͵͵

Annual Meeting

Teaching and engaging Gen Z: Two sides of the same coin

Learn about the Discover BMB 2024 symposium on education and professional development
Saumya Ramanathan
By Saumya Ramanathan
Sept. 12, 2023

I received a text message on January 1, 2020. The text said, “Happy New Year Dr. R, can’t wait to see you and take your Biochemistry class!”

Submit an abstract

Abstract submission begins Sept. 14. If you submit by Oct. 12, you'll get a decision by Nov. 1. The regular submission deadline is Nov. 30.

Since then, no such message has come through. A lot has happened in the meantime. Our world has been changed by many things since that new year, not the least of which has been the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gen Z has been affected significantly by the pandemic. Gen Z is more racially and ethnically diverse than all the previous generations and is more likely to go to college, and their tech-savvy knows no bounds.

The ͵͵ and ͵͵ Biology's Education and Professional Development Committee and Student Chapters Committee will present a symposium at Discover BMB with the overarching theme of “Teaching and Engaging Gen Z.” One session will focus on curriculum and assessment, with the lens turned on equitable and engaging practices. Another will look at the challenges and opportunities presented by the emergence of artificial intelligence in the classroom. The third will address challenges and best practices for running research programs primarily with undergraduate students.

Craig Streu, a professor of biochemistry at Albion College, and Nancy Rice, a professor and chair of the biomedical sciences department at the University of South Alabama, are co-organizers of this session.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, assessment, education, inclusive teaching, research with undergraduates, time management, professional development, mentoring.

Who should attend: Faculty, postdoctoral trainees, undergraduate and graduate students, educators, and those interested in the ethics of AI.

Theme songs: by David Guetta/Sia and by Sia

This session is powered by Gen Z.

Education and professional development

Challenges and best practices: Running a research program primarily with undergraduate students

Chair: Saumya Ramanathan

Danae Schulz, Harvey Mudd College

Craig StreuAlbion College

Sharifa Love—RutledgeUniversity of Alabama, Huntsville

Alberto RasconArizona State University

AI in the classroom: disruptor or enhancer?

Chair: Craig Streu

Susan HolechekArizona State University

John NashUniversity of Kentucky

Emily RuffWinona State University

Assessment and curricular practices: Teaching and engaging with Gen Z

Chair: Nancy Rice

Angela JohnsonSt. Mary's College of Maryland

Orla Hart, Purdue University

Amy ChasteenUniversity of Southern Mississippi

Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?

Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition weekly.

Learn more
Saumya Ramanathan
Saumya Ramanathan

Saumya Ramanathan is an assistant professor at Fisk University and chair of the ASBMB Education and Professional Development Committee.

Get the latest from ASBMB Today

Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.

Latest in Education

Education highlights or most popular articles

Who decides when a grad student graduates?
Training

Who decides when a grad student graduates?

Nov. 15, 2024

Ph.D. programs often don’t have a set timeline. Students continue with their research until their thesis is done, which is where variability comes into play.

Balancing research and classes in graduate school
Advice

Balancing research and classes in graduate school

Oct. 25, 2024

Our careers columnist talks to a doctoral candidate about managing lab and study time by carefully scheduling classes, getting to the lab early and “timeboxing.”

Beyond basics in blood
Essay

Beyond basics in blood

Oct. 3, 2024

A vertically integrated curriculum embeds basic science within clinical settings to ensure students’ knowledge is both theoretical and practical — and some costumes and role-playing make it fun.

A guide to success in grad school and beyond
Books

A guide to success in grad school and beyond

Sept. 26, 2024

This book is designed to empower grad students and postdocs in STEM with practical tools, tips and skill development strategies to plan and create their dream career pathway.

Advice for first-year grad students
Advice

Advice for first-year grad students

Aug. 23, 2024

A second-year and a fourth-year grad student share their tips on choosing the right lab, getting through tough courses, keeping up with your non-research interests and more.

How to get the accommodations you need in grad school
Advice

How to get the accommodations you need in grad school

July 12, 2024

Nathalie Weissman, an access specialist within the office of student life disability services at Ohio State University, answers some key questions.