Dr. Heidi Hempel Ph.D.
Even in light of the rapidly growing needs of the STEM job market, student retainment and disparities in science education and career development continue to be significant challenges in science education. Students from all backgrounds, races, genders, sexualities, and support systems have unique perspectives that are ESSENTIAL for STEM fields to continue to develop at their current break-neck speeds. Consequently, I, a female scientist, communicator, and life-long student, am dedicated to supporting science education and understanding in all communities.
Regardless of their backgrounds, current life circumstances, or even their career goals, all students should leave science courses with the knowledge and expertise to research and understand the world around them, make informed decisions, and help others understand the basics of science and biology. STEM education must continue to evolve to include and address current events and scientific controversies, apply up-to-date pedagogical theory, and improve educational access through cultural understanding and distance education resources. Heidi Hempel is currently honing her skills in science communications and client partnership as a medical writer at Precision Scientia. Previously, she completed two postdoctoral fellowships at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), working in tumor immunology, biology, and human genetics in the lab, as well as training in Science Education and Outreach with NIH's National Human Genomics Research Institute's Education and Community Involvement Branch. Prior to this, Dr. Hempel received her Bachelors in Cellular Biology and Molecular Genetics from the University of Maryland, followed by her Ph.D. in Pathobiology from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. During her time at Johns Hopkins, she also completed a certificate in Public Health in Race and Health Disparities at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Hempel came from a very conservative community that, apart from her very supportive parents, did not encourage women to pursue careers outside of home and family. Now, with 13 years research experience and a decade of teaching experience, Dr. Hempel's passion lies in science and biology education, as well as the ability to reach underserved and under-supportive learning communities with the resources they need to achieve their goals and contribute their unique perspectives to the world of science. |