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

Department of Biology
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
(336) 758-5320

johnsoad@wfu.edu

Education

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)

Present Academic Position

Since 1998, Lecturer and Core Curriculum Coordinator for Dept. of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC.

Current professional interests

1. developing and promoting inquiry–based lab exercises for introductory biology courses
2. creating an open community alternative to traditional print textbooks
3. training graduate students in instructional methods and curriculum design

Statement

We have all seen firsthand that students are more engaged in science when they discover foundation concepts for themselves. Our 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 hope to increase our visibility in the academic community.