Rodney L. Doran

DORAN - Rodney L. Of Snyder, entered into rest July 24, 2019. Beloved husband of Winifred P. (nee Pulver) Doran; devoted father of James (Mary Ellen) Doran, Michael (Amy) Doran and Robert (Siobhan) Doran; cherished grandfather of James, Andrew, Derek, Emily, Anna and Tyler; dear brother of Myrna Doran and the late Jo Ann Svendsen. Relatives and friends may visit the lombardo Funeral home (Snyder Chapel), 4614 Main St., near Harlem Rd., on Thursday, (August 1st) from 3-7 PM for a gathering in Rodney's memory. A Funeral Service will be held at Crossroads Lutheran Church, 4640 Main St., Amherst on Friday morning, (August 2nd), at 10 o'clock (please assemble at church). Rodney was a US Army Veteran. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Rod Doran Legacy Scholarship Fund, PO Box 730 Buffalo, NY 14226. Rodney L. Doran, 79, UB professor who made science classes more exciting Aug. 31, 1939 July 24, 2019 Rodney L. Doran, a professor emeritus in the University at Buffalo School of Education who was recognized nationally for his efforts to make science classes more exciting, died July 24 in Eldwerood at Williamsville. He was 79. At UB, Professor Doran was best known for his role in developing the annual Science Exploration Day, held during spring break, which brings more than 1,000 area high school students to campus for a day of innovative, hands-on experiences. He established and directed a pair of summer programs, the six-week Science Research Institute and the three-week UB/Buffalo Public Schools Summer Science Institute, in which select groups of students work closely on projects with UB professors. He also created the New York State Summer Institute for Science and Math and the New Physics Teacher Institute. In addition to improving teaching methods, he upgraded ways of determining how well science students were learning. He evaluated science teaching in countries around the world. He was associate director for the American participation in the Second IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement) Science Study in the 1980s, which assessed student laboratory skills. He established the Science Assessment Liaison Network and developed resources for the State Education Department and the National Opinion Research Center. He also helped the Bureau of Science Education develop assessments for fourth and eighth grade New York State science tests. Born in Newfolden, in the northwest corner of Minnesota, he earned a bachelors degree in physics and mathematics from the University of Minnesota in 1961. A member of the universitys Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served on active duty with the Air Defense Artillery. He taught high school science in Minnesota for two years, then completed a masters degree for teachers in physics at Cornell University in 1966. After receiving his doctorate in science education at the University of Wisconsin in 1969, he joined the faculty at UB. His many honors included the SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1998. He also received an Outstanding Service Award to Science Education from the New York State Science Supervisors Association and was named Outstanding Science Educator by the Association of Education for Teachers in Science. Professor Doran was the author or co-author of more than 15 books, several book chapters and more than 70 research articles. He directed or helped lead numerous grant projects. After he retired in 2003, he developed a set of Grandpa Science Activities, which he took to his grandchildrens schools. He was a member of several professional organizations, including the Science Teachers Association of New York State, the National Association for Research in Science Teaching and the Western New York Science Liaison Network. He also was a past president of WNY STEM Hub and was an emeritus board member. A Snyder resident, he enjoyed golf and tennis and was a deacon at Ascension Lutheran Church in Snyder. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, the former Winifred Pulver; three sons, James R., Michael E. and Robert L.; a sister, Myrna M.; and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, in Crossroads Lutheran Church, 4640 Main St., Snyder.