Kristy Mardis received her B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics from Augustana University in Rock Island, IL and her Ph.D. in Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin, Madison (1998). She spent two years as a post-doctoral fellow at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. She is a Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair at Chicago State University, a public, primarily black institution with a focus on undergraduate education. Mardis' research interests are focused on using computational tools to understand electron transfer processes in solar and hydrogen fuel systems.

For the past 20 years, Mardis has used POGIL and guided inquiry activities in general and physical chemistry lecture and laboratory. She and Dr. Andrea Van Duzor have worked to write and pilot polymer focused POGIL laboratory activities incorporating student voices in the design and revision process of the activity construction. She has led several POGIL eSeries events on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. She has also worked with the the POGIL Addressing Equity Strategic Plan Working Group to share best practices for improving group dynamics through addressing DEIB issues.