Colleen Farmer

Colleen Farmer is a Professor at the University of Utah, affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering. She earned a B.S. in Physics from the University of Idaho and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology from Brown University. Her career at the University of Utah spans roles from Research Assistant Professor (2000-2006) to Professor (2017-present), with adjunct appointments in Biomedical Engineering.

• Education
  • B.S., Physics, University of Idaho
  • Ph.D., Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University

Dr. Farmer’s research focuses on comparative physiology, cardiopulmonary systems, and evolutionary biology, with grants from NSF, NIH, and Ocean Optics. She pioneered tactile educational tools for blind students in evolutionary biology and received teaching honors including the Early Career Teaching Award. Her lab’s work on Archosaur and Bat SARS-CoV-2 research highlights her interdisciplinary approach.

• Scientific Awards
  • NSF CAREER Award (2011)
  • Early Career Teaching Award (2013)
  • Best Student Poster (1997)
  • Multiple Faculty of 1000 selections

She teaches courses like 'Form Func Adapt Animal' and 'Comp. Paleobiology' and leads projects such as the Farmer Lab Website, which includes outreach initiatives like VR-based education and tactile toolboxes for visually impaired students.