Li-En Jao, associate professor, biology

Instructional philosophy: I approach teaching in a similar manner as I study the assembly of cellular structures in my research—which seeks to understand the genesis of certain diseases such as cancer—as a systematic process of building knowledge while emphasizing the interconnections that make biology fascinating. Making abstract concepts tangible through clear examples and hands-on experiences helps students grasp both the molecular details and their broader significance in human health.

• Ph.D., cell and developmental biology, Rutgers University
• Specializations: cell biology, developmental biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microscopy, zebrafish genetics, mass spectrometry, CRISPR gene editing, macromolecular assembly, biomolecular condensates, intracellular transport, mRNA metabolism and neurological disorders
• Previous Position: Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis School of Medicine

Eun-Deok Kim, assistant professor, biology

Instructional philosophy: I guide students to discover both the fine details and bigger picture of biology, just as I study how plant cells adapt and develop in changing environments, so that people can better understand how plants may adapt in the face of climate change.

I combine fundamental principles with hands-on experience using modern techniques, aiming to nurture students' natural curiosity about how living things work and change. My goal is to guide them in connecting their knowledge to real-world challenges and crafting personalized pathways for their academic and professional growth.

• Ph.D., plant molecular biology, The University of Texas at Austin
• Specializations: epigenetics, molecular genetics, plant biology, genomics, developmental biology and biochemistry
• Previous Position: Research Scientist, Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Chih Hung Lo, assistant professor, biology and neuroscience

Instructional Philosophy: To help prepare the next generation of researchers with the potential to address brain-related illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, I foster interdisciplinary learning, empowering students to explore biology, engineering and medicine through theory and real-world applications. Through mentorship, I promote critical thinking and innovations, encourage independence and guide students in crafting personalized paths that merge foundational knowledge with practical problem-solving skills.

• Ph.D., biomedical engineering with minor in management of technology, University of Minnesota
• Specializations: neurobiology of aging, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, body-brain interaction, intrinsically disordered proteins, lysosome biology, receptor signaling, protein biophysics, biosensor engineering, nanobiotechnology and drug discovery
• Previous Position: Dean’s Postdoctoral Fellow, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
• Key Honor/Award: BBA Rising Stars in Biochemistry & Biophysics (2024)

Heather Meyer, assistant professor, biology, affiliated with BioInspired Institute

Instructional Philosophy: Knowledge is not innate; it is acquired through personal experiences and by systematically testing the relationships between facts and theories. As an educator, my overarching goal is to provide students with the skills to observe and question the world around them and to research, evaluate and refine their own analyses. This way, students can better understand how their knowledge can be applied to help solving real-world challenges.

• Ph.D., genetics, genomics and development, Cornell University
• Specializations: plant biology, intrinsically disordered proteins, live cell-imaging, molecular genetics and biochemistry
• Previous Position: Senior scientist, Mozza

Caitlin Miller, professor of practice, Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute

Instructional Philosophy: My student-centered learning approach emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, important traits for those entering the forensics field. I aim to create supportive classroom and laboratory environments that foster creativity, inquiry and collaborative learning, helping students build confidence and appreciation for the scientific content.

• Ph.D., chemistry, Syracuse University
• Specializations: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, aptamer-based technology and biosensing
• Previous Position: Chief Science Officer, AptaMatrix, Inc.
• Key Award/Honor: Faculty Unsung Hero Award, Le Moyne College (2020)