Austin Heil

I am an educator at heart (and by training). I seek to bring childlike excitement and curiosity to the undergraduates I teach. I care deeply about creating equitable learning spaces that use evidence-based teaching, where students engage with issues and skills that are most relevant to their everyday lives. In my role, I train and prepare graduate students to teach laboratory courses where they will gain leadership and communication skills needed post-graduation. Needless to say, I am passionate about what I do and what I teach. 

My research reflects my passion. I specialize in college biology education research but I also have a soft spot for informal marine science education research. As both a trained marine biologist and science education researcher, my research uncovers instructional decisions of faculty teaching introductory biology courses and I am particularly interested in how new scientists enter their disciplinary community through writing. 

I am always recruiting individuals passionate about improving undergraduate STEM and marine science education through research. I am also eager to work with students interested in pursuing science outreach opportunities in/around Athens.