Principal Investigator | Bryan M. Dewsbury, PhD
I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and pursued a Bachelor’s degree at Morehouse College, and a Masters and PhD from Florida International University (FIU). At FIU I explored a number of interesting questions in marine ecology and ecological economics and I developed a number of teaching approaches and programs relating to social belonging and higher education. I am personally inspired by the possibilities of education as a force for intellectual liberation, and as a means to increase critical consumerism. In between, I am always trying to find time to keep up with my never ending reading list, try new microbrews, and teach myself and my wife Kizomba!
dewsbury@uri.edu | 401 874 2248 | @bmdewsbury
I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and pursued a Bachelor’s degree at Morehouse College, and a Masters and PhD from Florida International University (FIU). At FIU I explored a number of interesting questions in marine ecology and ecological economics and I developed a number of teaching approaches and programs relating to social belonging and higher education. I am personally inspired by the possibilities of education as a force for intellectual liberation, and as a means to increase critical consumerism. In between, I am always trying to find time to keep up with my never ending reading list, try new microbrews, and teach myself and my wife Kizomba!
dewsbury@uri.edu | 401 874 2248 | @bmdewsbury
PhD Student | Cynthia Taylor
I am a PhD student in Integrative and Evolutionary Biology at URI with interests in evolutionary epistemology, biology education, and science communication and outreach. I hold an M.A. degree in Biological Anthropology from the University of Arizona, and taught for several years in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at URI and the Department of Anthropology at Rhode Island College. My decision to pursue a PhD through the SEAS program was based on my commitment to life-long learning and my passion for teaching. I am particularly interested in the social dimensions of biology education, and the influence of worldview, language, and affect on students’ perceptions of science.
cynthia_taylor@uri.edu
I am a PhD student in Integrative and Evolutionary Biology at URI with interests in evolutionary epistemology, biology education, and science communication and outreach. I hold an M.A. degree in Biological Anthropology from the University of Arizona, and taught for several years in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at URI and the Department of Anthropology at Rhode Island College. My decision to pursue a PhD through the SEAS program was based on my commitment to life-long learning and my passion for teaching. I am particularly interested in the social dimensions of biology education, and the influence of worldview, language, and affect on students’ perceptions of science.
cynthia_taylor@uri.edu
PhD Student | Holly Swanson
As a secondary science teacher for eight years, my experiences in schools that covered different socio-economic and geographical clines in both the public and private sector have shown me that “one size does not fit all” in regards to teaching science in different school climates. I currently hold a M.S. degree in genetics from Pennsylvania State University and during my PhD in the SEAS program I plan to investigate the preparation and achievement gaps in science for marginalized groups of students, specifically focused around students' transitions into their entry-level college biology class. I feel it is not enough to merely conduct educational research, but to disseminate the results to those whom it would directly prove beneficial: students, teachers, administrators, and policy makers. At the completion of my graduate program, I hope to have developed the skills needed to evaluate the validity of new pedagogical teaching initiatives and to share that knowledge with pertinent stakeholders.
hswanson@uri.edu
As a secondary science teacher for eight years, my experiences in schools that covered different socio-economic and geographical clines in both the public and private sector have shown me that “one size does not fit all” in regards to teaching science in different school climates. I currently hold a M.S. degree in genetics from Pennsylvania State University and during my PhD in the SEAS program I plan to investigate the preparation and achievement gaps in science for marginalized groups of students, specifically focused around students' transitions into their entry-level college biology class. I feel it is not enough to merely conduct educational research, but to disseminate the results to those whom it would directly prove beneficial: students, teachers, administrators, and policy makers. At the completion of my graduate program, I hope to have developed the skills needed to evaluate the validity of new pedagogical teaching initiatives and to share that knowledge with pertinent stakeholders.
hswanson@uri.edu
PhD Student | Desiree Harpel
I was born and raised in the Midwest, and my early academic focus was in Animal Science/Large Animal Veterinary. Soon after learning that the sight of blood wasn't for me, I switched career goals and found myself in the world of Biological Science. During my time in both my Undergraduate and Masters degrees, I developed many skills including bioinformatics, coding, and wet-lab techniques and explored several projects including novel proteins in Lepidoptera and speciation in crickets. However, what I truly found the most exciting was teaching. I have taught a broad range of educational levels, including K-12 and undergraduates. As I have become more integrated into the teaching culture, I have started to see the many problems that public school teachers face. I have decided to pursue a PhD in the SEAS program to explore these issues, develop solutions, and help implement them. My ultimate goal is to wind up in educational policy. When I'm not in a lab, my Fiancee and I are guaranteed to be at the beach, hiking a mountain, or curling up to read a good book.
I was born and raised in the Midwest, and my early academic focus was in Animal Science/Large Animal Veterinary. Soon after learning that the sight of blood wasn't for me, I switched career goals and found myself in the world of Biological Science. During my time in both my Undergraduate and Masters degrees, I developed many skills including bioinformatics, coding, and wet-lab techniques and explored several projects including novel proteins in Lepidoptera and speciation in crickets. However, what I truly found the most exciting was teaching. I have taught a broad range of educational levels, including K-12 and undergraduates. As I have become more integrated into the teaching culture, I have started to see the many problems that public school teachers face. I have decided to pursue a PhD in the SEAS program to explore these issues, develop solutions, and help implement them. My ultimate goal is to wind up in educational policy. When I'm not in a lab, my Fiancee and I are guaranteed to be at the beach, hiking a mountain, or curling up to read a good book.
PhD Student/Anatomy Lecturer | Jessica Adams
I was born and raised in Alaska where I fell in love with all things related to the biological sciences. After graduating from the University of Alaska with a degree in biological sciences, I married a military man and have had the great privilege to teach diverse populations across the country. As we moved, I enjoyed learning about local flora and fauna, as well as experiencing regional scholastic approaches, different instructional strategies and educational pedagogies. As a certified teacher with two graduate degrees, an MS in Biology from the University of Nebraska as well as an MS in Secondary Education from Texas A&M, I have spent my entire career in science education, teaching 7thgrade through college, in traditional formats as well as web blended and online courses covering a wide variety of biological topics. My research interests primarily focus on pedagogical methods for teaching human anatomy and general biology to create successful learning experiences for students. When I am not working or being a student, I am kept active by my teenage children, enjoying the outdoors (although not the ticks), gardening and reading.
jessica_a_adams@uri.edu
I was born and raised in Alaska where I fell in love with all things related to the biological sciences. After graduating from the University of Alaska with a degree in biological sciences, I married a military man and have had the great privilege to teach diverse populations across the country. As we moved, I enjoyed learning about local flora and fauna, as well as experiencing regional scholastic approaches, different instructional strategies and educational pedagogies. As a certified teacher with two graduate degrees, an MS in Biology from the University of Nebraska as well as an MS in Secondary Education from Texas A&M, I have spent my entire career in science education, teaching 7thgrade through college, in traditional formats as well as web blended and online courses covering a wide variety of biological topics. My research interests primarily focus on pedagogical methods for teaching human anatomy and general biology to create successful learning experiences for students. When I am not working or being a student, I am kept active by my teenage children, enjoying the outdoors (although not the ticks), gardening and reading.
jessica_a_adams@uri.edu
Lab Manager | Nicholas Bush
As an aspiring social psychologist, I have an interest in the social influences and relationships and their affect on learning. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunities to go to an academically challenging school. Education has been a very important core part of my life and I want to understand how people from various backgrounds and cultures learn. I want to be able to use this research in my own life to help those who have not been as fortunate as I have been. I am also an aspiring professor and I want to use this research to help benefit my understanding to help the future generations succeed in their academic goals. When I am not doing research or studying, you can find me writing for The Good Five Cent Cigar and reading obscure literature.
nicholas_bush@my.uri.edu
As an aspiring social psychologist, I have an interest in the social influences and relationships and their affect on learning. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunities to go to an academically challenging school. Education has been a very important core part of my life and I want to understand how people from various backgrounds and cultures learn. I want to be able to use this research in my own life to help those who have not been as fortunate as I have been. I am also an aspiring professor and I want to use this research to help benefit my understanding to help the future generations succeed in their academic goals. When I am not doing research or studying, you can find me writing for The Good Five Cent Cigar and reading obscure literature.
nicholas_bush@my.uri.edu
Undergraduate Technician | Victoria Leyden
My name is Victoria Leyden, a native Rhode Islander living in West Greenwich. I am a senior Biology major here at the University of Rhode Island with a minor in Psychology. My interests are strongly tied to health, wellness, and the environment. I love to help others live a healthier and happier life. I plan to enroll in medical school after graduation to become a Primary Care Physician. Currently I am doing research in what determines student’s majors/ career of choice.
victoria_leyden@my.uri.edu
My name is Victoria Leyden, a native Rhode Islander living in West Greenwich. I am a senior Biology major here at the University of Rhode Island with a minor in Psychology. My interests are strongly tied to health, wellness, and the environment. I love to help others live a healthier and happier life. I plan to enroll in medical school after graduation to become a Primary Care Physician. Currently I am doing research in what determines student’s majors/ career of choice.
victoria_leyden@my.uri.edu
Undergraduate Technician | Rachel Murphy
I am an undergrad Biology, Psychology major, pre-med track with aspirations to be a psychiatrist. I was born and raised in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, only ten minutes down the road from University of Rhode Island. Both my family and my studies are very important to me, and I am extremely lucky to be so close to my family while I pursue my goals at a very good school.
I am absolutely fascinated by the brain and how it motivates us to think, act, and feel the way we do. I love all aspects of neuroscience, biology, psychology, and sociology, and love to explore these fields in any way I can.
Although I do take my studies very seriously here at college, I also have other passions in my life. I love to be active: whether it is playing intramural soccer, going to the gym, going for a run, going on a bike ride... I love to cook, read, spend time with my friends and family, play guitar, and travel.
However, I do spend majority of my time studying and working hard so one day I can help people who are struggling with their own mind find stability, peace, and happiness.
rachel_murphy10@my.uri.edu
I am an undergrad Biology, Psychology major, pre-med track with aspirations to be a psychiatrist. I was born and raised in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, only ten minutes down the road from University of Rhode Island. Both my family and my studies are very important to me, and I am extremely lucky to be so close to my family while I pursue my goals at a very good school.
I am absolutely fascinated by the brain and how it motivates us to think, act, and feel the way we do. I love all aspects of neuroscience, biology, psychology, and sociology, and love to explore these fields in any way I can.
Although I do take my studies very seriously here at college, I also have other passions in my life. I love to be active: whether it is playing intramural soccer, going to the gym, going for a run, going on a bike ride... I love to cook, read, spend time with my friends and family, play guitar, and travel.
However, I do spend majority of my time studying and working hard so one day I can help people who are struggling with their own mind find stability, peace, and happiness.
rachel_murphy10@my.uri.edu
Undergraduate Technician | Lizmaylin Ramos
Science and education have always played important roles in my life. My main interest however, lies in neuroscience. I have always been fascinated by the power and complexity of the brain. As an aspiring neuroscientist, I hope to answer meaningful questions about the brain's ability to learn, capacity to change and potential for recovery. When I am not not teaching, studying, or doing research, you can find me playing tennis, writing poetry and short stories and reading.
lizmaylin_ramos@my.uri.edu
Science and education have always played important roles in my life. My main interest however, lies in neuroscience. I have always been fascinated by the power and complexity of the brain. As an aspiring neuroscientist, I hope to answer meaningful questions about the brain's ability to learn, capacity to change and potential for recovery. When I am not not teaching, studying, or doing research, you can find me playing tennis, writing poetry and short stories and reading.
lizmaylin_ramos@my.uri.edu
