Tell us a little bit about yourself! How did you end up becoming faculty at Eastern?
I was born and raised in central and south Florida. I attended the University of Florida to pursue a B.S. in biology and then a M.S. in Entomology, both with a focus on physiological and molecular adaptations to environmental stressors. During my studies at UF I became interested in science education from my work at a science outreach center that created scientist-teacher partnerships. After my M.S., I pursued a Ph.D. in science education at the University of Georgia. There I studied science education majors’ understanding of the practices scientists use, students’ problem solving in biochemistry, and undergraduate science faculty instructional practices. With my background in biology and research focus in science education, the biology education position at EWU was a perfect fit.
Can you tell us a little bit about the research projects that you’re starting in your lab? What opportunities do undergraduate or graduate students have to help you in these projects?
Bo and Lauren
My research focuses on K-12 and undergraduate science education. One project currently underway explores how science and mathematics faculty implement an innovative teaching approach, the flipped classroom, and the effects of this approach on student learning. My lab will compare student learning in flipped classroom formats to student learning in traditional lecture formats. Other projects include how K-12 and undergraduate instructors use their ideas of how students learn to plan for, implement, and reflect on instruction, and the assessment practices used.
What is your favorite organism, and why?
Mantispa styriaca by Gilles San Martin
I find the diversity of insects fascinating. One of my favorite insect families are mantisipids, or mantis flies. These predatory insects have modified, raptor-like front legs, like praying mantises. Another favorite is Lethocerus americanus, also known as a giant water bug. These freshwater dwelling predators also have raptor-like front appendages.
What’s the most important thing that you’d like students to know about you?
Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I believe education is not just a means to a job, but a learning process that by design can change learners and enable them to change the world. I encourage students to not strictly focus on learning content in classes, but also develop scientific habits of mind they can use to change the way they approach and solve problems in all walks of life.
EWU Biology. The Blog. 