Stephanie Gardner

Dr. Stephanie Gardner is an esteemed Associate Professor and Associate Head for Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning in the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University. With a deep-seated passion for biology education, Dr. Gardner has dedicated her career to enhancing the learning experiences of undergraduate students. Her research is centered on biology learning, with a particular focus on engaging students in the authentic practices of science. She is committed to fostering critical thinking skills and utilizing visualizations to aid students in understanding and communicating complex data and concepts. In her teaching role, Dr. Gardner instructs undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses in physiology. She is particularly noted for her innovative approach to teaching, which includes the implementation of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in introductory biology laboratory courses. Her pedagogical methods emphasize active student engagement, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning by designing and executing their own experiments and presenting their findings. Dr. Gardner is actively involved in several research initiatives aimed at improving biology education. Her projects include examining student competence in analyzing and graphing biological data, understanding student mechanistic reasoning, and evaluating the impact of scaffolding on student evidentiary reasoning. Additionally, she is exploring both student and faculty conceptions of scientific predictions and hypotheses, contributing valuable insights to the field of biology education research. As a member of the Purdue International Biology Education Research Group (PIBERG), Dr. Gardner collaborates with colleagues to advance the understanding of biology learning and teaching. Her work is instrumental in shaping the future of biology education, ensuring that students are well-equipped with the skills necessary for scientific inquiry and discovery. Dr. Gardner's dedication to education and research has made her a respected figure in the academic community. Her contributions continue to influence the way biology is taught and learned, inspiring both students and educators to pursue excellence in the field of biological sciences.