Laura Mills

Laura Mills is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she has been a valued member of the faculty since 2018. Before her current role, she contributed to the department as an adjunct instructor, bringing her passion for education and innovative teaching methods to the forefront. Mills's academic journey is marked by a diverse and rich educational background. She earned her Master's degree in Secondary Education from Roosevelt University, which laid the foundation for her teaching career. Further enhancing her expertise in the evolving landscape of education, she obtained a Professional Certificate in Online Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her academic pursuits began with a Bachelor's degree in General Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, reflecting her longstanding interest in the sciences. In addition to her academic qualifications, Mills holds an Illinois Professional Educator License with a specialization in General Science, underscoring her commitment to fostering scientific literacy and critical thinking among her students. Her dedication to education extends beyond the traditional classroom setting, as she is also an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, integrating mindfulness and holistic approaches into her teaching philosophy. Mills is particularly passionate about online learning in higher education, a field in which she has specialized and dedicated significant efforts. Her innovative approaches and commitment to student engagement have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was honored with the Excalibur Award for Teaching Excellence by the AHS Student Council, a testament to her impact and excellence in teaching. Through her work, Laura Mills continues to inspire and empower students, blending her expertise in science, education, and wellness to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Her contributions to the field of online education are paving the way for future advancements in how knowledge is shared and acquired in the digital age.