| Biography:
B.S. Biology, 1985, U. North Carolina at Charlotte
Ph.D. Cell Biology, 1992, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Post-doctoral fellowhips at Texas Heart Institute (Houston) & University of Virginia.
Since 1998, Senior Lecturer and Core Curriculum Coordinator for Dept. of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC.
Current professional interests:
Developing: 1) inquiry–based lab exercises for introductory biology courses, and 2) inexpensive open source alternatives to traditional print textbooks. Training graduate students to use active instructional methods.
Statement:
Both empirical research and practical experience have shown us that students become more engaged in science when they can discover ideas for themselves. Slowly but surely, undergraduate science education is moving away from teacher–centered towards learner–centered instructional practices. From its inception, ABLE has fostered inquiry and other forms of active learning. As a member–at–large, I will work to build on our strength in this area. ABLE is more than a source for high quality lab exercises though. It is a professional group that epitomizes collegiality and collaboration. Every member I have met is committed to providing students with a rigorous, rich laboratory experience. Our members freely share their extensive knowledge of organisms and model systems, and are quick to help solve one another’s instructional problems and roadblocks. We represent a major educational resource, yet many instructors who would benefit from membership have not heard of us. As a member–at–large, I also will work to increase our visibility in the academic community.
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