Ivona Mladenovic

Ivona Mladenovic is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU), where she has been involved in teaching since 2003. She specializes in evidence-based pedagogy and focuses on enhancing student learning experiences in first-year biology courses. She played a pivotal role in establishing the SFU Surrey campus’s BISC 101/102 teaching laboratory in 2011 and has developed courses like BISC 106.

Her education includes a PhD in Educational Theory and Practice (SFU), a PhD in Medicine (University of Belgrade), and advanced degrees in Endocrinology, Molecular Biology, and Education. She holds certifications from UBC and Vancouver Community College.

Research Interests: Mladenovic’s work centers on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL), particularly first-year students’ perceptions of quality teaching in science. She investigates how pedagogical practices can foster inclusive, learning-centered environments. Key questions include understanding students’ definitions of effective teaching and the transferability of pedagogical skills.

Grants & Awards:

• 2019-2020: SFU Institute Grant ($5,000) for studying student learning experiences
• 2016-2017: SFU Grant ($5,000) on electronics in learning
• 2012-2013: SFU Teaching Grant ($5,000) for enhancing concept understanding via research
• 2013-2014: Dean of Graduate Studies Fellowship for her education PhD

Teaching & Courses: She currently teaches BISC 202 (Genetics) and BISC 101 (General Biology). Her teaching emphasizes active learning and adapts to diverse student needs. She has authored test banks for major biology textbooks and contributed chapters to post-pandemic education literature.