Jelena Kraft

Professor advancing research in the field of educational science, Jelena Kraft serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology at Iowa State University. With a robust academic foundation, she earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and a B.S. in Chemistry from Iowa State University, equipping her with a deep understanding of the scientific principles that underpin her teaching and research endeavors. Dr. Kraft's research is centered on enhancing the educational experience in science through innovative instructional practices. She is dedicated to exploring how different teaching methods and course materials can significantly influence student learning and engagement. Her work is particularly focused on the implementation of team-based learning activities, which she believes can foster a more collaborative and interactive learning environment. In addition to her research, Dr. Kraft is committed to the professional development of graduate teaching assistants. She is actively involved in creating and refining teaching training materials that aim to equip these future educators with the skills necessary to succeed in academic settings. Her efforts in this area are driven by a passion for improving the quality of science education at all levels. Dr. Kraft currently teaches GEN 313 Principles of Genetics and GEN 313L Principles of Genetics Lab, where she applies her research insights to create a dynamic and engaging classroom experience. Her dedication to both teaching and research makes her a valuable asset to the academic community at Iowa State University, where she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientists and educators.