Jeremy Hsu (he/him) is an assistant professor of biology at Chapman University and the principal investigator of the group. He earned an undergraduate degree in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University before earning a Ph.D. in biology at Stanford University, where he studied evolutionary genetics. Jeremy came to Chapman in 2016 and served as an instructional assistant professor in biology until 2022, when he transitioned to a new assistant professor of biology position with expertise in biology education research. Outside the lab, Jeremy can be found running, playing board games, or cheering on the Orlando Magic. He can be reached at hsu [at] chapman [dot] edu.
Links: Personal page | Faculty profile | Google Scholar profile | Twitter
Lilliona Bentzinger (she/her) is an undergraduate Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major and Elementary Education minor at Chapman University. She is interested in the connection to education experiences relating to the sciences. Outside of Chapman University, Lilliona enjoys reading, hanging out with friends and family and playing with her dog.
Tammy Bui (she/her) is an undergraduate health sciences major at Chapman. She is on the path to becoming a Physician Assistant, with experience as a medical assistant and scribe at a neurology clinic, in addition to volunteering as an ESL tutor. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new places, going for runs, and indulging in culinary adventures with her friends.
Makaylee Dahms (she/her) is an undergraduate Biological Sciences major with a minor in Integrated Educational Studies at Chapman. She is interested in STEM education and hopes to pursue a career in teaching biology at the college level. In her free time, she likes to play tennis, bake, and try new foods in Orange County.
Sydney Hatter (she/her) is a research assistant in the biology department at Chapman University working on projects related to science education. Before coming to Chapman, she worked in museum education teaching visitors of all ages about archaeology. She completed her BA in Anthropology and Classical Civilization at UCLA, and then her MA at CSULB in Applied Anthropology. Her master’s thesis analyzed socialization and identity formation among the Garifuna community in Los Angeles. Outside of research and education, she enjoys exploring new places and hiking with her husband and their dog.
Grace Holick (she/her) is an undergraduate biology student at Chapman. She is passionate about learning and getting involved in all things biological sciences related. She is excited to be involved in STEM education research and learn more about how it can help students like her. When not at school, Grace can be found watching too many movies with friends, having fun at Disney, or trying new foods around town!
Mel Manell (she/her) is an undergraduate applied human physiology major with a minor in nutrition at Chapman. She is interested in going to dental school in hopes to become a pediatric dentist. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with friends, playing basketball, shopping, and going to the beach.
Molly Niswender (she/her) is an undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology student with a minor in documentary production at Chapman. She is passionate about STEM education and communication and hopes to work to educate the public about research related to biochemistry through film. Outside of classes and research, Molly enjoys playing basketball, watercolor painting, playing chess, and exploring Orange County.
Joelle Prate (she/her) is a Ph.D. student in the Attallah College of Educational Studies with an emphasis in teacher education. She is also a graduate student instructor in the Integrated Educational Studies department, and a research assistant. Prior to joining the Ph.D. program, she served in schools across southern California teaching biology and life science at all levels for more than a decade. Her research interests include science education, educational technology, and teacher ed. When she is not writing or reading she enjoys spending time with her family.
Olivia Rivet (she/her) is a student in the Applied Human Physiology program and the English Literature program at Chapman University. She has clinical experience after working as a medical scribe in the Emergency Center at San Antonio Regional Hospital. She has also engaged in numerous rhetorical projects including an analysis of the MeToo movement and is currently working on analyzing the “Pro-Woman, Pro-Life” framing in the abortion discourse. She is riveted by women’s health and hopes to continue learning about this topic in both the life sciences and rhetoric.
Zoey Teal (she/her) is a recent graduate from Vermont State University with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Her undergraduate research includes the study of high elevation five needle pines in the Rocky Mountains as well as the monitoring of the nutrient contents within local lakes near to her college town. She is excited to be a part of STEM education research at Chapman before starting graduate school. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, hiking, and trying new restaurants with friends.
Jessie Tsai (she/her) is a student at the Chapman School of Pharmacy. Jessie served as a tutor for intro to molecular genetics and general chemistry during the undergraduate portion of the pre-pharmacy Accelerated Pharmacy Experience Program. She has a passion for teaching and the sciences. She is planning on going into academia or the pharmaceutical industry after completing pharmacy school. Outside of school, she spends her time playing piano, rock climbing, and traveling.
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