Assistant Professor of Biology
California State University - Fresno
2015 - present
Director, STEM Education Center
California State University - Fresno
2018 - present
Post Doctoral Research Associate
Western Michigan University
2013 - 2015
I am a STEM Education Researcher in the Biology Department at Fresno State. I study science denial, diversity and inclusion in STEM, and how to help professors adopt active learning. Details on my background are below.
PhD Curriculum and Instruction
University of Missouri
Emphasis in Postsecondary Science Education
2013
M.S. Biology
Western Illinois University
Research in Asian elephant cognition
2008
B.S. Biology
Iowa State University
Summa Cum Laude, Phi Kappa Phi
2004
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Science Denial
Exploring how to improve college science teaching around topics considered 'controversial' by the general public, including evolution and climate change.
How To Help Professors Adopt Active Learning
Influence of academic workplace climate (e.g. leadership, professional development, resources, collegiality, autonomy, respect) on the instructional practices of faculty.
TEACHING EXPERTISE
General Education and Introductory Biology
Life, Earth, and Environmental Science for Future Educators
College Science Teaching
History and Nature of Science
Principles and Teaching of Evolution
Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
What practices can institutions and individual faculty adopt in their classrooms to reduce the achievement gap in undergraduate STEM?