We are pleased to announce the Teaching Academy Fellows for fall 2022: Dawn Kopacz, Alena Moon, and Jacquelyn Omelian.
The initiative engages our faculty in local, national, and international conversations about essential issues in higher education; develops teaching expertise across the disciplines and at all levels of learning; and recognizes and rewards exceptional teachers. Fellows serve three-year terms, and new fellows are selected annually.
Dawn Kopacz is an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. She is the undergraduate advisor for the meteorology major, and her research is motivated by her desire to better understand how students learn atmospheric science concepts most effectively. She is collaborating with atmospheric science educators and education researchers to create an atmospheric science community that will promote the study of questions relating to atmospheric science education and the application of peer-reviewed teaching practices within the community.
Alena Moon is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry. She leads the Moon Research Group, which centers around chemistry students' understanding of light-matter interactions and competency engaging in science practices. Understanding the "levels" or "stages" a student might pass through to learn this concept, tailored curricula can expedite their progress. The group seeks to characterize how students participate in a key knowledge-generating scientific practice: engaging in argument from evidence.
Jacquelyn Omelian is an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Psychology. She has conducted research into best practices in classroom and programmatic assessment of student learning, community outreach, and student outcomes related to undergraduate research opportunities. She is also a strong advocate of sharing science with the public. Omelian innovatively uses zombie films to teach neuroscience concepts.
