Perspectives
Getting students excited about introductory biology
Assistant professor rethinks how he teaches foundational biology by flipping his classroom and using real-world case studies to help students connect molecular mechanisms to lived experiences.
Backward design and beyond: Lessons from a molecular genetics classroom
Associate professor reflects on an early teaching misstep and explains how backward design, clear learning objectives and reflective tools reshaped assessment, clarified expectations and helped students take ownership of their learning.
Women’s health cannot leave rare diseases behind
A physician living with lymphangioleiomyomatosis and a basic scientist explain why patient-driven, trial-ready research is essential to turning momentum into meaningful progress.
Making my spicy brain work for me
Researcher Reid Blanchett reflects on her journey navigating mental health struggles through graduate school. She found a new path in bioinformatics, proving that science can be flexible, forgiving and full of second chances.
The tortoise wins: How slowing down saved my Ph.D.
Graduate student Amy Bounds reflects on how slowing down in the lab not only improved her relationship with work but also made her a more productive scientist.
How pediatric cataracts shaped my scientific journey
Undergraduate student Grace Jones shares how she transformed her childhood cataract diagnosis into a scientific purpose. She explores how biochemistry can bring a clearer vision to others, and how personal history can shape discovery.
Debugging my code and teaching with ChatGPT
AI tools like ChatGPT have changed the way an assistant professor teaches and does research. But, he asserts that real growth still comes from struggle, and educators must help students use AI wisely — as scaffolds, not shortcuts.
AI in the lab: The power of smarter questions
An assistant professor discusses AI's evolution from a buzzword to a trusted research partner. It helps streamline reviews, troubleshoot code, save time and spark ideas, but its success relies on combining AI with expertise and critical thinking.
How AlphaFold transformed my classroom into a research lab
A high school science teacher reflects on how AI-integrated technologies help her students ponder realistic research questions with hands-on learning.