- Assistant Professor
Biography
Dr. Shane Thomas is a new assistant professor in the School of Molecular Biosciences. He earned a PhD in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Arizona. His research has focused on designing courses and understanding mechanisms of student experiences that impact student persistence in STEM. His research led to the adoption of a research-based curriculum at the University of Arizona in the department of Molecular and Cellular Biology that reaches nearly 2,000 students a year. In addition, he has researched student experiences at the University of Arizona’s new College of Veterinary Medicine to collaborate with faculty and staff to iteratively improve and develop courses.
At WSU, his research will focus on bringing science practices into classroom spaces and measuring student outcomes in both cognitive and affective learning domains among other topics in science education research. He is deeply passionate about teaching and reimagining undergraduate learning experiences to create research-based, student-centered science courses. He graduated from WSU with a bachelor’s degree in biology and his secondary teaching certification. During his time at WSU, he was a student-athlete and played football. In his free time, Shane enjoys being outdoors, traveling, camping, gardening, and spending time with his wife, daughters, and dog in tow.
Education
- PhD, University of Arizona, 2023
- BS, Washington State University, 2011
Certifications
- Washington State Teaching Certification, 2011
Research Interest
- Persistence in STEM
- Identity formation
- Inquiry & CUREs
- Role of community in learning
Honors and Awards
- Marshall Foundation Fellowship
- University of Arizona Outstanding Graduate Student – Teaching