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Research Interests: Gender and Science; Biology Education and Outreach, Biology and Society; International Perspectives on Ethics and Equity Issues in Biotechnology
I occupy a unique position in the department, with my research and outreach incorporating social science methodologies and perspectives from the humanities to better understand the intersection between science and society, as well as the way that scientific literacy functions and is defined through science education.
I was originally trained as a cell and molecular biologist, working in the area of developmental biology in Drosophila. Soon after completing my doctoral research, I gained additional postdoctoral training in social science and the humanities, which have helped to shape my current research interests.
My current research focuses on the following three areas:
1. Global ethics and equity issues relating to agricultural biotechnology and food security and sustainability. My research in this area focuses on international perspectives on the relationship between agricultural biotechnology, sustainability, and ethics and equity issues. This research compares the standpoints of different stakeholders in the debates over agricultural biotechnology in Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States, and how these are tied to food security and sustainability outlooks globally and locally. I use ethnographic field methodologies informed by feminist perspectives in conducting this research, which is funded by the National Science Foundation.
2. Feminist Science Studies. As a scientist, I have been actively involved in developing research in the area of feminist science studies that is relevant to and can inform the practice and theories of science, particularly in the area of molecular biology and biotechnology. I have published feminist perspectives in the areas of cell biology and immunology, and have a longstanding interest in applying and adapting feminist epistemologies of science to the contemporary practice of science. I emphasise the intersection of analytical and lived categories of race, gender, class and others in this research, which primarily utilizes tools and approaches gleaned from the humanities.
3. Biology Education and Outreach: Scientific Literacy and the Public(s). In my commitment to the transformative power of both science and social justice, I devote a significant portion of my time to working with K-12 educators and the public, to promote a vision of scientific literacy that allows people to empower themselves using the knowledge and approach of science. I work on curriculum development and outreach to local K-12 schools and teachers, as well as promote and sponsor public participatory and citizen dialogue models that aim to involve and empower the public in decision making around scientific issues.
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