Martin Kociolek, Ph.D.
Over the past year, the pandemic has had an impact on every segment of society. It compelled all of us to change, adapt, and evolve. This issue of Science News highlights just a few examples of the resilience, creativity, and drive of our students, faculty, and staff to succeed through challenging times.
Virtual communication and social distancing transformed how we teach and work in our classrooms, labs, and offices. The technology has always been available to us, but the pandemic made its use essential. We all accepted it, and many fully embraced it.
Our School’s faculty tapped into technology in the classroom like they never have before and thought about their approaches to teaching in ways they had not considered in the past. They continued to deliver a high-quality science education, while also making it accessible to students and keeping those students moving forward on their academic journeys.
The past year also served to remind us of the long-term impact of our work as science educators and to strengthen our commitment to preparing our students to make their own impact on the world. I’m proud to know that someday our upcoming graduates will be the newest nurses and doctors on the frontlines of a health crisis, molecular biologists sequencing viral genomes, and ecologists studying the delicate balance between all living organisms and the environment around us.
This Science News shares the latest news and updates about just a few of the many people who make the School of Science a special place. I hope you enjoy reading their stories. Stay safe and healthy.
Dr. Marty Kociolek, Director of the School of Science