Across the humanities and STEM disciplines in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), faculty thoughtfully develop course curricula and learning environments that incorporate the latest discoveries and pedagogical best practices in their fields. This attention to detail allows students to benefit from a first-class, contemporary and comprehensive academic experience.
Many A&S faculty members play important roles in setting the agenda for higher education through appointments with national foundations and institutes. Recent examples include the appointment of biology professor Kari Segraves as program director of the National Science Foundation's Population and Community Ecology Cluster, and the appointment of professor Mariaelena Huambachano as the United Nations (UN) Program Director on Food Security and Nutrition. ) He has held an advisory position on the High-Level Expert Panel (HLPE). Joining that list is Heather Coleman, associate professor of biology, who was recently named a Fellow in the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education (PULSE). She was the first Syracuse University faculty member to serve as her PULSE Fellow.
Launched in 2012 as a project of the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, PULSE works to encourage faculty to improve undergraduate education, student learning outcomes, access to life sciences, and equity. , which aims to improve inclusivity. Consider ways to improve teaching and learning. A&S' biology department has previously participated in his PULSE certification program, so he is already benefiting through his collaboration with PULSE and supporting each department's efforts to incorporate more inclusive practices into their education. I am.
Given the university's emphasis on human flourishing and experiential research outlined in its Academic Strategic Plan, Coleman's collaboration with PULSE aims to foster a more interactive, collaborative and equitable biology curriculum. Our efforts resonate strongly with these vital goals.
A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi said Coleman's appointment to PULSE will enhance students' academic experience at A&S.
“Professor Coleman has worked hard for many years to ensure that our undergraduate students have access to innovative biology curricula,” Mortazavi said. “Her involvement in PULSE and her current fellowship are a great recognition of this dedication and her continued commitment on behalf of the many students in her biology program at SU.” I look forward to your continued efforts.”
As a PULSE fellow, Coleman will connect with a larger community of life sciences faculty from research universities across the country who are passionate about biological research and undergraduate education. She plans to bring her insights back to Syracuse and work with her fellow professors to apply them to the current curriculum.
“We want to deepen our understanding of how to support biology undergraduates so they can thrive here at Syracuse University and beyond, and encourage each department to provide a comprehensive, student-centered, evidence-based education.” I look forward to contributing to PULSE's mission to encourage students to develop and learn to develop scientists who reflect the diversity of American society,'' says Coleman. “I’m excited to join the PULSE community and learn from biologists who have been involved in this research since the beginning.”
A professor at Syracuse University since 2011, Coleman has been instrumental in improving undergraduate biology instruction at A&S throughout his tenure. She previously served as the department's director of undergraduate studies (2020-23) and led the Biology Curriculum Committee in its revisions in line with American Association for the Advancement of Science recommendations. These changes included the introduction of a student-centered approach, with a greater emphasis on interactive, inquiry-driven, collaborative and collaborative activities.
Coleman, who also served as vice chair of the Biology Department, was responsible for leading the Biology Department Peer Mentoring Program and two department events (BioFair), which were designed to increase student access to information about biology-related clubs and resources on campus. and Biology Research Day). . She plans to continue working with her peer mentoring program and facilitate other opportunities for biology undergraduates to connect more deeply with the biology community in fall 2024.
In his research, Coleman uses poplar trees as a model system to study how plant cell walls form and the genetic and environmental factors that influence their properties. She has received several grants and awards supporting her research, including the Early Career Award from the Department of Energy, the CUSE Good to Great Award, and the Syracuse Center of Excellence Faculty Fellow Award.
Her appointment as a PULSE fellow began in January.