UA Biologist among Organizers of Online Resource for Science Educators
September 22, 2010 - Filed under: Awards & Honors, Faculty & Staff | Tagged: Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, Science, Technology
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A University of Alabama molecular biologist is among six experts tabbed by a science organization to organize development of an extensive website as a resource for educators across the nation.
Dr. Margaret Johnson, associate professor of biological sciences at The University of Alabama, is among those involved in the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology initiative that aims to improve undergraduate teaching of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Hundreds of life scientists are meeting this fall in their respective regions to begin developing the online hub. The initiative, according to the society, will establish foundational concepts and skills for the discipline and promote student-centered teaching approaches and training for the work force and research community.
The website, which will be free and open to the public, will provide “core concepts in the subject areas, assessment tools and the latest research on effective pedagogical approaches,” according to a news release from ASBMB.
The project is funded by a five-year, $370,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
Dr. J. Ellis Bell, a professor of chemistry at the University of Richmond and chairman of ASBMB’s Education and Professional Development Committee, is leading the initiative.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization with more than 12,000 members worldwide.
UA’s department of biological sciences is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.
The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is experiencing significant growth in both enrollment and academic quality. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.
CONTACT: Chris Bryant, UA media relations, 205/348-8323, cbryant@ur.ua.edu
SOURCE: Dr. Margaret Johnson, 205/348-1819, majohnson@bama.ua.edu