SARA JEANES WRIGHT
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I implement active learning strategies in the classroom and aim to increase the level of statistical and quantitative reasoning in biology curriculum.
Teaching Philosophy (Undergraduate Biology)

1.  By implementing active learning strategies in the classroom, my students retain more knowledge, make stronger connections to pre-existing knowledge, share diverse personal experiences with one another, and gain valuable group/team skills for their future careers. 

2.  By practicing scientific process skills in undergraduate biology courses, my students are better able to evaluate the credibility of data that underlie scientific claims, to generate models and predictions, to test hypotheses, and to solve more complex biological problems.

3.  By conducting independent research projects, my students gain essential statistical, quantitative, critical thinking, and experimental design skills. I am dedicated to supporting scaffolded research opportunities for students.

I endeavor to always be growing as a teacher and mentor. I am excited to work as a teaching professor and collaborate with other faculty for long-term curriculum improvement and pedagogical innovation in the field of biology.
Teaching Experience

Rowan University
  • Introduction to Evolution and Scientific Inquiry (BIOL 01104) >>> Lecturer & Lab Instructor (fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020, fall 2021, fall 2022)
  • Introduction to Genetics (BIOL 01106) >>> Online Instructor (spring 2021, summer 2021, spring 2022)
  • Introduction to Ecology (BIOL 01204) >>> Lecturer & Lab Instructor (spring 2020), Online Instructor & Content Designer (fall 2021, spring 2022)
  • Plant Diversity (BIOL 02301) >>> Lecturer & Lab Instructor (fall 2020, summer 2021, fall 2021, fall 2022)

Washington University in St. Louis
  • Introduction to Environmental Biology (Bio 2950) >>> Guest Lecturer, Teaching Assistant, Grader (fall 2017)
  • Evolution (U29-525, Master's in Biology Program) >>> Lab Instructor, Guest Lecturer (summer 2014, 2016, and 2018)
  • Evolution (Bio 3501) >>> Discussion Leader, Teaching Assistant, Grader (fall 2013)
  • Tyson Research Center (Educational Programs) >>> undergraduate and high school research mentor (summer 2016 and 2017)
  • Young Scientist Program >>> teaching team member, "Show Me Costa Rica" project volunteer (2012-present)

Additional Experience
  • One on One Tutoring, Inc. (St. Louis, MO) >>> math, science, ACT/SAT/GRE Tutor (2014-2017)
  • Mathnasium (Austin, TX) >>> Tutor (spring 2012)
  • Austin ISD >>> Substitute Teacher, high school math and science (spring 2012)
  • Crockett HS (Austin, TX) >>> Apprentice Teacher for 9th grade Biology (fall 2011)
  • UTeach (University of Texas at Austin) >>> miscellaneous short-term STEM teaching experiences (2007-2011)
Teaching Resources
  • National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science (NCCSTS)
  • CATME SMARTER Teamwork
  • The Quantitative Undergraduate Biology Education and Synthesis (QUBES)
  • NetLogo - a multi-agent programmable modeling environment (Northwestern U)
  • PhET - interactive simulations for science and math (U Colorado-Boulder)
  • Washington University Institute for School Partnership (ISP) (K-12 education)
  • Washington University Young Scientist Program (YSP)

Student Feedback

"I thoroughly enjoyed having Sara as our lab instructor! She teaches with such ease that I would love to have her as a colleague in the classroom, and if she chooses to teach at the high school level, I would want my kids to have her as a teacher."
--- high school teacher, Master's in Biology student, Evolution (Bio 525), Washington University

"She did a good job engaging the class and everyone seemed to enjoy her lessons and participated. She was clearly interested and knowledgeable about the topics she taught about. She is friendly and good at speaking to large groups."
--- undergraduate student, Introduction to Environmental Biology (Bio 2950), Washington University

I thought Sara did a great job on her lectures––she was clear and engaging, and her lectures were interesting. I also attended the graduate review sessions, and she was really good at answering questions and explaining concepts in clear ways.
--- undergraduate student, Introduction to Environmental Biology (Bio 2950), Washington University


"Sara knows a ton! Good at explaining things. Answers all questions. Very well prepared. Very organized. Discussions are good for learning real life examples of evolution."
--- undergraduate student, Evolution (Bio 3501), Washington University


"Sara was available outside of class, and she was always concerned for her students. She made the discussions fun and encouraged the students to contribute to the discussion. Even when she could not answer a question during the discussion, she would follow up with an e-mail to answer the question. Great TA."
--- undergraduate student, Evolution (Bio 3501), Washington University


 Rowan University  ·  Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences  ·  201 Mullica Hill Road  ·  Glassboro, NJ 08028

wrights(at)rowan.edu  ·  856-256-4500 x53024
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  • About Me
  • Teaching
  • Publications
  • Photo Galleries