research overview
- Please note that research is not apart of my current in HPRAP appointment, but comes out to approximately 15% FTE. Melanie integrates her background in molecular biology and learning sciences with her practical experiences in the classroom to understand how people learn and understand biology. Her research and creative works take on four major forms: (1) As author of Biology Everywhere she is an in demand speaker (including speaking at TEDxCU in 2021); (2) Studying epistemological beliefs about science, or beliefs one has about the nature of science knowledge and how that knowledge is generated through science inquiry. In particular, she is interested in how technological based assessments can be used to ascertain what people believe about the nature of science knowledge; (3) Study cycle as a tool for equity in first year science courses; (4) Artistic approaches to science engagement.