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On the effect she hopes to have on students and CSUN...

I want to think that I have made a difference in students’ careers such that they go on to make a difference in other peoples’ lives. I also hope that I make a difference in the way that K-12 teachers think about teaching science to the future generation.

On the most exciting trends in her field, and why we should care...

In the field of genetics, I think the most exciting trend is in learning how genes are parts of systems and how these systems are controlled. As advancements in research, especially in medicine and agriculture, move forward having a good grasp of the systems approach will move us forward in our understanding. In education the adoption of the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) is upon us. Having been involved in writing the high school state frameworks for Biology has shown me the value in our future students’ education and the importance of scientific and engineering principles being taught at an early age. If we want to increase the science and engineering career pipelines for the underrepresented students, then much attention needs to be placed on the experiences these students are having in their K-12 classrooms.

"I am passionate about science and learning and I hope that others see that and want the same in their lives."

On what drives or compels her to keep pushing the boundaries...

I think what keeps me going is making a difference in students and teachers lives. Whether that is at the University level with students in my courses or students who get the opportunity to do science in my laboratory. This gives them experiences that help them determine what they want to do with their lives. Working with K-12 science teachers as they develop better ways of teaching science is also exciting, especially given that the state has just adopted new science standards that should broaden the minds of all students as to how science and engineering is done.

On what it means to be at CSUN...

Being at CSUN allows me to have my dream job! I am able to meld all that I have done in my past including teaching high school Biology, doing research in genetic and evolution fields and working with people doing what I am passionate about – SCIENCE!

More information about Virginia M Oberholzer vandergon