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Sandra Devenny
Professor of Biology
I aim to help students meet course competencies, develop critical thinking, and apply biological concepts to real-life situations. I offer various learning tools and strategies for their success. I hold Temple University’s Teaching in Higher Education Certificate and received the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award in 2020. I also lead a National Science Foundation grant supporting scholarships for Engineering and Science students.
Education
B.S. – University of New Hampshire
M.S. – University of New Hampshire
Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education – Temple University
Personal Introduction
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.
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.
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
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 to continue my investigation into those strategies that help to support students in obtaining their degrees and moving into successful careers.