PREVIOUS|PAGE 1

A. Daniel (Dan) Johnson:
Candidate for Member-at-Large

Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
johnsoad@wfu.edu

Biography:

• B.S. Biology, 1985, U. North Carolina at Charlotte
• Ph.D. Cell Biology, 1992, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
• Post-doctoral fellow at Texas Heart Institute (Houston) and University of Virginia (Charlottesville).
• Since 1998, Lecturer and Core Curriculum Coordinator for Dept. of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC.

Current professional interests:

• Developing inquiry–based lab exercises for introductory biology courses
• Developing open community alternatives to traditional print textbooks.

Statement:

We have all seen firsthand that students become more engaged in science when they can discover foundation concepts for themselves. Our own experiences have been confirmed by educational research, and as a result science education at all levels is moving away from simple confirmation towards inquiry–based laboratory exercises. From its beginning ABLE has fostered inquiry learning, and as a member–at–large, I will work to build on this strength. ABLE is more than a source for high quality lab exercises though. It is a professional group that epitomizes collegiality and collaboration. Every member I have met is committed to providing students with a rigorous, rich laboratory experience. Our members freely share their extensive knowledge of organisms and model systems, and are quick to help solve one another’s instructional problems and roadblocks. We represent a major educational resource, yet many instructors who would benefit from membership have not heard of us. As a member–at–large, I also will work to increase our visibility in the academic community.

PREVIOUS|PAGE 1