Get to know Dr. Carly Sjogren and her teaching philosophy

Education & Training

B.A. Biology from the University of California, Riverside

Ph.D. Genetics, Genomics & Bioinformatics from the University of California, Riverside

Assistant Instructor at the University of California, Riverside

Research Postdoc at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Visiting Assistant Instructor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Adjunct Professor at North Carolina Central University

Teaching Postdoc at North Carolina State University, Raleigh

Teaching Associate Professor and Director of the First-Year Research Initiative at Pennsylvania State University (coming Fall 2023!!!) 

I am driven to make biology accessible to any student and cultivate an appreciation for team work as a requirement for scientific problem solving. Our collective variation in human experiences, abilities, and characteristics fuels our ability to solve life’s complex problems. Our intellectual community is enriched through diversity, and that without a diversity of scientists we carry out inferior science. We all belong in STEM! <3

I cultivate learning communities that are safe places to learn. I believe that true learning requires making mistakes and I build trust in my learning communities that no one will be penalized for making mistakes on (formative) assignments. In our learning communities, student support is equitable regardless of any individuals’ prior knowledge, deficits or abilities. My mindset as an educator is fixated on promoting and modeling inclusivity and equity as I train scientifically-minded students; as my ultimate goal is to recruit & promote diversity in the STEM workforce. 

 I use teaching tools that diversify student participation & collaboration, remove barriers that would be unfair to some students, and affirm growth mindsets. I strive to provide students with clear expectations, structure, and use evidence-based methods shown to improve any student’s learning capacity. I continue to expand my understanding of principles and implementation of: 

• Open Education

• Scientific Teaching

• Universal Design for Learning

• Active Learning

• Inclusive Learning

• Case-based Learning

• Ungrading

• Social & Emotional Learning

• Trauma Informed Pedagogy

Accommodations are happily provided for anyone so long as they are communicated to the instructor (The DRO is just the bare 

minimum). I encourage you to request ANY access needs beyond what you may gain official approvals for.

I am not perfect, no human is. I strive to constantly grow and improve. I welcome conversations that bring new perspectives to my open mind.

Education publications & resources

Caroline A. Sjogren, Gary Comstock, Carlos C. Goller (2023) Connecting Ethical Reasoning to Global Challenges through Analysis of Argumentation. JMBE. Volume 24:1; e00166-22. https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00166-22.

Felix R. Harris, Michael L. Sikes, Michael Bergman, Carlos C. Goller, Andrew O. Hasley, Caroline A. Sjogren, Melissa V. Ramirez, Claire L. Gordy. (2022) Hands-on Immunology: Engaging Learners of All Ages through Tactile Teaching Tools. Frontiers. Volume 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.966282.

Caroline A. Sjogren and Carlos C. Goller. (July 2022). E-waste and E/RCR: Guidance and Flexibility to Promote Ethical Reasoning for Global Challenges. American Society for Micorbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators (ASM CUE) 2022. Video.

Raveena Khatri. (July 13, 2022). Digital Transformation Series: 3 ways to make lab technology & methods accessible through videos. https://www.jove.com/blog/educator-blog/digital-transformation-series-3-ways-to-make-lab-technology-methods-accessible-through-videos/

Caroline A. Sjogren (May 2, 2022). Fostering Belonging in STEM Classrooms with Open Pedagogy. North Carolina State University Faculty Forum. https://ofdblog.wordpress.ncsu.edu/2022/05/02/fostering-belonging-in-stem-classrooms-with-open-pedagogy/.

Caroline A. Sjogren and Carlos C. Goller. (February 2022). Developing Interdisciplinary and Inclusive Experiences Beyond the Classroom by Starting with a New CURE. North Carolina Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) Regional Network: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in STEM: Practical Applications for the Classroom. Poster. 

Antibodies and Antigens (2021). NCSU and NCSD Educational Event. https://go.ncsu.edu/antibody

NC State Virtual Vaccine Education Event 2021: Spreading COVID Vaccine Confidence: Exploring sources and remedies for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and mistrust. https://qubeshub.org/community/groups/ncsubitvaccinewebinar2021