The Bill Brown Distinguished Lecture Series in Biological Sciences enables students to engage with prominent faculty and well-known leaders in the field of computer science. Distinguished lectures in biological sciences are named in honor of Bill Brown, head of the Department of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University from 1995 to 2000. Brown was a visiting professor of biological sciences at Carnegie Mellon Qatar in 2007.

[su_button url=”https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGq1dy6CZSzrDa3anbM_v1QYAaHYAFdRPA9uhliAmWz8LeNg/viewform” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#dc3131″ color=”#ffffff” size=”8″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” radius=”5″ icon=”icon: external-link” text_shadow=”0px 0px 0px “]Click here to register[/su_button]

Lecture Title: Positive Strategies and Outcomes in Teaching Lab Classes

In the realm of biology education, teaching laboratory classes plays a pivotal role in cultivating hands-on skills, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of theoretical concepts. This talk aims to explore positive strategies employed in teaching lab classes and the resulting outcomes that contribute to an enriched learning experience. The talk will emphasize the importance of collaborative learning techniques and reflect on the lab setting as a dynamic space for active learning. Drawing from years of experience, the talk will showcase instances where these strategies have led to positive outcomes, such as improved academic performance, increased student motivation, and the development of essential skills for future careers. Through a combination of innovative teaching practices and a focus on positive outcomes, the impact of lab classes on student learning and achievement is endless.

About the speaker: 

Carrie Doonan is the Director of Undergraduate Laboratories and Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon.  She also serves as the Biology Advisor for the Neuroscience major. Her primary area of focus involves the teaching and administration of a range of experimental laboratories in the department. She is responsible for writing and developing experimental units, training of junior faculty and teaching assistants and is actively involved in all aspects of the undergraduate program. Dr. Doonan has adapted many of her curricular innovations for use in K-12 outreach and has been invited to present this work at regional and national forums. She served as a Biotechnology Institute National Biotechnology Teacher-Leader, was awarded the Julius Ashkin Teaching Award and the Richard Moore Education Award in the Mellon College of Science, the Mark Gelfand Award for Service Learning and Outreach, and the Teaching Innovation Award.