Academic focus: Biology education research/discipline-based science education research
Research summary: My lab is called the EQUIP lab, and we study how STEM environments can better support all students and faculty. A major focus of our work is to generate fundamental knowledge about how undergraduates, graduate students and faculty with disabilities navigate STEM systems. We use the findings of our studies to design supports for students and instructors and to help inform how policy decisions are made.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When not working, I like to be outside as much as possible. I like to take my dog, Flossy, out for hikes/walks. And I love to go kayaking and cycling and cross-country skiing in the winter. I also am currently obsessed with barre classes.
What brought you to Cornell CALS?
As a graduate student I studied how the rice blast fungus invades and develops inside rice cells. I was really excited to come to CALS and be part of the School of Integrative Plant Science where I could once again be immersed in the plant sciences AND get to do the research I love doing each day. I also was excited to be part of CALS to get to interact with all the wonderful faculty, staff and students who make CALS exceptional.
Why did you feel inspired to pursue a career in this field?
I love doing research, mentoring students in research and teaching students about the world around us. I think it’s amazing that as a faculty member I get to pick what topics I study, design those studies and see them through to generate new knowledge. I also love collaborating with students and colleagues in this process. It makes my work really fun, engaging and something I look forward to each day. The research we do in my lab often has immediate implications that can be acted upon to start making STEM environments more supportive for students and faculty. It’s incredibly rewarding work to be part of.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field of study?
My advice is to follow your curiosities and don’t be afraid to be different from others in your major! Because biology education research/discipline-based science education research is a relatively new field, a lot of students don’t know it’s an academic discipline or career option. So, if you think a lot about a scientific discipline and care a lot about how people learn in that discipline, you should try to talk to someone in the field. You may just find your disciplinary home.
Learn more about Mariel from her CALS profile and lab website.
