Forrest Brem

Forrest Brem, Ph.D., serves as a Senior Lecturer at Indiana University with office location in Innovation Hall (IO) 335. Contactable via phone (317) 278-3505 or email fbrem@iu.edu, his primary academic focus centers on innovative biology education through interactive, concept-based curriculum design while maintaining engagement in undergraduate research mentorship.

Dr. Brem's educational foundation includes:

• BS in Zoology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2003)
• MS in Zoology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2006)
• PhD in Biology from The University of Memphis (2012)

His research career initially concentrated on Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) pathogenesis, where he documented Bd's invasion of naïve amphibian communities in Panama and demonstrated its causal role in enigmatic population collapses. Key discoveries include Bd's rapid loss of infectivity after laboratory isolation and restoration of virulence through host passage. He subsequently shifted primary emphasis toward pedagogical innovation in biology education, developing learner-centered classroom activities that prioritize conceptual understanding over rote memorization.

Analysis of Dr. Brem's publication record (2006-2015) reveals consistent focus on Bd ecology and amphibian conservation, with peer-reviewed studies in PNAS, Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, and PLoS ONE complemented by authoritative Encyclopedia Britannica entries. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary connections between disease ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation science, particularly regarding pathogen-environment-host interactions.

Professional recognition includes:

• Invited Speaker at Jackson State Community College Darwin Week Celebration (2017)
• Invited speaker at the 5th World Congress of Herpetology, Amphibian Declines Symposium (2006)
• Henri C. Seibert Award for best student paper in ecology (2005)

Dr. Brem maintains active involvement with the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society while mentoring undergraduate researchers. His educational philosophy emphasizes creating dynamic classroom environments through concept-based instruction and interactive learning techniques, reflecting his dual commitment to scientific research and pedagogical excellence.