Sandra G. Devenny
Professor
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Contact Information
Marple901 S. Media Line Road
Media, PA 19063
610-723-2000
Room Number: 2410
Phone: 610-359-5246
Contact Faculty
My goals for my students are the following: 1) Meet the competencies outlined the syllabus so that they can use this course as a stepping stone within their higher education, 2) Develop critical thinking skills in order to utilize the content material in solving problems, 3) Identify learning strategies that will serve them well into the future, and 4) Apply biological concepts to their daily lives. I provide my students with a variety of learning tools and study strategies to assist them in meeting those goals. Once students have "learned how learn," countless doors open up before them. I continually seek out new ways to improve my teaching methods to help my students. I have earned Temple University's Teaching in Higher Education Certificate and a Quality Matters Certificates for my BIO 100 and BIO 102 courses. I was also a proud recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award in 2020. I primarily teach Biological science (BIO 100), Humans and the Environment (BIO 102), Introduction to Microbiology (BIO 230) and General Microbiology (BIO 240). I am the Principal Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant (Award #1741847) that provides scholarships for Engineering and Mathematics & Natural Sciences students. For more information about this amazing opportunity, please check out www.dccc.edu/stars-scholarship
Academic Biography
As an undergraduate, I studied Animal Science and Microbiology. My graduate research was focused on determining the role of the lectin, limulin, in the host-defense system of the American Horseshoe Crab. I have conducted research in both industry and academia including treatment mechanisms for Respiratory Distress Syndrome in newborns at Yale Medical School.
Theoretical Approach, Experience, and Temperament
My goals for my students are the following: 1) Meet the competencies outlined the syllabus so that they can use this course as a stepping stone within their higher education, 2) Develop critical thinking skills in order to utilize the content material in solving problems, 3) Identify learning strategies that will serve them well into the future, and 4) Apply biological concepts to their daily lives. I provide my students with a variety of learning tools and study strategies to assist them in meeting those goals. Once students have "learned how learn," countless doors open up before them. I continually seek out new ways to improve my teaching methods to help my students. I have earned Temple University's Teaching in Higher Education Certificate and a Quality Matters Certificate for my BIO 100, Biological Sciences course. I was also a proud recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award in 2020.
Scholarly Interests
- I served as the Principal Investigator on a National Science Foundation grant aimed at improving the success and retention of STEM students 2018-2024. This grant not only provided students with scholarships but allowed me continue my investigation into those strategies that help to support students in obtaining their degrees and moving into successful careers. Devenny, S.G. & Luna, E. (2022). Improving Student Preparation for Careers and Transfer Through a STEM Topics Course. Journal of Innovation, Teaching & Digital Learning Excellence, 2(Spring 2022), 67-72. https://www.dccc.edu/sites/default/files/about/faculty-staff/innovation-teaching-digital-learning/innovationteachingdigitallearningjournalvol2.pdf Devenny, S.G. (2022, September 29-October 1). Supporting Talent in Academic Recruitment for STEM (STARS). [Poster Presentation]. S-STEM Symposium. Washington D.C., United States.
