About
Asha Rao is an Instructional Professor and Assistant Department Head for Academic Affairs in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University, College of Science. She holds a B.S. in Sericulture from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, India, and both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Entomology from Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on biology education, pedagogical innovation, and entomological applications in biological control. She has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence (2020), and leads initiatives in diversity, equity, and STEM education reform.
Rao’s teaching spans gateway biology courses such as BIOL 100 Horizons in Biology and BIOL 113 Essentials in Biology, emphasizing real-world applications of scientific concepts. Her grants include projects like the NSF-funded RAPID: Responsible Action through COVID-19 Education (2020) and the BioFirst learning community for first-generation students. She has pioneered open-access educational resources and online course redesigns, supported by grants from the Office of the Provost and Instructional Technology Services.
Rao’s scientific contributions include studies on insect behavior (e.g., Trichogramma parasitoids in pest control) and learning strategies such as retrieval practice. Her work bridges basic research and applied education, with a focus on enhancing student success and equity in STEM fields.
