UW-Madison plant pathology Professor Jo Handelsman is one of 20 professors nationwide to become a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor.
As such, she is one of 20 professors from 19 schools granted $1 million dollars to be allotted over the next four years to improve science education.
\One of the main goals is to see how accomplished scientists like Dr. Handelsman could connect their research with undergraduate teaching,"" Stephen Barkanic of the HHMI said.
The HHMI invited 84 universities to nominate two scientists each, leaving the institute with roughly 150 applications to sift through, according to Barkanic. Each professor subsequently submitted an application entailing their ideas for improving the connection of research and teaching.
The HHMI looked for many things in the applications of professors. Barkanic said he and his colleagues wanted distinguished educators and scientists.
The institute considered past accomplishments, but focused on the ideas each candidate had for the future.
""I already have undergraduate students in the lab. The HHMI will enable me to bring in even more because the principle is that the best way to teach people biology is have them do biology,"" Handelsman said.
Barkanic said he along with other members of the HHMI hope to attract an interest to all fields of science including genetics, bioengineering and biochemistry through this program. They also hope to attract new types of students to science such as disabled students, first generation college students, minorities and women.
The innovation of professors is very important, Barkanic said.
""Because many of the fields we're supporting in this program are so new, there are very few materials by which students can be taught, so many professors will have to create their own tools,"" Barkanic said.
The HHMI is planning a Web site to enable professors to post their progress and ideas regularly Barkanic said. This way other professors will have the ability to watch the progress of HHMI professors.
""We're thinking of building a Web-based version of my book 'Biology Brought to Life' and adding to it to make the information available to scientists and professors alike all across the country,"" Handelsman said.
The program, which will continue over the next four years, will also focus on teaching graduate students and post doctorate students to become better teachers and mentors.
""It's an incredible opportunity. There's so little money available for teaching innovation because people are scrambling to use the money for their current classes. Now we'll be able to further innovate,"" Handelsman said.
