William F. McComas served as an associate professor in the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California, where he directed the science education programs. During his tenure at USC, he founded the Program to Advance Science Education (PASE) and developed the M.Ed. and Ph.D. concentrations in science education. McComas began his career as a biology and physical science teacher in suburban Philadelphia public schools. He holds B.S. degrees in biology and secondary education from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, M.S. degrees in biology and physical science from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in science education from the University of Iowa.

Since 2006, McComas has been a Distinguished Professor of Science Education at the University of Arkansas, holding the inaugural Parks Family Endowed Professorship and continuing to direct PASE. His academic interests center on the nature of science (NOS) in science education, the history and philosophy of science, improving laboratory instruction, evolution education, science education for gifted students, and science learning in museums and field settings. Key publications include the edited volume "The Nature of Science in Science Education: Rationales and Strategies" (Kluwer Academic, 1998; Springer, 2006), chapters such as "The principal elements of the nature of science: Dispelling the myths" (1998), and "Ten myths of science: Reexamining what we think we know about the nature of science" (1996, School Science and Mathematics). He has edited "Nature of Science in Science Instruction: Meaning, Advocacy, Rationales, and Recommendations" (2020). McComas is the editor of The American Biology Teacher since 2014. He has received the 2025 Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award, 2024 Arkansas Alumni Association Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award in Research, Ohaus Award for Innovations in College Science Teaching, and multiple Association for Science Teacher Educator Outstanding Science Teacher Educator of the Year awards. His influence is evident in over 100 international keynotes and leadership roles including president of the Association for Science Teacher Education.