Title: Charting Life Science Frontiers: Research on Design Biology Teaching and Learning
Abstract:
In recent years enabling biotechnologies have not only had significant impacts on modern society, but have also shifted how we interact with life science. These changes expand inquiry to include a new emphasis on design—where tools such as synthetic biology can be used to generate new materials and functional objects for use in myriad applications. Concomitant with these shifts have been efforts to understand how we might leverage these tools in education to support societal innovation, occupational attainment, and literacy. A central line of inquiry in my research involves learning science perspectives to examine the learners, learning and learning spaces where design biology is a driving frame for participation. I share research insights from three research projects involving design biology—and implications they have for K-12 education.
Bio:
I am an assistant professor at The University of Texas at El Paso of STEM Education interested in understanding how emerging technologies like synthetic biology can be leveraged in ways to encourage learning conditions that are both accessible and equitable. I work with a team of incredibly creative researchers who bring myriad perspectives drawn from the arts and sciences. This affords me insights into the ways academic domains intersect to create innovative outcomes.