About the Committee
ASCB members play a critical role in training the next generation of scientists. As a scientific community, we have a responsibility to ensure that our students and 
junior colleagues are agile thinkers and effective problem solvers who reflect the diversity of today’s world. Achieving this vision requires approaching education from a scientific perspective. To this end, the Education Committee aims to support current and future cell biologists in thoughtfully employing evidence-based teaching and mentoring practices with the ultimate goals of improving student learning, retention, diversity, and success in the sciences and preparing young scientists to pursue diverse career paths. The committee uses the following strategies to achieve this vision:
- Offering practical, tailored, and directly applicable programming that is informed by research on student learning, development, inclusion, and success.
- Working collaboratively with other ASCB committees and initiatives to support widespread use of effective teaching and mentoring strategies (active learning, assessment, equitable and inclusive teaching) and to design programming based on research on effective and inclusive professional development.
- Expanding support, resources, mentoring, and professional networks to support cell biologists across all career levels and stages interested in education-related careers.
- Developing educational programming for cell biologists to take place both at the ASCB/EMBO Meeting and beyond to better serve the full range of cell biologists.
- Advocating for education to continue as a priority, both within ASCB and beyond.
News from the Education Committee
Activities
The committee organizes professional development sessions at the ASCB|EMBO Meeting, manages online CV/resume and cover letter review, administers grant-funded mentored teaching programs (in collaboration with other stakeholders), and reviews travel award applications. In alignment with the ASCB strategic plan, the committee has developed a robust set of year-round resources as well as professional development workshops at a regional level. The committee works in close coordination with the Society’s education journal, CBE – Life Sciences Education (LSE).
Signature Programs
- Bruce Alberts Award for Excellence in Science Education
- New in 2020—Innovation in Education Award
- Foundational Cell Biology Workshop
- Education Minisymposium: Evidence-Based Education
- Judged Undergraduate Poster Competition (co-organized with the Minorities Affairs Committee)
- Roundtables on evidence-based teaching and learning strategies, improved teaching skills and knowledge, and biology education scholarship
- Teaching Tomorrow’s Scientists: An ASCB Regional Meeting at the University of Georgia, Athens, on May 31, 2019
- 2020 Virtual ASCB Regional Educators meeting–View Slides and Resources from the 2020 Meeting
- Virtual Teaching Resources
Member Criteria
Committee membership is open to the following ASCB membership categories: regular, educator, postdoc, and graduate student. The committee strives for both institutional and geographic diversity. Full members serve three-year terms renewable one time. New members serve one year as Associate members before being considered as full members. Committee members are expected to participate and be engaged in committee activities and have a genuine interest in the mission of the committee.
Time Commitment
Members participate in conference calls throughout the year and one meeting held during the ASCB|EMBO Meeting. Subcommittees, task forces, and grant stakeholders conduct business through emails and conference calls as needed.
Interested in Applying?
Applications for 2024 are now closed.
Staff Contact Info
Please email info@ascb.org for questions regarding the Education Committee."Serving on a committee is a great way to meet other colleagues with shared interests and shared investment in the success of ASCB. You can help shape the program and make new friends outside of your specific discipline and training." - Susan Walsh, Soka University of America
“Serving on the ASCB Education Committee made it possible for me to join a group of thoughtful, experienced colleagues and make meaningful contributions to the cell biology education community. I've found new mentors and friends, developed new collaborations, and learned to organize impactful cell biology education professional development programs in the midst of the COVID pandemic's complexity. The rewards far outweigh the very manageable time and effort required to participate as a committee member. I highly recommend that anyone interested in serving apply!” - Stephanie Levi-Blumer, Oakton Community College
“Working on the ASCB Education Committee has connected me with people who are passionate about cell biology and cell biology education, and I've been able to participate in the planning of the annual meeting program. “ - Kim Kandl, St. Olaf College
“The ASCB Education Committee provides a ready-made network of education-interested biologists I can tap for ideas about teaching, learning, and mentoring. The group represents diverse positions and institutions, so they help me stay current on a diversity of issues in biology education.” - Erin Dolan, University of Georgia