Robert J. Kegerreis Distinguished Professor of Teaching

Lisa Kenyon has played an instrumental role in efforts to change the way science is taught at Wright State.

As an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science and Mathematics, Kenyon has used her expertise and passion to help expand education research. Her efforts also include starting a pathway for doctoral training in the field of science education at Wright State.

The research, education and creativity that Kenyon applies to the classroom have impressed her colleagues and students.

Lisa Kenyon

“Kenyon develops curriculum, trains teachers, teaches students and assesses learning with a passionate commitment to improving the scientific literacy of students ranging from middle school to Ph.D.,” said David Goldstein, professor and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.

Student evaluations of Kenyon “often include comments to the effect that she inspired students to like science, or that they hope they can be like her in the classroom,” said Goldstein.

Kenyon’s “strong commitment to students and helping them achieve success beyond her laboratory is just one example of her exemplary mentorship,” said Amber Todd, an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences who studied with Kenyon as a graduate student.

Kenyon and her colleagues have developed and assessed the IQWST (Investigating and Questioning our World through Science and Technology) curriculum for middle school science. The National Science Foundation has supported her research since 2006.

She has participated in workshops at the Smithsonian Science Education Center, where she addressed teachers and administrators from across the country. She also organized symposia at the National Association for Research.