School Students Machine Learning Concepts and Applications in Science with Fossil Shark Teeth. | Grant Total: $1,275,109 | P.I. MacFadden, B. & Others | UF Department of Natural History
Paleontological Society and Alachua School District
$5,500 · 2022
Chewing on Change: Bringing Fossil Horses into Title I Schools to Learn About Macroevolution
Senior Personnel Subaward | NSF#2114833
$80,132 · 2021
Intramembrane Proteolysis in Regulation of the Rice Receptor Kinase XA21. | Grant Total: $945,996 | P.I. Song, W. Y.
Surface 71
$15,000 · 2018
Palm Beach Philanthropy Tank
Professional Development K-12 Program Initiatives
Modeling Human Behavior in Climate Disasters Using Artificial Intelligence
2026–2027
Killingsworth, S., Zhao, X.
Experimental Design Using Robotic Fish
2026–2027
Killingsworth, S., Musgrave, P.
Archaeological Exploration of the Jupiter Inlet
2026–2027
Killingsworth, S., Neilson, A.
Chewing on Change — Using Machine Learning Models to Assess Variation in Fossilized Horse Teeth for Species Classification
2026
Killingsworth, S., Neilson, A., & Wusylko, C.
Ecological Competition Between Invasive and Native Species
2025
Killingsworth, S., Xue, B., & Leibold, M.
BII: Polyploidy: Integration Across Scales and Biological Systems
2025–2028
Killingsworth, S., Soltis, P., & Soltis, D.
Research Infrastructure: Moving and Improving the Florida Museum Fish Collection
2023–2024
Killingsworth, S., & Ennes, M.
Chewing on Change: Bringing Fossil Horses into Title I Schools to Learn About Macroevolution
2022
Killingsworth, S., Abramowitz, B., Bokor, J., Pirlo, J., & MacFadden, B.
SEFS Cohort I–IV: AI Learning in K-12 with Fossil Sharks
2022–2025
Killingsworth, S., Abramowitz, B., MacFadden, B., Antonenko, P., & Waisome, J.
SEFS Cohorts I–IV: Plant Pathology Professional Development for High School Teachers
2022–2025
Killingsworth, S., Song, W. Y.
SEFS Paleo PD
2022
Killingsworth, S., Abramowitz, B., Pirlo, J., & MacFadden, B.
Adaptations, Evolution, and Climate Change Miami-Dade Teacher Professional Development
2022
Killingsworth, S., Abramowitz, B., Carter, K., & MacFadden, B.
The Hydrosphere Summer Professional Development for Teachers
2021
Killingsworth, S., & Abramowitz, B.
SEFS Paleo PD
2021
Killingsworth, S., Abramowitz, B., Pirlo, J., & MacFadden, B.
The Nature of Science Summer Professional Development for Teachers
2020
Killingsworth, S., & Abramowitz, B.
World Wetlands January Summit Teacher Professional Development
2020
Killingsworth, S., Abramowitz, B., & MacFadden, B.
Florida Association of Science Teachers Conference: The Case of Coral
2019
Killingsworth, S.
Connections to the Biosphere Summer Professional Development
2019
Killingsworth, S., Abramowitz, B., Pirlo, J., & MacFadden, B.
SEFS Montbrook Dig Experience Professional Development
2019
Killingsworth, S., Abramowitz, B., Pirlo, J., & MacFadden, B.
Outreach & Service
Scientist Outreach
2019–Present
Scientist in Every Florida School
Non-Profit Volunteer
2025–Present
Big Dog Ranch Rescue
Museum Mentorship & Leadership
Mentoring & Supervising
2025
Graduate Student Alexa Neilson
Mentoring Undergraduate Student
2023
Undergraduate Student Sam Zbinden
Selection Committee Member
2023
VP Assistant Curator for the Florida Museum of Natural History
Education Mentorship & Leadership
Presidential Award of Excellence in Math & Science Teaching Judge
2020–2022
Florida Association of Science Teachers (FAST) Area 10 Director
2019–2022
National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) SE Representative
2019–2022
Journal Reviews
Manuscript Reviewer — Springer PalZ Journal
2026
Manuscript Reviewer — Paleobiology
2025
Manuscript Reviewer — Journal of Paleontology
2023
Professional Membership
Paleontological Society
Society for Vertebrate Paleontology
Association for Women Geoscientists
Northern Florida Chapter
Geological Society of America
American Alliance of Museums