Dr. Rebekka Darner, director of the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology and associate professor of biology education, is the recipient of the 2020-2021 Dr. John Chizmar & Dr. Anthony Ostrosky University-Wide Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award. The award recognizes her excellence in the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), as well as her mentorship of Illinois State students and colleagues in evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning.
“The quality of Dr. Darner’s work is remarkable, as is her commitment advocating for evidence to inform pedagogical decision-making,” says Dr. Jennifer Friberg. Friberg holds the Cross Endowed Chair in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, which facilitates the award on behalf of the University. “Darner’s work consistently demonstrates how SoTL can be integrated into science and mathematics disciplines in a manner that supports and extends student success.”
Darner received her Ph.D. from the University of California San Diego and San Diego State University. At Illinois State, she has been a prolific scholar, publishing works focused on better understanding preservice biology teachers’ participation in research experiences, information literacy, and engagement in their own learning. Darner has presented her research at local, regional, and national conferences and has amassed millions of dollars in external grant funding to support her SoTL efforts. Darner currently serves as the co-editor for Innovations in Science Education and as a Faculty Fellow for the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology.
