Biography

Education:
Ph.D., Genetics, Research Center for Medical Genetics
M.S., Biochemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University

Teaching Narrative:
My approach to teaching centers on creating an engaging, student-driven, and inquiry-based learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on research experiences. I believe in empowering students to take ownership of their learning through active participation in real-world research projects, collaborative learning activities, and multimodal strategies that cater to diverse learning preferences and backgrounds. My approach is rooted in inclusivity, scientific rigor, and the development of lifelong skills such as problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication.

As the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) SEA-PHAGES Program Coordinator at Rowan University, I prioritize the integration of authentic research and real-world relevance through the SEA-PHAGES discovery-based undergraduate research course. This course offers students a unique opportunity to engage in genuine scientific inquiry, starting with simple soil digging to discover new viruses, and progressing through various microbiological techniques, eventually leading to complex genome annotation and bioinformatic analyses. Students become part of a diverse, international community of researchers, faculty, and support staff from over 100 colleges and universities. They gain practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom, bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications.

My ultimate goal is to equip students with a deep understanding of biological principles, critical thinking skills, and a passion for scientific inquiry, preparing them to address the challenges of the future.

Honors and Awards:
Faculty Award for Excellence in Education, 2022
National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) Award, 2019

Professional Memberships:
Molecular and Cellular Cognition Society
Microbiology Society
Association of North America Higher Education International