Brittany Ziegler
Education
North Dakota State University
Ph.D., STEM Education
2009 - Current
North Dakota State University
M.S., Zoology
2006 - 2008
Minnesota State University Moorhead
B.A, Biology
2003 - 2006
Research Experience
Ph.D. Research
Adviser: Dr. Lisa Montplaisir
Research focus is on examining student understanding in an upper-level biology course in which the instructor implemented portfolio-based assessment. I analyzed components of student portfolios including written reflections and inquiry. I developed a coding rubric to determine quality of reflections and coded inquiry questions based upon Bloom's Taxonomy. In addition, I transformed reflections into concept webs to analyze student integrative thinking.
M.S. Research
Adviser: Dr. Mark Clark
Research focus was on the effect of density dependence on physiology and behavior in Rainbow Darters (Etheostoma caeruleum). Fish populations were manipulated at different densities then metabolic rate was measured and from blood samples glucose and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios were determined. Behavioral trials were setup with models of conspecifics, competitors, and predators to determine behavioral response of each fish.
Teaching Experience
Aug 2009 - May 2010
Adjunct Instructor
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Adjunct instructor for Human Biology through Continuing Studies. Responsibilities included preparing instructional and assessment methods around a human biology curriculum for a non-majors introductory course such as lectures and in-class activities.
Jan 2009 - Dec 2009
Adjunct Instructor
Minnesota School of Business
Adjunct Instructor for Biology. Responsibilities included preparing instructional and assessment methods for an introductory course primarily designed for veterinary technology majors, such as lectures, in-class activities, and online labs.
Aug 2008 - Dec 2008
Adjunct Instructor
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Adjunct instructor for Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab. Responsibilities included designing instructional and assessment methods for the courses as well as organizing, determining curriculum, and ordering resources for lab.
Mar 2008 - May 2008
Tutor
North Dakota State College of Science
Tutor for the Human Anatomy and Physiology through Distance Education at the Skills and Technology Center in Fargo. Responsibilities included communicating with students in person and via internet to clarify, reiterate, and answer questions about material.
Aug 2006 - Dec 2008
Teaching Assistant
North Dakota State University
Teaching Assistant for Human Anatomy and Physiology Labs. Responsibilities included instruction, helping organize and setup labs, preparing and evaluating assessments.
Professional Experience
Aug 2009 - Aug 2010
Forward Scholar
North Dakota State University
Assisted Advance FORWARD office by performing research and administrative duties. Assisted in a variety of projects such as, conducting internet research, analysis of research, prepared reports and coordinated events, meetings and conferences.
Jan 2010 - Jul 2010
Science Coordinator
North Dakota State University
Coordinated the Science program for Governor’s School. Responsibilities included coordinating student and faculty mentor relationships, developing and organizing activities and monitoring students’ science projects.
Research
My Masters research focused on studying density dependence in fish. Specifically, I examined physiological and behavioral costs of crowding in Rainbow Darters (Etheostoma caeruleum).
As a Master's student I was given the opportunity to TA Human Anatomy and Physiology Labs. This sparked my interest in teaching and I went on to teach at other colleges in the area. Due to these opportunities, I realized I had a passion for teaching and I decided to continue my education by bridging my two interests in science and educating others about science.
Currently my research focuses on portfolio-based assessment in higher education. Specifically, I focus on student reflections and inquiries and if these components promote meaningful learning in an upper-level biology course.
Conferences
Ziegler, B. (July 2011). Assessing Assessment: Portfolio-based assessment in a science course. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research.
Bothum, J. R., Campbell, J., Gaukler, S. and B. Smith. (2006). Small mammal response to red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) urine. Poster presented at the 8th Annual Minnesota State University Academic Conference. 8:46. Abstract only.
Publications and Reports
Ziegler, B. and L. Montplaisir. Submitted. Meaningful Learning in Undergraduate Biology Through the Transformation of Student Reflections. CBE – Life Sciences Education.
Ziegler, B. and L. Montplaisir. (2011). Measuring Student Understanding in a Portfolio-Based Course. Journal of College Science Teaching, In press.
Ziegler, B. (2008). Effects of Density on Individual Physiology and Behavior in Rainbow Darters (Etheostoma caeruleum). M.S. Thesis, North Dakota State University, Fargo.
Service and Volunteering
Spring-Summer 2011
North Dakota State University - Fargo, ND
Search committee graduate student representative for Assistant Professor of Practice in the College of Science and Mathematics
Spring 2008
Oak Grove Lutheran School - Fargo, ND
Judged the Oak Grove Lutheran Middle School Science Fair
Summer 2004
Minnesota State University Moorhead - Moorhead, MN
Research assistant tagging painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) to evaluate their populations and study their ecology.
Awards and Membership
2011 - Present
Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER)
2010 - Present
Graduate School Fellowship Award
Let's Work Together
Contact me using the form at the right for more information or employment opportunities. I will be available for full-time employment in spring of 2012.