Mark Barsoum
Assistant Professor of Biology | Director, John Crosland, Jr. Center for Teaching & Learning
Education
- Ph.D. University of California, San Diego (Biomedical Sciences)
- B.S. University of California, Davis (Physiology)
Areas of Expertise
- Physiology
- Cellular neuroscience
- Biology education
Background
I came to Davidson in 2009 as a faculty member in the Biology Department and the inaugural director of the Math and Science Center, which is now part of the Center for Teaching and Learning. Prior to Davidson, I was a professor in the Natural Sciences Department at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte.
Currently, my work combines teaching, administrative, and research responsibilities. I teach our introductory biology sequence for majors, as well as our upper level course in human physiology and a seminar course on racism in medicine and biomedical research. My research focuses on inclusive pedagogy in biology that helps students better achieve learning outcomes in the undergraduate classroom.
I also direct our Center for Teaching and Learning, which serves as a faculty development and student support resource for the College. I run or advise multiple programs to promote inclusion and equity in STEM: the FIRST Action Team’s mentoring program during the academic year and the RISE fellowship program during the summer, which provides early Davidson undergraduates with opportunities to do scientific research.
I currently serve on the Editorial Board of the journal CBE – Life Sciences Education, as a Guest Editor for the journal Advances in Physiology Education, and as a member of the College Board’s Development Committee for the Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Exam.
Teaching
- BIO 112 Organisms, Evolution, and Ecosystems
- BIO 262 Antiracist Physiology and Medicine
- BIO 310 Human Physiology
